Have you ever stopped to admire the tallest steeple in Dublin? It’s right here, the magnificent St Augustine and St John’s Church, soaring high above the streets. Standing on Thomas Street, you might not even realise this imposing structure is a church, as it might easily be mistaken for a medieval castle, with its imposing granite walls and towering spire. It dates back to 1874, built on the site of a medieval hospital, St John’s Hospital, founded around 1180. The hospital was managed by the Augustinian Friars, so they took over this site and built the church you see today. The building took 33 years to complete and was nicknamed “The Fenian Church” because many of the workers were members of the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish republican movement.
The church itself is a magnificent example of French Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Edward Welby Pugin, son of the famous architect Augustus Welby Pugin. The interior of St Augustine and St John’s is just as impressive as the exterior. It has a tall and ornate interior, red Cork marble columns, stained glass windows, and a gleaming white Carrara marble altar. The church is also home to a peal of ten bells, which were installed in 1872. The bells are rung once a month, so if you come at the right time, you might even hear their melodic sound echoing through the city.
The St Augustine and St John’s Church is a place of worship, history, and art. Its story serves as a reminder of the city’s history, of the many people who have come and gone, and of the enduring spirit of the Irish people. Take a moment to admire its beauty and to learn more about its intriguing history.