St Mary’s Parish

Did you ever hear about the church that became a pub? Right here at the corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street stands St Mary’s Parish. It’s not your typical parish though. It’s now “The Church,” a pub and restaurant. St Mary’s Parish has a rich history. It began in the late 17th century, carved from St. Michan’s Parish. This area was booming, thanks to the Duke of Ormonde’s development projects. The parish itself officially came into being on November 20, 1697, by Act of Parliament. The current building, designed by Sir William Robinson, went up between 1700 and 1708. Robinson also designed the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. St Mary’s Parish is renowned as Dublin’s first classical church and the first with galleries. The pillars holding up those galleries are themselves supported by more pillars, creating a visually interesting space. Look up at the east window. Its design shows a Baroque flair uncommon in Dublin. The convex quadrants also make it stand out from other churches of the time. The original Ionic doorcase and doors on the west end, made of calp limestone and sandstone, further add to the church’s historical charm. Inside, the galleries are a marvel of classical timber design. The original organ case, the east window, and the Corinthian reredos all contribute to a luxurious atmosphere. St Mary’s played host to some notable figures. Arthur Guinness married Olivia Whitmore here in 1761. Wolfe Tone and playwright Sean O’Casey were baptized here. The church hosted John Wesley’s first Irish sermon. Even Handel is said to have practiced on the organ here before the first public performance of Messiah in Dublin. The church vaults once housed the remains of prominent figures, including members of the Ormonde family. Later, these remains were moved to St. Michan’s Church. The adjoining churchyard, now Wolfe Tone Square, was the resting place for notable figures like Mary Mercer, founder of Mercer’s Hospital. St Mary’s closed in 1981. It was briefly a Greek Orthodox cathedral, then a shop. After falling into disrepair, John Keating purchased it in 1997. The building was beautifully renovated and reopened as a bar in 2005. Now, as “The Church”, St Mary’s continues as part of Dublin’s social scene. It stands as a testament to Dublin’s vibrant history.