St Michan's Church

Overview

St Michan's Church is a small but fascinating medieval church in Dublin's north city, famous for its crypt where mummified remains have been naturally preserved for centuries in the unusually dry limestone vaults.

Highlights

• Mummified Bodies: Several remarkably preserved bodies dating from the 17th–19th centuries lie in open coffins in the vaults.
• The Crusader: A tall mummified figure traditionally said to be an 800-year-old Crusader — visitors once shook his leathery hand for luck.
• Penitential Chair: The church's original medieval penitential chair where sinners once sat in public.

History

The church was founded by the Danes in 1095 and is one of the oldest parish churches in Dublin. The current building largely dates from a 1685 restoration. Handel is said to have practiced on the organ here before the premiere of Messiah in 1742.

Visitor Tips

• Crypt tours run regularly for €7 — the guide tells wonderfully macabre stories.
• Not suitable for the claustrophobic. Vault ceilings are very low.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.