saint michans church

Dedicated to St. Michan, a Dublin saint, in 1095, it formed part of the parish of the same name which was the only city parish north of the river for 600 years. In its present form, it is a rectangular church with a gallery and with a tower at the west end, all dating probably to 1683-6.

In the entrance hall are the remains of an organ incorrectly said to have been played by Handel when he was composing his oratorio Messiah in 1742. An 18th century organ adorns the west wall; it is decorated with fine carvings of 14 musical instruments.
Noteworthy are an 18th century Stool of Repentance, an early 19th century moveable pulpit and the font were Edmund Burke, the orator, was baptised.

Below the church are the late 17th century vaults containing mummified bodies (Crusaders according to tradition). The bodies have been preserved because of the peculiar atmospheric conditions in the vaults.
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