Dublin has a habit of hiding its stories in plain sight. Two churches share the name St. Andrew’s, yet only one still rings its bells for Sunday mass. Whether you’re navigating the city’s religious history or just trying to find the right building for a concert, knowing which St. Andrew’s is which makes all the difference.

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Denomination: Roman Catholic (active parish) and Church of Ireland (former) · Primary Address: Westland Row, Dublin 2 (Roman Catholic parish) · Year Built (current church): 1834–1836 (Westland Row) · Architect (Westland Row): Patrick Byrne · Notable Feature: Round nave and stained‑glass windows

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • – Westland Row church opened for worship – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (parish history) (Buildings of Ireland (building details))
  • – Foundation stone of present St. Andrew Street church laid – Buildings of Ireland (building details)
  • – St. Andrew Street church consecrated – Buildings of Ireland (building details) (Buildings of Ireland (building details))
  • – St. Andrew Street church deconsecrated – Buildings of Ireland (building details) (Buildings of Ireland (building details))
4What’s next
  • The former St. Andrew Street building is currently unused, with no public reopening plans – Buildings of Ireland (current status) (St. Andrew’s Parish Church (outreach initiatives))
  • The Westland Row parish continues to develop an LGBTQ senior housing project – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (outreach initiatives)

Five facts tell the core story of Dublin’s two St. Andrew’s churches: the active Catholic parish and the former Church of Ireland building.

Attribute Details
Full Name St. Andrew’s Parish Church (Roman Catholic)
Former Name St. Andrew’s Church (Church of Ireland, deconsecrated)
Architectural Style Neo‑classical with circular nave (Westland Row); Gothic Revival (St. Andrew Street)
Year Consecrated 1836 (Westland Row); 1866 (St. Andrew Street)
Notable Artwork Stained‑glass windows by Harry Clarke Studio St. Andrew’s Parish Church (parish history)

Where is St Andrews parish church in Dublin?

Address and directions

  • The active Roman Catholic St. Andrew’s Parish Church is at Westland Row, Dublin 2 – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (contact page)
  • The former Church of Ireland building is at St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2 – Buildings of Ireland (location record)

Public transport options

Both churches are in Dublin’s city centre, within walking distance of Pearse Station (DART and InterCity rail) and St. Stephen’s Green LUAS stop. Multiple Dublin Bus routes (including 4, 7, 9, 11, 46A, 145) stop on nearby Pearse Street or Nassau Street – Dublin Bus (route planner). For taxi and ride‑share options, see the Dublin city centre taxi guide.

The upshot

Visitors often confuse the two churches because of the identical patron. The Westland Row church is the one you want for mass and concerts; the St. Andrew Street building is a historic landmark with no active religious services.

The implication: street address matters far more than the name. Check the door number before you plan your visit.

What kind of church is saint Andrews?

Denomination: Roman Catholic or Church of Ireland?

  • St. Andrew’s Parish Church (Westland Row) is an active Roman Catholic parish – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (denomination)
  • St. Andrew’s Church (St. Andrew Street) was a Church of Ireland parish, deconsecrated in 1995 – Buildings of Ireland (status)

Historical background of St. Andrew’s Church

A church has stood on the St. Andrew Street site since the late 1600s. The original building was an elliptical or round structure built around 1670–1674 after an earlier church disappeared during the Cromwellian era – Wikipedia (history of St. Andrew’s Church). That building was destroyed by fire in 1860, leading to the current Gothic Revival church designed by W.H. Lynn of Lanyon & Lynn – Buildings of Ireland (architect attribution).

Meanwhile, the Westland Row parish traces its roots to the early 19th century. Construction started in 1832 and the church opened for public worship in 1834; it was finally completed in 1837 – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (construction timeline).

Why this matters

The two buildings represent Dublin’s shifting religious landscape: one church continued as a Catholic parish, the other was deconsecrated and left empty, a relic of the Church of Ireland’s declining urban presence.

The pattern is one of divergence: identical name, opposite fates.

Why is St Andrews so famous?

Architectural significance

The Westland Row church is one of Dublin’s few churches with a circular nave, designed by architect Patrick Byrne – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (architecture description). The interior features stained‑glass windows from the celebrated Harry Clarke Studio, a major draw for art and architecture enthusiasts.

The St. Andrew Street church, by contrast, is a striking Gothic Revival building that won first and second place in a competition for Lanyon & Lynn – Buildings of Ireland (competition details).

Notable events and concerts

The Westland Row church regularly hosts concerts and cultural events. For example, Culture Night 2025 featured a celebration of Daniel O’Connell’s 250th birthday with an exhibition, organ recital, and choir performance – Culture Night Ireland (event listing).

Role in Dublin’s religious history

St. Andrew’s Parish on Westland Row is one of the city’s oldest Catholic parishes – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (parish history). It served a growing Catholic population in the 19th century and continues to be an active community hub.

