St Michan’s Church of Ireland is on Church Street in Dublin 7, on a site associated with a Viking chapel dating to 1095. The present church dates from the 17th century; inside, look for its stained glass and pipe organ from the 1720s, linked to Handel. The guided tour continues into limestone burial vaults, where mummified remains of Dublin residents from past centuries can be seen. The crypt visit involves steep stairs, so it may not suit visitors with limited mobility.
A church on an old Dublin site
St Michan’s stands on Church Street in Dublin 7. The site dates to 1095, when a Viking chapel stood here. The church seen today was built in the 17th century, with one account placing its reconstruction in 1685 and another dating the building to 1686.
The church belongs to the Church of Ireland. Its history is explored during guided visits, which cover the building, its clergy and notable people connected with Dublin.
The organ and church interior
Inside, look for the pipe organ dating from the 1720s. It is linked to George Frideric Handel, who is said to have played it. The tour also discusses the church’s stained glass and its history.
The interior visit is part of a broader route that continues outside and down to the burial vaults beneath the church.
The limestone burial vaults
The guided tour enters limestone crypts containing mummified remains of influential Dublin families from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The vaults also hold other historical remains and objects. Accounts of the site mention the figure known as the Crusader and the death mask of Wolfe Tone.
The preserved bodies are the central focus of the underground visit. Their condition has prompted curiosity over the years, but the reason for their preservation is not established in the available information.
Planning the visit
Tours are available during the church’s listed Monday to Thursday afternoon opening period. Check the sign at the church for the next tour; you do not need to book in advance, but a wait is possible. Set aside about 1.5 hours, as tour length can vary with the guide.
The route includes a brief walk outside and steep stairs into the crypt. Photography is permitted in the main corridor, but not inside individual tombs. The church asks visitors to respect the people whose remains are there.
FAQ
Do you need to book a tour at St Michan’s Church?
Advance booking is not needed. Check the sign at the church for the next tour and be prepared to wait.
How long does the St Michan’s Church tour take?
Allow about 1.5 hours. The duration can vary depending on the guide.
Can you take photos in the crypt?
Photography is allowed in the main corridor of the crypt, but not inside individual tombs.
Is the crypt accessible to visitors with limited mobility?
The route includes steep stairs down to the crypt, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
