Arbuthnot was ordained a priest at Limerick on 2 November 1794, made vicar of Annaghdown and Killascobe in 1801 and rector of Crossboyne and Kilcoleman in 1808.
Arbuthnot received his priestly ordination at Limerick on November 2, 1794. He was then appointed to the positions of vicar for Annaghdown and Killascobe in 1801 and rector for Crossboyne and Kilcoleman in 1808.