Explore this ancient sacred site at the heart of Finglas.

Old St Canice’s Church and Graveyard is a leafy, tranquil space at the historic heart of Finglas village, locally referred to as the abbey. Established as a monastery in the 6th century by St Canice, who is perhaps better known as the founder of Kilkenny, the site today consists of a ruined stone church and High Cross set in a graveyard sheltered from the outside world by trees.

This audio book will introduce you to the early origins of St. Canices, the high cross known as the Nethercross, and the significant architecture of the medieval ruins. You will also hear about the many memorials in the graveyard, the building of the new church in the nineteenth century, and the natural history of the site and its conservation.

If you would like to explore the site virtually, click here to take a look at our Story Map here which features images, short videos and information about the development of the site.

Old St Canices Church & Graveyard Audio Book

This audio book is an Abarta Heritage production on behalf of Dublin City Council. It is part of a wider interpretation project, including a podcast series about the site and a Story Map. Dublin City Council supported this project, which was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage Community Monuments Fund 2024. Sharon Mannion narrated the guide, which was recorded at Bluebird Studios with sound engineer Declan Lonergan.

If you would like to hear similar audio guides from other heritage sites around Ireland, please be sure to subscribe to Discover the Stories of Ireland by Abarta Heritage on your favourite podcast platform.