Overview
John’s Lane Church is the Augustinian Church of St Augustine and St John on Thomas Street in Dublin’s Liberties. Its Gothic spire has anchored the Thomas Street skyline since it was finished in 1874, with carved figures of the apostles around the tower. Formally it is the Church of St Augustine & St John the Baptist; to everyone in the Liberties it is simply John’s Lane. It is a working church run by the Augustinians, so check the parish website for service times and any changes before you go. If you only have twenty minutes, spend them looking at the stonework from the street and, if the church is open to visitors, at the stained glass inside.
History & Architecture
The site’s origins trace back to around 1180, when Norman pilgrim Aelred the Palmer founded the medieval Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. A monastery of Crossed Friars, following the Rule of St Augustine, managed the hospital and built a modest chapel beside the original St John’s Tower. That early structure was lost in 1316, when Dubliners set fire to Thomas Street to block the advance of Edward Bruce.
The current building is a 19th-century masterpiece. In 1860, the Augustinian community commissioned a replacement, entrusting the design to Victorian architect Edward Welby Pugin – son of the famous Augustus Welby Pugin – and Cork-born George C. Ashlin. Construction began at Easter 1862 under the direction of Fr Martin Crane. The project spanned 33 years, partly due to funding challenges and partly because many of the labourers were Fenian supporters. Their involvement during a period of political tension earned the building its enduring nickname, “The Fenian Church.”
The spire and roof were completed in 1874, allowing the church to open for Mass, though exterior stonework continued until 1895 and interior finishing stretched to 1911. Pugin’s Gothic Revival vision is unmistakable: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stone detailing reflect the high craftsmanship of the Victorian era. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes the limestone and sandstone exterior and the work of several architects and artists.
What to See & Do
The Tower and Its Statues
The tower is best appreciated from Thomas Street, where the carved figures set in niches around it, saints and apostles, add a sculptural rhythm to the façade. The statues are associated with James Pearse, father of the Easter Rising leader Patrick Pearse. RTÉ’s archive documents the church’s restoration and the work of James Pearse, Michael Healy and the Harry Clarke Studios. Contact the parish if you are interested in organised visits.
Stained Glass & Sculpture
Step inside, if the church is open, and the atmosphere shifts. The interior is defined by luminous stained glass that filters daylight into rich hues. The apse features a large window by Mayer of Munich, while the side chapels carry work by the Harry Clarke Studios and Michael Healy. Look too for the sculpted fittings.
The Bells
The tower houses a peal of ten bells, tuned to the key of D-flat and first rung on St Patrick’s Day 1873. They have carried down Thomas Street for the best part of 150 years. Ask the parish if you hope to hear them ringing.
Practical Information & Visiting Tips
- Address: Augustinians Saint John Priory, 94-96 Thomas Street, Dublin 8
- Phone: +353 1 677 0393
- Website: johnslane.ie
- Opening Hours and services: This is a working church. Check the parish website for service times and any changes, and visit quietly around worship. The Augustinians’ schedule lists weekday Mass at 11am and 1.05pm. Fixed daytime visiting hours are not published, so contact the parish if you are making a special trip.
- Entry: Free.
- Accessibility and organised visits: Contact the parish for details about entry, accessibility or organised visits.
Tips for visitors:
- Visit quietly around worship, and check the service schedule first.
- Pair your visit with a walk through the Liberties, where you’ll find traditional pubs, independent shops, and the nearby Augustinian Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr.