Overview

Main Viking Brand Shot, Dublinia, Dublin City Courtesy Dublinia

All Hallows Monastery – also known as the Priory of All Saints – was an Augustinian foundation established in 1166 by Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster. Set on Hoggen Green (later College Green) just beyond Dublin’s medieval walls, the priory grew into a prosperous spiritual and economic hub. Today the site forms the historic heart of Trinity College Dublin, with the solitary Gothic spire the only visible remnant of the original complex.

History & Background

Foundations and early prosperity (1166‑1300)

Diarmait Mac Murchada granted the house to the Augustinians shortly before his exile, hoping the foundation would cement his legacy. Its proximity to the River Steyne and a landing stage on the Liffey made the site strategically valuable for trade and pilgrimage. By the early 13th century the priory had acquired additional lands from the parish of Taghadoe, and a papal confirmation in 1276 solidified its ecclesiastical standing.

Turbulent centuries (1300‑1500)

The 14th century brought financial strain and political pressure. The Statutes of Kilkenny (1367) and a later parliamentary act (1380) attempted to bar Irishmen from taking vows at All Hallows, yet Irish‑named abbots continued to lead the house. In 1488 Sir Richard Edgcumbe lodged at the priory while securing oaths of allegiance for Henry VII, and in 1489 the priory was exempted from all subsidies and taxes, underscoring its economic clout. A fire in the 15th century destroyed many of its muniments, leaving gaps in the documentary record.

Dissolution and demolition (1538‑1593)

The Reformation sealed its fate. The community met for the last time on 16 November 1538 and surrendered its seal to the Crown. The Crown granted the lands to the Dublin corporation in 1539; demolition began that year and was not completed until around 1593. All that survived was the towering spire, which was later incorporated into the new university’s architecture.

From monastic ruin to university (1590‑present)

Christ Church Cathedral, Co. Dublin ©Tourism Ireland

Archbishop Adam Loftus recognised the site’s strategic value and, in 1590, proposed it for a new college. Queen Elizabeth I issued a charter in 1592, and Trinity College Dublin rose on the former priory grounds. The college’s quadrangle mirrors the medieval enclosure, and the original spire remains a focal point of the campus. In the 19th century the All Hallows name re‑emerged as a missionary seminary in Drumcondra (1842), later taken over by the Vincentians in 1892.

Historical significance

All Hallows was one of Dublin’s wealthiest Augustinian houses, controlling trade on the River Steyne and holding extensive lands across the county. Its exemption from taxes in 1489 highlights the political influence it wielded. The priory’s dissolution transferred a substantial urban estate to the Crown, paving the way for the foundation of Trinity College – a cornerstone of Irish education.

Legacy and later use

The name “All Hallows” lived on after the priory’s demolition. In 1842 a new All Hallows College was founded on Drumcondra lands that had once belonged to the medieval priory. The college trained missionary priests until its closure in 1998, after which the campus became part of Dublin City University. The historic Woodlock Hall Library, opened in 2021, incorporates original Gothic features from the listed Senior House building and houses a collection of over 140 000 volumes, many on theology and Irish history. Visitors can arrange a tour of the library by contacting the DCU visitor centre.

What to See & Do

The Priory Spire – Rising from the front lawn of Trinity College, the spire is the sole surviving medieval element and offers a striking Gothic silhouette against the modern campus.
Trinity College Quadrangle – Walk the historic quadrangle whose layout follows the original monastic enclosure; the old library and chapel interiors echo the priory’s past.
Guided Heritage Tours – Trinity College runs regular tours that highlight the spire, the medieval footprint, and the story of All Hallows. Advance booking online is recommended, especially in peak season.
Nearby attractions – Combine a visit with the Book of Kells exhibition, the Old Library, and Dublin’s historic streets just a short walk away.
Related monastic site – For a broader view of Augustinian foundations in Dublin, see the Augustinian Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr.

Practical Information

Phoenix Park, Co Dublin Courtesy Fionn Davenport

Location: Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (the former All Hallows site).
Getting there: The campus is a 5‑minute walk from Dublin Heuston, Connolly or Pearse railway stations; numerous Dublin Bus routes stop on College Green.
Opening times: The spire can be viewed at any time. Guided tours run Monday‑Saturday, typically 10:00‑16:30, but exact times vary seasonally – check the Trinity College visitor page before you go.
Admission: Access to the exterior spire and college grounds is free; entry to the Old Library and other indoor attractions requires a ticket (≈ €14 for adults).
Facilities: Restrooms, a café and a gift shop are available within the college precincts.
Accessibility: Trinity College provides wheelchair‑friendly routes and lifts; contact the visitor centre in advance for specific assistance.

Visiting tips

Best time to visit: Early morning on a weekday offers the quietest experience and the best light for photography of the spire.
Photography: The spire is a popular subject; a wide‑angle lens works well to capture it against the college façade.
Booking tours: Tours can be booked online via the Trinity College website; groups of 10 or more should pre‑book to guarantee a slot.
Nearby amenities: A range of cafés and restaurants line College Green and Grafton Street, perfect for a post‑visit coffee.

Enjoy a walk through centuries of Irish history, where the echo of Augustinian chants still resonates beneath the modern hum of academia.