The Bottom Line
Pros
- Interesting city-center church incorporating a variety of architectural styles.
- Memorials of prominent Dubliners in church.
- Splendid romanesque facade.
- Age-old custom of free bread for the needy.
Cons
- Variety of styles can be confusing.
Description
- Church first built in 1720, but original plan was never completed.
- St. Ann's was substantially rebuilt in 1868 with the addition of a new façade.
- The tower(s) planned never came to be.
Guide Review - St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street (Dublin)
St. Ann's was built by the Church of Ireland in the 1720s according to plans drawn up by Isaac Wills - a very ornate church for a new parish. But the church "as planned" only existed in drawings - during construction the plans were altered, the tower left off and the facade became starker, almost utilitarian, fitting into the Georgian street-scape.
In 1868 Sir Thomas Deane decided to enhance the outward appearance by completely altering it. He had a polychrome Romanesque façade installed, which makes the church appear older than it actually is. Stained glass windows of typical design were installed during the Victorian era. This was added upon by a mosaic reredos in the 20th century - all merrily clashing with Georgian interior in wood and plaster. The result is a treasure trove for historians of church architecture, albeit unsorted and with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. Which makes St. Ann's attractive in a very special way.
The memorial tablets to Dublin notables like Felicia Hemans and Sir Hugh Lane are amongst a host of similar dedications. But the most interesting legacy was given by Lord Newton in 1723 - he left £ 13 per annum to provide bread for the needy. Visitors today can still see the bread shelves in the church, loaded with bread on Sundays and Mondays.
