Overview
St. James Church of Ireland sits on James’s Street in Dublin 8, a stone’s throw from the world‑famous Guinness Storehouse and the historic St James’s Gate. The former Church of Ireland building, erected in 1859 to a design by Joseph Welland, dominates the streetscape with its simple yet dignified Gothic façade. Though the church was deconsecrated in the early 21st century, it has been reborn as Pearse Lyons Distillery and a visitor centre, offering a unique blend of religious heritage, industrial craft, and the age‑old pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela.
Historical Significance
The dedication to St James dates back to around 1220, when a hospital for pilgrims was founded on Lazar’s Hill near the present‑day St James’s Gate. The parish itself was formally separated from St Catherine’s in 1710, but the site’s religious use stretches to the late 12th century (1189‑92). After the Reformation the church came under the Protestant Church of Ireland, while during the Penal Era it served a multi‑denominational community.
The current stone edifice dates from 1859, when architect Joseph Welland replaced earlier structures with a building that, despite the later loss of its steeple (struck by lightning in 1949), remains a fine example of mid‑Victorian ecclesiastical design. The church closed for worship in 1963 and lay disused until 2013, when Inchicore‑born Dr Pearse Lyons purchased the site and began the conversion into a modern distillery.
Notable Burials
The adjoining graveyard once held an estimated 100 000 interments, making it one of Dublin’s largest historic cemeteries. Among those buried are:
- Bishop Conor O’Devany (Catholic bishop, 17th century)
- Sir Toby Butler (Solicitor General, 1690)
- Peg Plunket, the famed 18th‑century courtesan
- Sir John Trail, architect of Kilmainham Gaol
- James Power, early Dublin distiller
- John J O’Grady, Easter Rising volunteer
- Rev. John Ellis, long‑serving vicar
- Sir Mark Rainsford, Mayor and early Guinness brewery owner
- Sergeant‑Major John Lucas, VC The last burial took place in 1989. Dublin City Council acquired the site in 2010 and is restoring it for public access.
Recent Developments
In 2014 Pearse Lyons bought the disused church and transformed it into a small‑batch Irish whiskey distillery while preserving the historic fabric. The nave remains largely untouched, allowing visitors to walk beneath the same arches that once echoed parish hymns.
A new statue of St James (Santiago) was installed in the Camino Chapel in March 2025. Sculpted by Galician artist Armando Martínez – a Knight of the Order of the Camino de Santiago – the work interprets the 11th‑century Romanesque figure from the Pórtico de la Gloria in Santiago de Compostela. The statue was unveiled on 16 March 2025 by Manuel Mirás Franqueira, Honorary President of the Asociación de Concellos do Camiño Inglés.
Pilgrimage and the Camino
The church now houses a Camino passport office run by the Camino Society of Ireland. Pilgrims can obtain an Irish passport and stamp on Mon & Tue 9:00‑12:00 and Thu 10:30‑12:00 in the sacristy. The new statue and the passport service link Dublin’s medieval pilgrim tradition to the modern Celtic Camino and the Camino Inglés routes that continue to Santiago de Compostela.
What to See & Do
- Architectural Highlights – The Welland‑designed façade, original corbel heads above the front door, and the stripped‑down interior provide a tangible sense of 19th‑century Irish church architecture.
- Burial Monuments – Although the cemetery is currently overgrown and not open to the public, the perimeter walls display notable monuments, such as the Latin‑inscribed slab of Sir Theobald Butler, restored in 1876.
- The 1790 Fountain – Directly opposite the church stands an obelisk with four sundials and a historic drinking fountain, erected by the Duke of Rutland. Funeral processions once circled the fountain three times sunwise before proceeding to the graveyard.
- Pearse Lyons Distillery Tour – Guided tours trace the journey from grain to glass, include whiskey tastings and explain the adaptive reuse of the sacred space. The visitor centre also hosts exhibitions on Dublin’s brewing heritage and the pilgrim routes that once converged on James’s Street.
- Camino Statue & Passport Station – View the 2025 Armando Martínez statue and collect your Camino passport stamp before setting off on the Celtic Camino.
Practical Information
- Transport – Dublin Bus routes 13, G1, G2, S2 and 123 stop nearby. The Red Luas line has a stop at James St (a short walk east). Heuston Station is a few minutes’ stroll away. Dublin Bikes stations sit at both the front and rear of the building.
- Visitor Centre Hours – Opening times vary; please check the Pearse Lyons website for the latest schedule.
- Distillery Tour Fees – Tours are fee‑based with discounts for groups and students.
- Parish Office & Passport Office – Open Mon & Tue 9:00‑12:00, Thu 10:30‑12:00. Phone: 01 453 1143. Email: jamesstreet@dublindiocese.ie.
- Accessibility – Wheelchair access is provided in the main visitor area; the historic nave retains its original steps.
- Cemetery Access – The graveyard is currently closed to the public, but community clean‑up days are organised annually and the site can be viewed from the street.
Nearby Attractions
After exploring the church, wander a short distance to the Guinness Storehouse, the iconic Gravity Bar, or the modern Roe & Co distillery housed in a former powerhouse. You can also visit the Arthur Guinness Heritage Bar for a deeper dive into Dublin’s brewing legacy.
Getting There
If you prefer to drive, limited street parking is available on James St; however, public transport and bike‑share options are recommended due to the area’s high pedestrian traffic.
Contact
For specific enquiries, email the venue at jamesstreet@dublindiocese.ie or visit the official site at www.stjamesparish.ie.