St. Audoen's Church
St. Audoen's Church
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Sited in the heart of the walled medieval city, St Audoen's Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. Open April to October each year.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Plan your visit
The area
How to get there
- Four Courts • 5 min walk
- Smithfield • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,395 within 3 miles
Attractions
649 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Giorgia M1 contributionUnder the magic rain of Dublin we found the Church of Sant'AudoenIn addition to having found a refuge from the Irish rain, we were able to enjoy the stories and anecdotes of the Church and the city of Dublin led by Benedetta. Very interesting and she was very helpful to give us advice to fully enjoy the city. Highly recommended! All for free!!!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- KirstyHertfordshire, United Kingdom45 contributionsBeautiful church and great volunteersLovely church I stumbled upon by chance. Paula gave me a great overview of the history of the church and wider city. Beautiful church and well worth a visit! There is also a "lucky stone" you can touch which is fun!Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 16 March 2024
- Jill MWilmington, North Carolina2 contributionsA Master Class TourWhat an unexpected surprise! Coming upon St Audoen's was divine! OPW, specifically Paula, was a fountain of historical information that kept me captivated for an hour. It is a small church, but it is big on historical significance and fascinating. Highly recommend making a stop to have a master class on the “many yesterday’s” the church has had.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 3 April 2024
- Nicole S1 contributionSt. Audoen is a gem!Yes! I so enjoyed my trip here. A must when visiting Dublin! It is such a great mixture of old and newer history that is preserved so well. What made it even better was the sweet staff that were so knowledgeable.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 April 2024
- I DL1 contributionA great guided tourRandomly looking for something to visit we entered St. Audoen’s Church and we’ve been instantly greeted by the staff, especially one of whom, Benedetta, that guided us for a very nice and thorough tour of the church, explaining us everything, from the early beginnings of Ireland to the use of the church nowadays. Also, she has been very helpful also for our planning of the trip, suggesting us where we could eat or visit! A very nice experience in few words that we recommend.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 April 2024
- Aleks ILondon, United Kingdom3 contributionsFascinating short guided visit to Dublin's oldest church on a sunny spring afternoonDrawn to look inside St Audoen's by the sound of bells pealing in its castle -like tower, Bernadetta, one of the visitor team, showed me round and, taking a real interest when I said I was a bell ringer at home, explained three of the bells were the oldest in Ireland having been cast in 1423. They still sounded great 601 years later. She was as keen to learn a bit about ringing as to share her knowledge about Dublin's oldest church and its key features in the limited time I had. I really appreciated her enthusiasm in understanding its history and bringing it to life for me, as well as giving me advice about catching the airport bus. I was only sorry I didn't have more than one day in Dublin and felt lucky to have met Bernadetta and include her among the friendly welcoming people I met in Ireland.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 May 2024
- Ronnie BDublin, Ireland5 contributionsEmotional visitAs a Dubliner returning after many years, I was delighted to see Audoen's open for visits. The OPW has done a fine job in developing the site. Bernadetta (I hope I got the name right) was a fantastic ambassador for the organisation. I usually prefer to visit without a guide, but I needed some clarification on a few issues. She was very erudite and explained perfectly what I needed to know. St Audoen's has a special place in my heart. My Mother and Father were married there back in 1941. It was great to stand in the still used Church of Ireland church and say a silent prayer for my parents.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 22 May 2024
- Craig B3 contributionsAsk for PaulaIt's a fantastic experience in the heart of Dublin, and it's free! You can hardly say the same about Christ Church or Saint Patricks Cathedral. Both of those are good experiences but they'll take your money and, at least in my experience, leave you none the wiser. Saint Audeon's was a suprise. It's not just about the church. It's not just about Dublin's religious history. It's the history of Dublin as many Dubliners themselves hardly know it. I came away feeling like I stumbled upon a gem. Paula was absolutely brilliant. She patiently walked me threw centuries of my own city's history that I was suprised by how little I knew. There was no question she couldn't answer, and she even gave me some book recommendations to follow up. Well worth your time! More so than some of the better known cathedrals!Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 14 June 2024
- Brian H5 contributionsWell done O.P.W. Staff at St Audoen'sPaid a visit to St Audoen's today with my Grandson. So glad we did what a beautiful church in the heart of Dublin most people pass by without knowing it's history well worth a visit for locals and visitors. Thanks to Paula for takeing time to explain it's history to us 10/10Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
- Silvia FMilan, Italy4 contributionsA jewel in the city centreThis is truly a shining jewel in the city center, a place full of history. I took my students to visit, and the staff were simply amazing. They were very helpful, clear, and patient with the students. We enjoyed it a lot.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
387 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
99
Average
27
Poor
1
Terrible
1
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Sarah X
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
St. Patrick's might be more handsome, and Christ Church more impressive, but in my humble opinion, St. Audoen's is the best historical church in Dublin. Part of this might be because its curators were happy to talk to me at length about its history, the ancient street below our feet, the unconsecrated bodies (likely executed) found during renovations, and more. Yet, from its sere churchyard, to the faded stone carvings of names long worn away; from the story of its bells, captured in faintly yellow printouts, to the etched escutcheons of the city's guilds, I found it a fascinating place to explore.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgia M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
In addition to having found a refuge from the Irish rain, we were able to enjoy the stories and anecdotes of the Church and the city of Dublin led by Benedetta. Very interesting and she was very helpful to give us advice to fully enjoy the city. Highly recommended!
