St. Michan's Church
St. Michan's Church
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
About
Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin's most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl's of Leitrim. Since Victorian times visitors have descended the vault steps to see the mummies and Bram Stoker, creator of the "Dracula" stories is believed to have visited the vaults in the company of his family. In one vault can be seen the remains of the "Crusader" though in fact he is only 650 years dead. The early visitors to the vaults were responsible for many of the myths and legends surrounding the bodies, though modern scientific investigations have cast doubts on many of these stories. Nevertheless, a visit to the Crypts to see the historic mummies is a remarkable experience.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: North City Centre
How to get there
- Four Courts • 2 min walk
- Smithfield • 3 min walk
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646 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Benjamin A21 contributionsUnder the radar gemUnder the radar gem with this short (less than an hour) and inexpensive (€7 each cash only) tour. The tour consists of a chance to walk throw the small church where Handel seems to have played the Messiah on the organ plus a walk through two centuries old crypts with mummified remains and ample stories. Check hours before going. We arrived during a midday break when the site was closed but found lunch nearby and came back. It's about 5 minutes' walk across the bridge and up the hill from the Brazen HeadVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 March 2024
- Paula M3 contributionsAbsolutel must do!This is a true hidden gem in Dublin! Our tour guide, Andrew, was so knowledgeable, and the history in this church is so fascinating! You can see some of the crypts and their mummified residents, and the church keeps the tour very respectful of the dead. We also met Olive and Tom. They were so sweet and made the visit that much better! This was my favorite thing we did in Dublin!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 May 2024
- Xander S1 contributionAbsolute hidden gem with a great hostTime well spent in Dublin! This was a well priced tour with rich interesting history from a great friendly host (John) who had great banter and knowledge of the area. He also offered me great recommendations for where else to go for any history buffs. 10/10, would recommend!Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 May 2024
- Kathleen H3 contributionsReally Interesting!!We race walked 20 minutes across town to get to this church thinking it would be closed. We were relieved to discover that we were indeed in time, for the last tour of the day. The delightful, welcoming reception from Beatrice and Olive has to be noted. These 2 friendly women were so warm and fun and we felt like we found the place we needed to be! This is such a cool and interesting tour, you are actually in the cold, dark crypt's looking at deceased bodies that are unimaginably so preserved. Our tour guide Tom, was so informative, warm and friendly and even gave a great dinner recommendation!! This is a must do tour!!Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- Andreas H1 contribution5star Team, interesting TourThis is a must to do in Dublin. It starts with the friendliest welcome at the cash desk ever. Love you ladies. They placed us on a tour which was just started to avoid waiting time…so nice. The tour guide….so much passion for his guests and a great balance of information and fun… Do the tour in the morning - why - because this team gives you a great start of the day…Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 June 2024
- Dina GuerreiroPorto, Portugal191 contributionsHidden jewelThe most underrated place in Dublin. It was my favourite place of all! ~ You only have to pay 5eur for the tour to see the crypt. You get to see mummies and the remains of well known Irish families. You can literally, see the coffins so as the remains right in front of you. I found it fascinating. I also learned a lot about the story of the mummies and even Bram Stoker. Did you know he used to come to this same crypt with his mother? There are people who believe the mummies inspired him to create Cond Dracula. I didn't post any photos of the remains because we're not allowed to take photos. Also, pay attention to the time of the tours. There are specific time schedules to visit the crypt. I did my tour at midday on a Monday. I'd also like to thank again to our tour guide (unfortunately, I can't recall his name).Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 June 2024
- Jeanne maria GriffinRome, Italy47 contributionsFascinating and overwhelmingI used to visit the crypt and its fascinating mummies very often when I lived in Dublin. The last time I went was in June 2001 with my ten year old son who was visibly impressed. The Crusader was the most interesting as he is 800 years old and had most likely been on Crusade with Richard the Lionheart. Sadly the mummies were destroyed last week by an intruder who broke in and set fire to them. They were truly marvellous y so well-preservedVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 June 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
1,378 reviews
Excellent
901
Very good
360
Average
78
Poor
25
Terrible
14
mgayn
Paris, France33 contributions
Feb 2022
Disappointing: small exhibition and quickly seen. Just two corridors, one crypt with 4 bodies on view (and all available on internet with a much better view.) Our tour guide was playing to the lowest common denominator (i.e: the person who spoke least English and waited for her to translate to her non English speaking friend.) To overcome communication difficulties, he walked like a zombie and talked in accentuated monosyllables (which was quite annoying for the English speaking party). When I asked him about Bram Stoker, he had little information to impart.
