St Stephen's Church (The Pepper Canister)

Last updated: 2025-01-15

Welcome to the website of St Stephen's Church, affectionately known to Dubliners as The Pepper Canister. Situated on Mount Street Upper in the heart of Dublin's Georgian quarter, our church has been a landmark of the city since 1825.

About the Church

The church was begun in 1821 by architect John Bowden and completed by Joseph Welland after Bowden's death. The nickname "Pepper Canister" derives from the distinctive shape of the spire, which resembles a pepper pot. It was the last of a distinguished series of Georgian churches built by the Church of Ireland.

Architecture

Built in Greek Revival style, St Stephen's is one of Dublin's most attractive and distinctive churches. The front façade receives the bulk of the design work, terminating the magnificent vista of the south side of Merrion Square from Leinster House. Major conservation works were completed in 2010.

Services

St Stephen's Church continues to serve the Dublin community with regular worship services and special events throughout the year.

Concerts & Events

The church occasionally hosts classical concerts and musical recitals. Performers have included James Vincent McMorrow and Fionn Regan.

Visitor Information

The building is open to visitors from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the first Sunday of each month. The church is located at 7 Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2, D02 HC65, Ireland.

Historic Parishioners

Over its nearly 200-year history, St Stephen's has been associated with many notable figures: