St. Michan’s Church, an Anglican church located in Church Street, Dublin, carries a mysterious, eerie atmosphere with it that has long been cemented into Dublin’s rich folklore. Originally built in 1095, St. Michan’s is the oldest parish church on the north side of the River Liffey. It was rebuilt in 1686 and its interior remains largely unaltered since Victorian times. However, its chilling centerpiece has always been its impressive collection of mummified bodies in the crypts below.
The crypts are said to be a naturally perfect environment for mummification, with a constant dry temperature, and limestone walls sucking the moisture out of the air, preserving everything with ease. Known as the ‘Bodies in the Basement,’ the church crypts hold several mummified remains, mainly members of Dublin’s elite from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Among these bodies, the most renowned are the remains of the ‘Crusader,’ a 6’6” soldier from the crusades, believed to be over 800 years old. Others include the ‘Thief,’ and the ‘Nun’. The ‘Thief’ allegedly had a finger missing, a symbol to indicate his crimes in life. The Nun, who is placed away from the others, is believed to have suffered greatly during her life.
Locals and visitors have reported strange activities in the church, contributing to its haunted reputation. Cold spots, feelings of being watched, disembodied whispers, and sightings of figure cloaked in a white robe move through the church after hours, all add up to an uncanny mystique.
Visiting the crypts and touching the hand of the Crusader is said to bring good luck. However, you must ask the Crusader’s permission first, or it is believed that bad luck will follow. The eerie yet fascinating folklore and reputed hauntings of St Michan’s Church make it a favorite spot in historical and haunted tours of Dublin city.