Overview
Nestled on the bustling corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street, Old St Mary’s Church is one of Dublin’s most intriguing adaptive‑reuse projects. The former Church of Ireland building, deconsecrated in 1986, now operates as The Church – a popular bar and restaurant that retains much of the original fabric. Its central location, adjacent to Wolfe Tone Square and a short walk from Dublin’s main shopping districts, makes it an easy stop for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone keen to experience a piece of the city’s architectural heritage.
History
The story of Old St Mary’s begins in the aftermath of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. While the medieval Abbey of St Mary once dominated the north‑side of Dublin, the parish was formally created in 1697 when an act of Parliament separated it from St Michan’s. Sir William Robinson, the architect responsible for the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, was commissioned to design the new church. The foundation stone was laid in 1700 and the building was consecrated a year later.
Key architectural milestones include:
- First galleried church in Dublin – galleries wrapped three sides of the nave, supported by octagonal columns that also bore the barrel‑vaulted ceiling.
- Organ by Renatus Harris – a fine example of late‑17th‑century organ building, still visible in the bar’s interior.
- Round‑headed windows – a signature Robinson motif also seen at the Royal Hospital.
The church quickly became a focal point for Dublin’s north‑side community. Notable events include the 1761 marriage of Arthur Guinness, the 1880 baptism of playwright Seán O’Casey, and the 1763 baptism of Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone. The adjoining churchyard, now Wolfe Tone Square, still displays the original gravestones stacked at its southern edge.
After more than two centuries of worship, the parish closed its doors in 1986. The building spent a brief period as a retail outlet before being transformed into a hospitality venue. The conversion, overseen by Duffy Mitchell O’Donoghue architects, preserved the historic interior while inserting a modern bar counter and kitchen. Today, patrons can sip a pint beneath the original galleries, surrounded by the same plasterwork and stained‑glass that once framed sermons.
Architecture & Heritage
Old St Mary’s is recognised as a protected structure and is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Its most striking features are:
- Barrel‑vaulted ceiling with intricate plasterwork that crowns the nave.
- Octagonal columns supporting the historic galleries on three sides.
- Round‑headed windows on the façade, a hallmark of Robinson’s work.
- Renatus Harris organ, one of the few surviving 17th‑century instruments in Dublin.
- Modest west‑end tower that never received its intended spire, giving the building a distinctive silhouette.
These elements combine to give the interior a sense of grandeur while the exterior blends seamlessly into the lively streetscape of Mary Street.
What to See & Do
- Explore the historic interior – admire the barrel‑vaulted ceiling, octagonal columns and the Harris organ.
- Stained‑glass windows – several original panes remain, offering colourful glimpses into the church’s liturgical past.
- Wolfe Tone Square – just outside, the former churchyard is now a public park with stacked gravestones linking the site to Ireland’s revolutionary history.
- Dining and drinks – The Church serves classic Irish dishes and an extensive drinks list in a setting that fuses historic gravitas with contemporary hospitality.
- Architectural details – note the round‑headed windows, the modest west‑end tower and subtle Baroque touches throughout the space.
Visiting Tips
- Best time to visit – early evenings on weekdays tend to be quieter, allowing you to appreciate the architecture before the bar gets busy.
- Check the website – The Church updates its menu, events and opening hours online; the official URL is currently unverified.
- Accessibility – Ground‑floor bar area is wheelchair‑accessible; the historic galleries retain original steps.
- Reservations – Recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.
Getting there
Address: Corner of Mary Street & Jervis Street, Dublin 1, Ireland (adjacent to Wolfe Tone Square).
Coordinates: 53.3485641, -6.2670135.
The venue is a five‑minute walk from Dublin’s city centre. The nearest Luas stop is Jervis on the Red Line, and several Dublin Bus routes (including 14, 15A, 27, 27A) stop on nearby Mary Street. Parking is limited on the immediate streets; the nearest public car parks are on Marlborough Street and on the south side of Wolfe Tone Square.
Practical Information
- Admission: Free entry; you only pay for food and drink.
- Accessibility: The ground‑floor bar area is wheelchair‑accessible, though the historic galleries retain their original steps and may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Contact: For reservations or specific enquiries, visitors can call the venue directly (phone number listed on the website).
- Website: The Church’s official site provides up‑to‑date menus, event listings and opening hours. (website to be confirmed)
Nearby attractions
While you’re in the area, consider a short stroll to other Dublin highlights:
- Arbour Hill – historic military cemetery and the National Monument.
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, a few minutes’ walk north.
- Aviva Stadium – modern sporting arena on the south side of the River Liffey.
- Capel Street – vibrant shopping street with independent boutiques and cafés.
These sites can easily be combined into a half‑day walking tour of Dublin’s historic north‑side.
Old St Mary’s Church exemplifies how Dublin’s rich past can be woven into contemporary city life. Whether you’re admiring the 17th‑century architecture, tracing the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, or simply enjoying a well‑crafted Irish stout beneath historic galleries, the site offers a layered experience that bridges centuries.
Tags: [“Historic”]