Despite the 'Photographs prohibited' signs, he allowed persuasive young women to take as many photos as they wished. Not recommended for stiff jointed obese people, for the steps down to the crypt are narrow and steep.
Despite the 'Photographs prohibited' signs, he allowed persuasive young women to take as many photos as they wished. Not recommended for stiff jointed obese people, for the steps down to the crypt are narrow and steep.
Written 27 February 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.
Dawnie2
Wolverhampton 53 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Great little tour and very informative tour guide. Knew how to work the crowd with his story telling, however also kept it respectful as still used by families for interments today.
Cost €7 each so not as cheap as you would expect, however money collected goes towards the upkeep of the church. We was taken into two crypts and different artefacts explained including the mummies, execution orders and death mask. Must do in Dublin, if looking for the unusual and minimal touristy spots.
Cost €7 each so not as cheap as you would expect, however money collected goes towards the upkeep of the church. We was taken into two crypts and different artefacts explained including the mummies, execution orders and death mask. Must do in Dublin, if looking for the unusual and minimal touristy spots.
Written 23 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.
Andrew
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This church was recommended to my girlfriend and I while doing a walking tour. The tour guide said it was the most underrated tourist attraction in Dublin and I couldnt agree more. I just spent 4 days in Dublin and did lots of enjoyable things but I couldn't believe how cool this was.
We got to see mummified bodies less than a foot away from us without glass or any other type of barrier obstructing our view. You get to two different types of crypts and the guide is incredibly knowledgeable.
Can't believe I'd never heard of it before the trip. Only €7 as well which is unbelievably cheap for what it entailed.
We got to see mummified bodies less than a foot away from us without glass or any other type of barrier obstructing our view. You get to two different types of crypts and the guide is incredibly knowledgeable.
Can't believe I'd never heard of it before the trip. Only €7 as well which is unbelievably cheap for what it entailed.
Written 20 February 2020
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.
Carmel S
7 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Visited here on 26/10/21 at opening time with my 12 year old daughter. The tour guide was amazing and really interacted well with the children. You only get to see 4 Mummies in one crypt and in another the mummies are all in coffins but a truly unique experience. Also has Wolfe Tones death mask. Definitely worth the effort of going around Halloween. Only cost 12 euros for us both so by today’s standards was good value for money
Written 27 October 2021
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.
WPHford
Clearwater, FL27 contributions
Jun 2023
This was a very interesting tour to St Michan's and the crypts, but honestly the tour guide / crypt-keeper was worth the price of admission! He we among the most interesting and engaging I have ever seen, with the group hanging on his every word/story. It was fantastic and fun, in a creepy kind of way. Spaces are tight and not easy to get to, so pack light, as you plus a backpack won't get down the steps, and bring CASH only. Great tour, cheers to the crypt-keeper (sorry I didn't get his name).
Written 19 June 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.
Chris Duff Tours
Dublin, Ireland4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Me and my friend are locals and we had heard a lot about the crypts. We had a bot of time on friday so we headed down to check them out. I can't recommend the crypts enough. The tour is short but you definitely get bang for your buck! The guide is extremely funny and knowledgeable and will keep you laughing and informed for the entire stay. The crypts are visually amazing. The church it self is quiet interesting and has many old artifacts that will keep you interested after the guided tour ends. You must go see the crypts!!
Written 8 March 2020
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.
John L
Grand Bend, Canada2,180 contributions
Oct 2022
Sadly, no tours were available when I visited in October, but the self-guided 'outdoor tour' was worth the visit. St Michans was founded in 1095. Bram Stoker allegedly visited the crypts, while another legend claims that Handel practiced on the pipe organ before his first performance of the Messiah. Not too sure about either claim, but I know I'd like to re-visit St Michans when the tours are operating again.