All for free!!!
All for free!!!
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaisyChains
New Zealand7 contributions
Sept 2022
I loved St Audoen's. It's a smaller, quieter church than many of the other Dublin sites, and felt more approachable. There's a huge amount of history, with a portion of the Dublin City Wall and a city gate just behind it. The churchyard garden is a peaceful haven. Once inside the lack of crowds, friendly staff, medieval music, great signage, and history you can touch and feel made this a really nice experience. I'm not religious, but felt as though I was in the footsteps of 'real people' over the hundreds of years, people with normal hopes and worries. Maybe they found solace here just like I did. This one is a real gem.
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig B
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
It's a fantastic experience in the heart of Dublin, and it's free! You can hardly say the same about Christ Church or Saint Patricks Cathedral. Both of those are good experiences but they'll take your money and, at least in my experience, leave you none the wiser. Saint Audeon's was a suprise. It's not just about the church. It's not just about Dublin's religious history. It's the history of Dublin as many Dubliners themselves hardly know it. I came away feeling like I stumbled upon a gem. Paula was absolutely brilliant. She patiently walked me threw centuries of my own city's history that I was suprised by how little I knew. There was no question she couldn't answer, and she even gave me some book recommendations to follow up. Well worth your time! More so than some of the better known cathedrals!
Written 14 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Babi91
Milan, Italy1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
We arrived in Saint Audoen by chance, advised by a passerby to visit the oldest church in Ireland.
Upon arrival we were welcomed by Benedetta, an Italian OPW guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us the history of Dublin and its Viking and Norman origins, of the structural modifications of the church, some curiosities about its bell tower and that of the main churches of Dublin, we were also able to embrace the Lucky Stone after listening to the story of its legend.
I recommend everyone to visit this church of enormous historical importance (the visit is free!)
Upon arrival we were welcomed by Benedetta, an Italian OPW guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us the history of Dublin and its Viking and Norman origins, of the structural modifications of the church, some curiosities about its bell tower and that of the main churches of Dublin, we were also able to embrace the Lucky Stone after listening to the story of its legend.
I recommend everyone to visit this church of enormous historical importance (the visit is free!)
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefano
2 contributions
Aug 2023
The oldest church in Dublin is undoubtedly interesting to see as it is linked to the origins of the city and the medieval period, but the visit to the church is enriched by the explanations of the excellent Italian guide Benedetta Bruno who makes a historical excursion, from the birth of the city with the first Gaelic settlements, to the raids of the Vikings, until the arrival of the Normans. Highly recommended!!!
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our guide Paula gave us a fantastic tour of St Audeons her enthusiasm and knowledge really came through. She was brilliant with one 12 year grandson and answered all his questions. Would definitely recommend.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea Recchia
18 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Saint Audoen's Church is the oldest parish church in Dublin, dating back to 1190. It's really worth a visit! Entrance is free and inside you can admire an exhibition full of curiosities and objects that will illustrate how this medieval building was intertwined with Irish and Norman history. The tower is home to six bells, three of which are the oldest in Ireland and are still rung today! A special thank you goes to the very kind staff who work there and to Benedetta, the fantastic guide who, with her great passion, took us on a wonderful journey through time! Thank you
Written 2 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daithi50
County Dublin, Ireland5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
After a seeing a recital by St.Geoges brass band on a sunny Sunday afternoon in St.Audoens park, myself, my wife and her sister(who was visiting from Australia) went into the visitors centre. We were greeted by very friendly and engaging staff. We were given a free, very informative and well presented tour.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill M
Wilmington, NC2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
What an unexpected surprise! Coming upon St Audoen's was divine! OPW, specifically Paula, was a fountain of historical information that kept me captivated for an hour. It is a small church, but it is big on historical significance and fascinating. Highly recommend making a stop to have a master class on the “many yesterday’s” the church has had.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
St. Audoen appears to be two different churches from what I'm reading. One, Church of Ireland / Protestant and the other
Roman Catholic. Is that true?
Written 4 November 2019
Yes, there are two churches one Church Of Ireland (Anglican) and the other Roman Catholic which serves the Roman Catholic Polish community in Dublin, all its clergy are Polish and most of the services are in Polish.
Written 5 November 2019
JoannaPang_HK
Hong Kong, China
May i know will the Church open in March 2019?Thank you
Written 22 January 2019
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