Overview
At over 200 feet (61 m), the spire of John’s Lane Church is the tallest church spire in Dublin, and it has anchored the Thomas Street skyline since it was finished in 1874. Formally it is the Church of St Augustine & St John the Baptist; to everyone in the Liberties it is simply John’s Lane. The Augustinians have had a presence on this stretch since the 12th century and still run it as a working parish, so on most days you can step in off the street between Masses. If you only have twenty minutes, spend them inside on the windows – the apse is by Mayer of Munich, the side chapels by the Harry Clarke studio and Michael Healy – and save the tower for a return visit, because that has to be booked ahead.
History & Architecture
The site’s origins trace back to around 1180, when Norman pilgrim Aelred the Palmer founded the medieval Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. A monastery of Crossed Friars, following the Rule of St Augustine, managed the hospital and built a modest chapel beside the original St John’s Tower. That early structure was lost in 1316, when Dubliners set fire to Thomas Street to block the advance of Edward Bruce.
The current building is a 19th-century masterpiece. In 1860, the Augustinian community commissioned a replacement, entrusting the design to Victorian architect Edward Welby Pugin – son of the famous Augustus Welby Pugin – and Cork-born George C. Ashlin. Construction began at Easter 1862 under the direction of Fr Martin Crane. The project spanned 33 years, partly due to funding challenges and partly because many of the labourers were Fenian supporters. Their involvement during a period of political tension earned the building its enduring nickname, “The Fenian Church.”
The spire and roof were completed in 1874, allowing the church to open for Mass, though exterior stonework continued until 1895 and interior finishing stretched to 1911. Pugin’s Gothic Revival vision is unmistakable: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stone detailing reflect the high craftsmanship of the Victorian era.
What to See & Do
The Tower Climb
One of the most distinctive features of John’s Lane Church is the opportunity to climb the tower. Visitors can ascend an open iron staircase – added after the original design – to reach the bell chamber near the top. The climb takes roughly an hour and offers a rare vantage point over the nave, as well as sweeping views across the Liberties and Dublin’s rooftops. Because the staircase is narrow and steep, it is best suited for those comfortable with heights and stairs. Access is arranged by appointment on selected days, so checking ahead is essential.
Stained Glass & Sculpture
Step inside and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The interior is defined by luminous stained glass that filters daylight into rich hues. The apse features a large window crafted by Mayer of Munich, while the side aisles showcase panels from the Harry Clarke studio and Michael Healy, two of Ireland’s most celebrated glass artists. Outside, twelve niche statues carved by James Pearse (father of the Easter Rising leader Patrick Pearse) line the tower, depicting saints and adding a sculptural rhythm to the façade.
The Bells
The tower houses a ten-bell peal tuned to the key of D-flat. On the first Sunday of each month, and during major liturgical festivals, the bells ring out across the neighbourhood. If you time your visit to coincide with a ringing, the sound reverberates through the stone walls and offers a tangible connection to the church’s living tradition.
Practical Information & Visiting Tips
- Address: Augustinians Saint John Priory, 94-96 Thomas Street, Dublin 8
- Phone: +353 1 677 0393
- Website: johnslane.ie
- Opening Hours: Generally open by day. Mass is at 11am and 1pm Monday to Friday, 11am and 6pm (vigil) on Saturday, and 8.30am and 11.30am on Sunday. Fixed daytime hours aren’t published, so call ahead if you’re making a special trip.
- Tower Access: Available by appointment on select days. Booking is recommended during summer months.
- Accessibility: The main nave is wheelchair accessible. The tower climb involves a steep iron staircase and is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility restrictions.
- Cost: Entry to the church is free. The tower climb may require a small donation or booking fee; confirm when arranging your visit.
Tips for visitors:
- Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to experience the space before or after daily services.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb the tower, and leave large bags in the designated area at the entrance.
- Pair your visit with a walk through the Liberties, where you’ll find traditional pubs, independent shops, and the nearby Augustinian Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr.
Time a visit for the first Sunday of the month and you may catch the bells: a peal of ten in the key of D-flat, first rung on St Patrick’s Day 1873, carrying down Thomas Street the way they have for 150 years.