Written 20 January 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.
Andreas H
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
This is a must to do in Dublin. It starts with the friendliest welcome at the cash desk ever. Love you ladies. They placed us on a tour which was just started to avoid waiting time…so nice. The tour guide….so much passion for his guests and a great balance of information and fun…
Do the tour in the morning - why - because this team gives you a great start of the day…
Do the tour in the morning - why - because this team gives you a great start of the day…
Written 3 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.
Agata
3 contributions
Jan 2020
I believe not many people actually visit the church, which is very unfortunate. The church itself is small but cozy, it has some old and beautiful elements inside, so it's worth a short visit, but the true gem is the crypts. The tour is under an hour long and cheap but definitely worth it. The entrance into the crypts might be a bit problematic for some since the steps are steep and the ceiling is quite low, but once you enter, it's very atmospheric. The tour guide told us a lot of fascinating stories about the people buried under the church, how they died, and what happened to their bodies afterward. He was a very friendly person, it was an absolute pleasure to listen to his stories about not only the church and the crypts but about Dublin and Irish history in general.
If you have just a little spare time in Dublin and are looking for something to do, I'd definitely recommend this tour.
If you have just a little spare time in Dublin and are looking for something to do, I'd definitely recommend this tour.
Written 3 February 2020
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.
MissIndia
England, UK705 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Initially we started off inside St Michan’s church and were informed of its history. We were then led outside to the side elevation of the church and down steep, narrow steps to see the crypts….. Now! this completely frightened and unnerved me, so I politely asked to resurface to the ground outside of the church (along followed another tourist!) However, if this is your vibe and interest then do pay a visit.
Written 7 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.
The website does not work. Does the crypt open on Tuesday and Thursday only?
Written 22 May 2024
No, they're closed. Opening times are on their website and on a sign on the church.
Written 13 May 2023
Are the crypts reopened? If so, what time can we enter? Cannot find any tour time information anywhere
Written 8 September 2021
Does anyone know if the Church will be open for tours on New Years Eve day?
Written 19 November 2019
Hang on - let me call them and ask for you.
On the other hand - why don’t you do that for yourself?
Written 7 December 2019
I’ve read that you used to be able to touch the hand of the mummy referred to as “the crusader” for “good luck,” but not since a vandalism around February 2019. Does anyone know if you are still allowed to touch the mummy?
Written 21 July 2019
Visited a few weeks ago and to echo others: mummies not on display and definitely no touching.
Written 9 August 2019
I'm having trouble finding out how much the tour is. Does anyone know the current tour price? Thank you!
Written 24 September 2017
I think it was 3 or 4 Euros. Call them first to make sure they have a tour guide available because I waited 1-1/2 hrs. but he never showed up so I didn't get to see the crypt..
Written 24 September 2017
Hello we will be in Dublin Saturday the 9 September 2017 do we just turn up .. because we can't give an exact time due to flight arrival... thx
Written 21 May 2017
Yep we just turned up, had a look around the church while we waited for the next tour and we were good.
Written 21 May 2017
Hello Travelling to Ireland next week and looking to visit the church. I understand tours are 6e but just wondering are there tours throughout the day and what time the last one of the day is? Also, are there bathroom facilities on site?
Written 2 April 2017
Yes, there are tours throughout the day, never any formal times, just present yourself at the door and ask, you might have to wait no more than 30 minutes for a tour to start. Not sure when they close.
Written 2 April 2017
did you book a tour ( if so - which one and how much ) - or was the guide provided with the tour ?
thanks - we will be there in April and thought this would be interesting.
Written 3 March 2017
No, we just showed up during hours they were open and paid a gentleman the fee and waited in the pretty church for a tour guide, who showed up eventually. This operation is very informal, but I imagine the fees we curious travelers pay probably support this church. I enjoyed seeing the crypts and hearing the stories.
Written 4 March 2017
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