Address: Church St. Lower
Phone: 353 (0)1 872 4154

http://www.ireland.ie/RESULT/IndividualResultTCS.aspx?touristItemID=31244

Traveler Reviews

A must-see for any visitor to Dublin
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 6, 2008


Founded in 1095 and named after a Danish saint, St. Michan?s was built to serve the Viking community that was expelled from the walled city of Dublin and for almost five hundred years was the only parish church on the northside of the Liffey. The church is unspectacular from the Church Street approach. But the 17th century stone bell tower and graveyard to the rear is impressive. The interior contains some fine examples of plasterwork and woodwork and is notable for the organ on which it said Handel composed 'Messiah'. Signs inside repeat this claim but suggest that it is more likely that may have practised on the organ at some point during his time in Dublin in the 1740s. Also worthy of note is the ornate red and gold frontal over the altar, which was once used at the Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle and, after 1922, was lost and many years later discovered on a Dublin market stall! The main attractions are the crypts where several mummified remains can be seen. The remarkable state of preservation of the remains, which have burst out of old coffins piled on top of one another, is explained by the uniquely dry limestone foundations, which ensure a near constant temperature year round. Most of the individual vaults are locked and unlit, but among those that are open is a vault containing four ?mummies?, including the ?Crusader?, a six foot tall soldier from the Crusades whose remains are over 800 years old. It was customary for earlier visitors to shake his eerily preserved hand for good luck, but today a gentle rub of his finger is advised. The vaults also contain the coffins of the Sheares brothers, John and Harry, who were hung, drawn and quartered for their role in the 1798 rebellion. Their death warrant prescribing the mode of execution can be seen, along with the death mask of the leader of the rebellion, Wolfe Tone. A wreath wilted by centuries still hangs on the wall. Several members of the Rowan-Hamilton family, relations of the mathematician Sir William Rowan-Hamilton (and presumably the Rowan-Hamiltons of Killyleagh Castle, Co Down) are here, as well as the last remains of the Clements family, Earls of Leitrim. It is interesting to note that while most of the coffins in the Leitrim vault are ornately decorated with brass studs and coronets, that of the 3rd Earl, an infamous and despised landlord who was murdered in 1878, is the plainest of them all. The only note of caution for some visitors might be the slightly unsavoury neighbourhood. St. Michan?s is in the heart of Dublin?s inner northside, where the unseasoned visitor may feel a little uneasy. Being a regular visitor I took the route from O?Connell Street, along the main shopping thoroughfare of Henry Street and then along the quieter Mary Street, where there is a great little second-hand bookshop opposite the Sinn Fein office. A busier route would be along the quays to the Four Courts and then right on to Church Street. St. Michan's is truly a must-see sight for any visitor to Dublin, particularly for the wonderful tour by Peter, whose commentary sensitively mixes his knowledge with a comedian-like wit and humour. I have toured many houses, castles and churches over the years, and this tour was the most fun so far. Whichever route you take, and whether you visit to learn about the history, admire the architecture or merely take a macabre look at the mummies, St. Michan?s is an unheralded jewel in Dublin?s crown.

This was really NEAT! Peter, our guide was GREAT!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 8, 2008


We first strolled around the church. I was amazed at the huge Organ that Handel supposedly first played his "MESSIAH" on. It was awe inspiring. Eventually, our guide, Peter took us down to the crypts. Peter was wonderful. He delighted in telling us, in great detail, how the Irish Rebels "The Sheares Brothers" were tortured and killed. They're buried here. Then, we ventured in to look at the mummies. Wow! As much as I told myself that it would be sacrilegious to touch the Crusader's finger, I found myself doing it. Just a little of background on the guy. He was 6 1/2 feet tall! 800 years ago, he would have been thought of as a giant.... literally. In order to fit in the coffin, his legs were cut off at the knees, and then crossed on his body, depicting the Crucifixion of Christ. Luckily, Jameson's Irish Whiskey distillery was right across the street. I needed a belt after that!

A great tour by a Great Guide!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 13, 2008


I totally loved Peter's tour! I really enjoyed hearing the details of the mummies and the history of Ireland. He was well informed and made the tour! Thanks Peter!

Stray from the ususal
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jun 20, 2007


Real great place to take your kids if they are tired of the usual fare. Our guide made our day.

Many a mummy
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Feb 4, 2007


I had wanted to see the crypts of St. Michan's after learning about them in college. I managed to escape my tour group at the rather dull distillery and make my way over to the church. I was not dissappointed. The mummies were fascinating, but the elaborately painted coffins were especially striking. I was suprised the guide allowed a person in our group to take flash photography and touch one of the mummies. Perhaps this not allowed any longer? You should definately visit this site if you have an interest in anthropology, history, or the macabre.