St Audoen’s

Overview

Tucked away on Cornmarket in Dublin’s historic Liberties, St Audoen’s stands as the city’s oldest surviving medieval parish church. Managed by the Office of Public Works, the site operates as both an active Church of Ireland parish and a public heritage space. Step through the medieval archway and you’ll find a compact but remarkably preserved building that has witnessed nearly nine centuries of Dublin life, from Anglo-Norman expansions to the 1916 Easter Rising. The adjacent park, dedicated to the children of the Rising, offers a quiet contrast to the bustling city streets just beyond its walls.

Walking Through Centuries of History

The church’s foundations likely rest on the footprint of a 7th-century monastery dedicated to St Columcille, though the current stone structure dates to between 1181 and 1212. Over the following decades, the nave and chancel were extended, and a four-bay arcade added in the 14th century nearly doubled the interior space. The building’s most striking vertical feature, however, is its four-storey bell tower. Added in the 15th century, it houses six bells, three of which were cast in 1423. These are the oldest church bells still rung in Ireland, and their weekly peals remain a fixture of the local soundscape.

The church’s survival is tied closely to the Guild of St Anne, founded in the parish in 1430. The guild financed six altars and later helped repair the tower after a devastating gunpowder explosion on the nearby quays in 1597. When the tower collapsed in 1669, guild members contributed £250 toward its rebuilding. Further remodelling by Henry Aaron Baker in 1826 and a major structural restoration in the 1980s ensured the bells could be returned to regular use. Today, the interior preserves a timeline of Dublin’s civic and religious history, from a 12th-century Anglo-Norman baptismal font to elaborate 17th-century family monuments.

What to See & Do

• The 1423 Bells & Tower Climb – If you’re up for a brisk climb, the 96-step spiral staircase takes you to the bell frame. Look out for the three original bells, which are still rung weekly. Guides can often arrange a demonstration or explain the mechanics of medieval bell ringing.
• Guild Chapel of St Anne Exhibition – Housed in the former guild space, this award-winning display breaks down the church’s medieval role, the function of Dublin’s trade guilds, and the historic papal bulls once proclaimed here. It’s a particularly useful stop for visitors trying to piece together how the medieval city was governed.
• Portlester Tomb – The standout monument in the nave is the 15th-century effigial tomb of Sir Roland Fitz-Eustace, Lord Portlester, and his wife Margaret. The stone carving shows the knight in full armour, while Margaret rests beside him with a small dog at her feet – a rare and endearing detail in medieval funerary art.
• The “Lucky Stone” – Located in the main porch, this 9th-century gravestone has been rubbed by visitors since at least 1309. Originally a medieval tombstone, it became associated with merchant luck. It’s tradition to rub it with your right hand while making a wish for safe travels or prosperous trade.
• Sparke & Duff Memorials – These 17th-century marble panels feature intricate plasterwork and heraldic shields, reflecting the wealth and influence of Dublin’s ruling families during the Restoration period.
• St Audoen’s Park – Just outside the church, this compact green space features the last surviving medieval city gate, St Audoen’s Arch (c.1240). The park includes interactive sound stations that bring local history to life, making it a practical stop for families.
• Free Guided Tours – Running every half-hour from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm during the open season, these 30-minute tours cover the bells, guild history, and notable burials like Bishop William Molyneux and Archbishop Peter Talbot. Booking isn’t required, but arriving a few minutes early ensures a spot.

Practical Information

Getting there – The church is on High Street, Cornmarket, Dublin 8 (postcode D08 W99H). Enter through St Audoen’s Arch on the high-street side; the visitor centre entrance is set below street level and clearly sign-posted.

What to bring – Photography is permitted inside the nave and the exhibition spaces. Flash is discouraged to protect the historic stonework. As the site is partially wheelchair accessible, visitors who need assistance should contact the staff in advance via the phone number above.

Seasonal notes – The visitor centre closes for the winter months (December–March). The park remains open year-round, with extended daylight hours in summer (up to 10 pm in June and July).

Exploring the Liberties Beyond the Church

St Audoen’s sits at the edge of Dublin’s medieval core, making it an ideal starting point for a self-guided heritage walk. A five-minute stroll takes you to Christ Church Cathedral, where you can see the tomb of Strongbow and the city’s oldest surviving Romanesque architecture. Continue east along High Street and you’ll reach Dublin Castle, the former administrative heart of the city. For those interested in monastic history, the All Hallows Monastery and Priory is just a short walk away, offering a quiet contrast to the busier cathedral sites.

When planning your visit, aim for a weekday morning to catch the guided tours without the weekend crowds. The tower climb is steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended, and the nave’s stone floors can be cold in winter – layering up makes a noticeable difference. If you’re visiting between April and October, check the tour schedule when you arrive; guides are usually stationed in the Guild Chapel and can answer questions about the church’s restoration history or the origins of the Liberties’ winding street layout. The site remains a working parish, so respectful silence is appreciated during services.