Díseart strives to enable people access, study, and appropriate our native Irish culture and spirituality in terms of language, literature, history, archaeology, folklore, theology, spirituality and music. This involves educational courses and cultural activities.
Díseart occupies a stately neo-Gothic building flanked by beautiful walled gardens tastily landscaped and hiding a tunnel which connects Díseart and the neighbouring St. Mary’s Church. Díseart and Church had the same architect, J.J. McCarthy. The choral chapel is a gem of its kind and deserves special attention.
Visitors are welcome to Díseart, the chapel being the greatest attraction. It is of perfect or golden mean proportions. Its roof and handcarved stalls are of Spanish oak; the altar is of Italian marble as is the sanctuary floor and altar surrounds.
The outstanding feature is the twelve lancet stained glass windows of the choral nave, the work of the renowned Harry Clarke (889-1931); these windows depict in sumptuously rich colours, and with a wealth of detail, six major scenes from the life of Christ—The Visit of the Magi, The Baptism of Christ, Suffer the Little Children, The Sermon on the Mount, The Agony in the Garden, The Resurrection.
Visitors may choose a quiet thoughtful entrancing view or have a guided tour.