St. Michan's Church

The Basics

St. Michan’s Church is a relic of the Victorian period and still houses an original organ from the early 18th century. In addition to viewing the architecture of the church, people visit to descend into the crypts, where the coffins have disintegrated over the centuries, revealing the mummies within. Tours are available every day but Sunday, and times vary depending on the season; check the church’s website for tour times.

Things to Know Before You Go

• St. Michan’s Church is a must-see for travelers interested in religious sites and history.

• The surface of the crypts beneath the church can be uneven in places; wear flat shoes and watch your step.

• The vaults are not wheelchair-accessible.

• No photography is permitted in the vaults.

• Visitors interested in all things ghosts and spirits may also want to look into tours of haunted Dublin.

How to Get There

Located in the Dublin 7 area on the north side of the River Liffey, St. Michan’s Church is near two stops on the red line of the Luas tram: Four Courts and Smithfield. The neighborhood of Smithfield is home to other popular attractions including the Jameson Distillery. St. Michan’s Church is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride from Grafton Street.

When to Get There

Tours of the church and crypt are available all year long; times for tours vary depending on the season. The summer is the most popular time of year to visit. If planning a trip during the summer months, go to the crypt on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Travelers interested in attending a church service can do so on Sundays.

Literary Connections

Like many attractions in Dublin, St. Michan’s Church also has a literary connection. The Irish writer Bram Stoker, most famous for his 1897 novel Dracula, is said to have visited the vaults to see the mummies.

Can visitors see the mummies at St. Michan's Church?

Yes, you can see mummies at St. Michan’s Church in Dublin: In the church’s basement there is a crypt where coffins are stored. Over many years, the coffins have disintegrated and you can see mummified remains that have been semi-preserved within.

Are tours available of the crypt at St. Michan's Church?

Yes, tours at St. Michan’s Church are available from Monday to Thursday—tours do not run on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. There are also multi-stop tours that include visiting St. Michan’s Church, such as some Dublin ghost tours or dark Dublin tours.

Is there an entrance fee to visit St. Michan's Church?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit St. Michan’s Church in Dublin, but it isn’t too expensive and the money goes towards the future restoration of the church and preservation of its crypt. Plus, the fee includes the on-site tour.

What other attractions are near St. Michan's Church?

Some popular nearby attractions to St. Michan's Church are Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse Brewery Experience, Dublin Castle, St Audoen's Church, and The Spire monument. It is possible to walk to all these from St. Michan’s Church.

What are the opening hours of St. Michan's Church?

The opening hours of St. Michan’s Church is from 10 am-12.30pm, and then again from 2pm until 4.30pm. The church isn’t open to the public on Friday, Saturdays, and Sunday.

Is St. Michan's Church wheelchair accessible?

Yes and no—certain parts of St. Michan’s Church can be accessed by wheelchair users, including the church and the graveyard. However, the crypt in the basement does not have wheelchair access. The stairs down to the crypt are really steep and the ceiling is low.