St Ita's Portrane was built in 1902. It is the church of what was a very large psychiatric hospital. It is an old style church built to accomodate almost 1000 people. Today there are about 550 residents in the hospital and almost the same number of staff. The hospital is divided into two services; mentally handicap services and the psychiatric services. It is home for many of the residents who are truly marvellous people. The staff are dedicated and caring people. The staff are for many, the only family they have.

Beside Seaview Park Portrane is the St Ita's Private Cemetery. From 1922-1989 the residents were buried here. It is just a field with no headstones or anything to remember them or who they were. They are the forgotten people but it is up to us to remember them. It is believed that there are some 5000 residents buried here. In 1989, one headstone was put up in the field in memory of all who were buried there. Today, the residents are buried in the local Donabate cemetery.

The church is very well attended by staff, residents, and local people. Indeed, Portrane is very much a hospital community with many of the staff living nearby. The area itself is very beautiful close to the sea with beautiful beaches. In the summer time, many visitor come on holiday both here and in Donabate. If you would like to see photos of the Portrane area, visit the Photo Page.

Tom Noctor Hospital Radio