Brackenstown has ancient links with St. Cronan. Patrick Archer, in his publication 'Fair Fingal', records the following:                                                                                                            "Glassmore Abbey, the ruins of which are situated about a mile and a half to the northwest of Swords was founded by St.Cronan about the year 660 - a century later than the founding of Swords. This interesting ruin and its adjacent well are dedicated to St. Cronan and may be reached from Swords by following the road which leads westwards from the castellated ruin in the Main Street. The remains of this ancient abbey are situated in the southern end of a large field, on the south side of the road from which they are several hundred yards distant.      

Under the rule of St.Cronan, Glassmore Abbey flourished sufficiently to attract the attention of the Northmen of Inbher Domhnainn (Malahide), who raided and destroyed it and slew both the abbot and his entire fraternity in one night. Since then the abbey has been a ruin, which is (if nothing else) interesting from the fact of its affording proof of another stone church being in existence in Fingal in the 7th century." 

Brackenstown,near Dublin Airport, lies to the west of Swords and adjoins the Parish of Rolestown at its most westerly point. The parish was established from the existing Parish of Swords in October 1974. Our other neighbours include St.Columcille's (Swords), The Naul, Finglas (St. Margaret's) and River Valley.

When first the parish was constitued (from Swords) in October 1974 there were 825 families. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Ryan in December 1977. Within those three years, the number of houses reached more than 1,000. Today that number is approaching 4,000 and still growing. 

The most striking feature of the church building, an early "Share" funded church - a contemporary fan-shaped design - is how naturally it fits into (without dominating) the refreshingly open campus that has become home to the schools and Presbyteries situated in the heart of this fast-growing area.

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