St Andrew’s Parish Church was designed in the classical style and is home to an impressive organ originally built by John White. Beyond the Doric portico visitors will discover a treasure trove of statues and paintings, including the famous painting depicting the martyrdom of Thomas Beckett. You can even find yourself enveloped in the warm glow of flickering candles while attending one of the enchanting Candlelight concerts taking place at St Andrew’s.
Just a short walk from Pearse Station, St Andrew’s enjoys a very central location. As well as setting aside some time to visit the historic church, you’ll also be in close proximity to the National Gallery, Natural History and Archaeology museums of Ireland, allowing for a convenient way to cover some of the city’s most treasured buildings.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about St Andrew’s Parish Church
1. Why was St Andrew’s built?
During the Penal days Catholics had no choice but to worship in makeshift chapels as public practice was prohibited. As a result, a chapel on Townsend Street saw the collapse of a chimney on an entire congregation while they attended mass. This tragic incident gained sympathy for Catholics and city officials later permitted the building of places for worship, and one such place was St Andrews.
2. St Andrew’s choir
A choir has been filling St Andrew’s with music since its foundation in 1834. What was once a Male Voice Choir made up of boy sopranos, tenors and basses is today consisting of members such as Kathryn Smith. You might have heard the choir performing on RTE’s Radio Mass or at the opening of the Christmas Lights in Dublin City Centre.
3. It’s the small stuff
While St Andrew’s dome, cast from a mould by John Hogan, captures the Coronation of Christ, there is a simple detail in the church that adds something to its charming character. The next time you’re at St Andrew’s take a closer look at the pews and you’ll notice that no two ends are the same.
Candlelight concerts at St Andrew’s Parish Church
Candlelight at St Andrew’s invites audiences to enjoy a captivating concert inside a unique venue in Dublin. Fall under the spell of soothing melodies performed by talented musicians and rediscover some of your favourite music under a new light. From tributes to the legendary likes of Hans Zimmer and Queen to performances celebrating Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits, there’s something for every kind of music lover.
What else can you do at St Andrew’s Parish Church?
As well as catching an unforgettable Candlelight performance, visitors can attend the usual services and sacraments. And if you can’t make it to the actual building some days, don’t fret because St Andrew’s also live streams mass every day.
Not only is the wildly popular Candlelight series illuminating St Andrew’s, but it is also bringing its trademark sea of candles and talented musicians to several other venues across the city. Don’t miss out on experiencing the perfect blend of live music and architecture in Dublin’s finest spaces.