A rare Anglo-Catholic church in Dublin, distinguished by its High Church liturgy and role as home to Ireland’s first Anglican convent.
At a glance
St. John the Evangelist stands in Sandymount as one of only a few Anglo-Catholic churches in Ireland. Designed by architect Benjamin Ferrey, it practises High Church traditions including incense, candles, and weekly Eucharist—practices that provoked significant tension with Irish unionists throughout its history.
History
The church was established in 1850 by Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea, brother of the Earl of Pembroke. Originally founded as a chapel-of-ease within the parish of Donnybrook, it has evolved into a trustee and non-parochial church within the Church of Ireland’s Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.
St. John’s became the home of the Community of St. John the Evangelist, a landmark institution as the first Anglican order of nuns in Ireland.
What you see
Benjamin Ferrey’s design reflects Anglo-Catholic sensibilities. The interior furnishings—including Stations of the Cross, candles, and provision for incense—mark a liturgical approach uncommon in Ireland and demonstrate the church’s committed practice of High Church tradition.
Cultural significance
St. John’s represents a distinctive strand of Irish Anglicanism. Its High Church practices were sufficiently unusual and contentious to spark conflict with unionists, revealing broader religious and political tensions in nineteenth-century Dublin. The presence of the first Anglican convent in Ireland further underscores its pioneering role in Irish ecclesiastical life.
Key facts
- Country: Ireland
- City: Dublin
- Established: 1850
- Architect: Benjamin Ferrey
- Founder: Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea
- Coordinates: 53.32428, -6.21165
- Diocese: Dublin and Glendalough
Practical information & getting there
St. John the Evangelist is located in Sandymount, Dublin. For visiting hours, service times, and current information, contact the Church of Ireland Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.
Sources & resources
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