The trade-off

If you want architectural grandeur, visit Westland Row for its rare circular interior. If you prefer Gothic Revival drama, the St. Andrew Street building offers that – but you can only view it from the outside since it’s no longer open to the public.

What this means: both churches are worth seeing, but only one welcomes you inside.

Is St Andrews LGBTQ friendly?

Community outreach and inclusivity

St. Andrew’s Parish on Westland Row openly welcomes all individuals regardless of sexual orientation. The parish website states: “We are an inclusive community” – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (outreach page).

LGBTQ senior housing initiative

One of the parish’s most notable projects is a senior housing development aimed at LGBTQ older adults. This initiative addresses a critical need for safe, inclusive housing in Dublin – St. Andrew’s Parish Church (LGBTQ housing project).

The catch

While the parish actively promotes inclusion, the former Church of Ireland building has no such outreach – it’s been silent since 1995, a reminder that not all sacred spaces evolved equally.

The implication: for LGBTQ visitors and locals, Westland Row is the clear destination – not just for worship but for concrete community support.

What miracle did St Andrew do?

Miracles attributed to St. Andrew

St. Andrew, the apostle and patron saint of this church, is said to have performed healings and exorcisms. The 6th‑century text Miracles of Andrew by Gregory of Tours describes these acts – Wikipedia (Miracles of Andrew). However, the historical accuracy of these accounts is a matter of tradition rather than verified fact.

The role of St. Andrew in Christian tradition

St. Andrew is revered as the first-called apostle and the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece. His feast day is 30 November – Encyclopædia Britannica (St. Andrew biography).

His connection to the Dublin churches is purely nominal: the parishes adopted his name centuries ago, and the miracle stories inform the identity but not the daily life of the congregations.

What to watch

Don’t expect supernatural claims to be part of your visit. The church’s fame rests on architecture and community work, not saintly feats.

Why this matters: understanding the saint’s role helps you appreciate the naming, but the real story is the living parish – not the ancient miracles.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • St. Andrew’s Parish Church (Westland Row) is Roman Catholic and active – St. Andrew’s Parish Church
  • St. Andrew’s Church (St. Andrew Street) is a former Church of Ireland building, deconsecrated – Buildings of Ireland
  • The Westland Row church was built 1834–1837 – St. Andrew’s Parish Church
  • The St. Andrew Street church was built 1861–1866 – Buildings of Ireland
  • St. Andrew’s Parish runs an LGBTQ senior housing project – St. Andrew’s Parish Church

What’s unclear

  • Exact date of deconsecration of the Church of Ireland building (sources vary) – Buildings of Ireland
  • Whether the miracle accounts attributed to St. Andrew are historically accurate – Wikipedia
  • The future of the St. Andrew Street building (currently unused, no plans announced) – Buildings of Ireland

Voices on St. Andrew’s

“Welcome to St. Andrew’s Parish Church, a community of faith, worship and service in the heart of Dublin.”

— Welcome message on the official parish website, St. Andrew’s Parish Church (home page)

“The apostle Andrew healed many who were sick and cast out demons by the power of Christ.”

— Gregory of Tours, 6th‑century bishop and author of the Miracles of Andrew, as recorded in Wikipedia (Miracles of Andrew)

For the visitor planning a trip to Dublin, the takeaway is direct: Westland Row is the living parish; St. Andrew Street is the historic shell. The former offers mass, concerts, and community projects; the latter offers architecture and silence. For Dublin’s heritage custodians, the former church building represents a challenge – preserve a 19th‑century landmark that has no active congregation, or find a new use that honours its past. The choice is clear: either invest in adaptive reuse, or let another piece of Georgian Dublin fade into memory.

Additional sources

feverup.com, yelp.com, en.wikipedia.org, facebook.com, gpsmycity.com, eventbrite.com, alamy.com, patrickcomerford.com, standrews.ie

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Frequently asked questions

Is St. Andrew’s Church Dublin free to visit?

Yes, the Westland Row church is open to visitors free of charge during regular hours. Check the parish website for current opening times.

Can I take photographs inside the church?

Photography is permitted for personal use. Flash may be restricted during services. St. Andrew’s Parish Church provides guidelines.

Is there parking near St. Andrew’s Church?

There is no dedicated parking. Nearby pay‑and‑display car parks are available on Fleet Street and by Pearse Station. See the Dublin city centre taxi guide for transport tips.

What is the history of the stained glass windows?

The windows at Westland Row were created by the Harry Clarke Studio, one of Ireland’s most renowned stained‑glass workshops. St. Andrew’s Parish Church notes them as a highlight.

Are guided tours available?

Guided tours are not regularly offered, but the parish can arrange them by appointment for groups. Contact the parish office for details.

Is St. Andrew’s Church accessible for wheelchair users?

The Westland Row church is accessible via a ramp at the main entrance. The former St. Andrew Street building is not currently open to the public.

Can I book the church for a wedding?

Weddings are held at the Westland Row parish. Contact the parish office to check availability and requirements.

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