St Audoen’s

Overview

St Audoen’s Church sits on Cornmarket in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, the city’s oldest surviving medieval parish church. Dedicated to St Ouen (St Audoen) of Rouen, the 7th‑century bishop of Normandy, the building has been in continuous use since its erection between 1181 and 1212. Managed by the Office of Public Works, the site combines an active Church of Ireland parish, a modern visitor centre, and a small park that commemorates the children of the 1916 Easter Rising.

History

The original stone structure was likely built on the footprint of a 7th‑century church dedicated to St Columcille. By the early 13th century the nave and chancel had been lengthened, and a series of expansions in the 14th century added a four‑bay arcade that nearly doubled the interior space. A four‑storey bell tower was added in the 15th century; three of its six bells date from 1423, making them the oldest church bells still rung in Ireland.

In 1430 the Guild of St Anne was established in the parish, financing six altars and later the repair of the tower after a 1597 gunpowder explosion on the nearby quays. The tower collapsed in 1669, was rebuilt with a £250 contribution from the guild, and was remodelled again in 1826 by Henry Aaron Baker. A major restoration in the 1980s stabilised the tower and returned the bells to regular ringing.

The church’s interior holds a wealth of memorials: the 15th‑century effigial tomb of Sir Roland Fitz‑Eustace, Lord Portlester, and his wife Margaret; 17th‑century monuments to the Sparke and Duff families; and a 12th‑century Anglo‑Norman baptismal font uncovered during 19th‑century excavations. The porch shelters the “Lucky Stone”, a medieval gravestone reputed to bring good luck to merchants who rub it – a tradition recorded as early as 1309.

What to See & Do

• Guild Chapel of St Anne – now a visitor reception area, it houses an award‑winning exhibition that explains the church’s role in medieval Dublin, the operation of city guilds, and the historic papal bulls pronounced here.
• Portlester Tomb – a striking 15th‑century stone monument showing the knight in armour and his wife with a small dog at her feet.
• Sparke & Duff Memorials – 17th‑century marble panels with intricate plasterwork and heraldic shields.
• The Bells – three bells cast in 1423 are still rung weekly; visitors can climb the 96‑step spiral staircase to view the bell‑frame.
• Romanesque Doorway & 9th‑Century Gravestone – the original late‑Romanesque portal is set in a recess on the western wall, and the early medieval gravestone (“Lucky Stone”) sits in the main porch.
• St Audoen’s Park – a compact green space beside the church featuring interactive sound stations for all ages and the last surviving medieval city gate, St Audoen’s Arch (c.1240).
• Guided Tours – free 30‑minute tours run every half‑hour from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm (April–October). Guides share anecdotes about the bells, the guilds, and the many notable burials, including Bishop William Molyneux and Archbishop Peter Talbot.
• All Hallows Monastery and Priory – a short walk away, this 12th‑century monastic complex offers another glimpse of Dublin’s medieval religious life. (All Hallows Monastery and Priory)

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. 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).

Nearby Sites – After exploring St Audoen’s, consider a short stroll to the historic All Hallows Monastery and Priory, the medieval Christ Church Cathedral, and the iconic Dublin Castle. These attractions together illustrate the layered history of Dublin’s medieval core.

St Audoen’s offers a rare glimpse into Dublin’s medieval civic life, from the sound of centuries‑old bells to the stone‑carved stories of the city’s ruling families. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a family looking for a quiet cultural stop, the church and its surrounding park provide a richly layered experience without the crowds of the larger cathedrals.