The area was a newly developing suburb in the early 19th century.[1] The Grand Canal was long established and Beggars Bush Barracks was built in 1827.[1] Catholic emancipation was also a factor in the building of the church.[1] The original architect is unknown, but the church is in the style of Gothic Revival.[1]
Ground for the church was broken in 1835 and the church was blessed in 1839 by Archbishop Daniel Murray.[1] At the time it had an earthen floor, no ceiling and no internal plastering.[1] Internal plastering was completed in 1842, a passage was added on the east side of the church in 1844 and wooden flooring replaced the earthen one in 1848.[1] In 1898 the frontage was erected - the architect was J. O'Callaghan and the builder was James Kiernan.[1] The bell tower was erected shortly afterwards to a design by Walter Doolin and is known as the Lee Memorial Tower after the parish priest the Very Reverend James Canon Lee.[1]
