Beneath our feet lie stories that stretch back centuries. This is St. Michan’s Parish 1554. It stands as a testament to Dublin’s enduring history. Imagine Dublin in 1554. St. Michan’s was already an old and important site. The original chapel was founded in 1095. It served as a Catholic church until the Reformation in the 1530s.
Now, fast forward to 1686. The current St. Michan’s Church structure was built. William Robinson oversaw the reconstruction. This makes it the only parish church on Dublin’s north side with Viking roots. For over 300 years it has been a place of worship.
St. Michan’s exterior might seem modest. Its interior boasts fine woodwork. An organ dating back to 1724 fills the space. Legend says Handel composed his Messiah on this very organ. Picture Handel sitting here composing.
But the true fascination of St. Michan’s lies beneath the surface. Descend into the vaults. Discover a world of mummified remains. The limestone walls create ideal conditions. They keep the air dry. This preserves the bodies.
Among the residents are a 400-year-old nun and a six-and-a-half-foot man. He is believed to have been a crusader. The Sheares brothers also rest here. They participated in the 1798 rebellion. The Earls of Leitrim found their final resting place here.
The vaults suffered damage over the years. Vandalism occurred in 1996 and 2019. In 2019, the Crusader was decapitated. In June 2024, a fire destroyed five mummies. This included the Crusader.
Before the fire, St. Michan’s welcomed visitors from around the world. Around 28000 people a year came. The tours were temporarily suspended after the 2019 vandalism. They resumed in July 2019. Since the 2024 fire, tours have stopped.
The organ at St. Michan’s has its own story. John Baptiste Cuvillie built the organ case between 1723 and 1725. The organ features a carved wooden piece. It depicts 17 musical instruments. This is known as the Organ Trophy.
St. Michan’s Church has a rich history. It has survived for centuries. It has witnessed countless events. Despite facing challenges, it remains a significant landmark. It reminds us of Dublin’s past. It holds stories within its walls. It is a place of history, music and mystery.