Saint Audoen’s Church, located in the heart of Dublin’s medieval Liberties district on High Street, is the city’s only remaining medieval parish church still in use, dedicated to Saint Ouen (or Audoen), the 7th-century bishop of Rouen and patron Saint of Normandy. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and still serving as a Church of Ireland parish, it offers a rich historical and architectural experience, blending serene spirituality with medieval heritage.
Built between 1181 and 1212, Saint Audoen’s is a testament to Dublin’s medieval past. Visitors can explore:
- Guild Chapel of Saint Anne: This chapel houses an award-winning exhibition detailing the church’s role in medieval Dublin, including its connections to city guilds and civic life, such as papal bull pronouncements and public penances.
- Historical Artifacts: Key features include the 15th-century effigial tomb of Baron Portlester and his wife, 17th-century memorials to the Sparke and Duff families, and a 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font. The “Lucky Stone,” a medieval artifact in the porch, is believed to bring good luck to businesses and has a storied history of mysterious returns after thefts.
- Medieval Features: A Romanesque doorframe, a 9th-century cross-carved slab, and a recently uncovered cobblestone lane from the 12th–13th centuries offer glimpses into Dublin’s early history. The church’s bell tower, with six bells (three cast in 1423, among Ireland’s oldest), is accessible via a medieval spiral staircase of 96 stone steps and is rung weekly.
- Church of Ireland Parish: The north aisle remains an active worship space, with Sunday Eucharist at 10:00 AM, offering a chance to experience its living tradition. Visitors can attend services or view this section during tours.
- Guided Tours: Free 30-minute guided tours, offered every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM (April–October), are a highlight. Knowledgeable guides like Benedetta and Ralph Smith provide engaging insights into the church’s history, architecture, and its role in Dublin’s medieval life, often weaving in anecdotes about the bells, city walls, and historical figures. Tours cover the visitor center, Saint Anne’s Chapel, and the bell tower, with some visitors noting the guides’ enthusiasm as a standout feature.
- Saint Audoen’s Park: The adjacent park, dedicated to children who died in the 1916 Easter Rising, features interactive sound stations for all ages, adding a playful element for families. The park also includes remnants of Dublin’s medieval city wall and Saint Audoen’s Arch (built 1240), the only surviving city gate, augmenting the historical ambiance.
- Atmosphere and Setting: Located in the historic Liberties area, the church offers a peaceful retreat from Dublin’s bustle, with its Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stone carvings, and stained-glass windows creating a serene ambiance. The surrounding area, with traditional pubs, artisan shops, and markets, complements the visit. Visitors often describe it as a “hidden gem,” less crowded than nearby Christ Church or Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, with free admission making it accessible. Reviews highlight its tranquil setting and the chance to connect with Dublin’s ancient past.
Practical Details:
- The visitor center is open daily from early April to October 31, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM, with free admission.
- The church is partially accessible for visitors with disabilities, with toilet facilities available. It’s a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral (198m) or Dublin Castle, accessible via Dublin Bus (lines 51B, 51C) or the Luas Red Line (Four Courts stop). Visitors typically spend about 1 hour here. Photography is permitted, and the church is entered via High Street through Saint Audoen’s Arch.
- Note that the nearby Catholic Saint Audoen’s Church, a 19th-century structure now serving Dublin’s Polish community, is a separate entity.
- Online reviews praise the church’s historical significance, with Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award reflecting its top 10% ranking.
- Visitors appreciate the free tours, the chance to see the 600-year-old bells, and the intimate, less touristy vibe compared to larger cathedrals.
- The combination of the visitor center, active parish, and park makes it appealing for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, architecture enthusiasts, and families.
- Some online contributors have reported paranormal encounters, like sightings of shadowy figures or a “green lady,” adding intrigue for those interested in Dublin’s haunted history.
What’s New:
- Conservation Efforts: Ongoing repairs to Dublin’s medieval city wall, particularly at Cook Street near the church, began in 2024., visitors will see completed restoration work, including repointed stonework and cleaned graffiti on Saint Audoen’s Arch, augmenting the visibility of the medieval gate and wall remnants. An integrated design team is also surveying additional wall sections at Ship Street.
- Enhanced Guided Tours: The OPW is recruiting enthusiastic guides, with a focus on delivering engaging, historically rich tours. Visitors can expect continued high-quality tours, with new guides or expanded narratives, such as talks on medieval bell towers (e.g., Benedetta’s 2024 lecture on “St Audoen’s Belltower and Medieval Belltowers in Dublin’), comparing the church with Christ Church (20 bells) and Saint Patrick’s (15 bells), offering deeper insights into Dublin’s medieval soundscape.
- Open House Dublin 2025: Saint Audoen’s will participate in the Open House Dublin festival (October 2025), organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation. This may include special tours or events, such as bell-ringing demonstrations or talks on the church’s architectural evolution, from its Romanesque origins to 15th-century expansions. These events aim to engage locals and visitors in exploring Dublin’s heritage, featuring new interpretive materials.
- Visitor Center Updates: The award-winning exhibition in Saint Anne’s Chapel will see refreshed displays or digital elements, as the OPW continues to enhance visitor experiences at its 780 heritage sites. This could include updated information on recent archaeological findings, like the cobblestone lane, or interactive features to appeal to younger visitors, addressing feedback for more engaging content.
Visitors to Saint Audoen’s Church can expect a compact yet enriching experience, blending medieval history, architectural beauty, and a serene park setting. The free guided tours, led by passionate guides, make it an ideal stop for those seeking an authentic, less commercialized Dublin attraction. Its proximity to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, and the Liberties’ vibrant pubs and markets makes it easy to include in a day’s itinerary. The church’s active parish life, historic bells, and restored city wall elements will offer a tangible connection to Dublin’s medieval past, with potential new events or displays augmenting the visit. Check staudoenschurch@opw.ie or the OPW website (heritageireland.ie) for the latest on opening hours, tour schedules, and Open House Dublin events.
