The Black Church
The Black Church, officially known as St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease, stands on St. Mary’s Place in Dublin, Ireland. Built in the early 18th century, it earned its nickname due to the dark limestone used in its construction, which blackened over time from pollution. The church served the Church of Ireland community until its deconsecration in 1962.
Several ghost stories are associated with this historic structure. One of the most famous legends involves a practice called “circling the church.” It was said that if a person walked around the church three times at midnight, they would encounter the devil himself. Some accounts claim that the devil would appear and attempt to steal the soul of the person performing this ritual.
Another ghostly tale connected to the Black Church involves the spirit of a young woman. According to local lore, she committed suicide by hanging herself from the church’s rafters after being jilted by her lover. Witnesses have reported seeing her apparition both inside and outside the building, often described as a figure in a white dress.
There have also been reports of unexplained sounds emanating from the empty church, including footsteps, whispers, and the faint sound of organ music when no one is inside. Some passersby have claimed to see strange lights or shadowy figures moving within the structure at night.
The Black Church’s foreboding appearance and its history of macabre legends have cemented its place in Dublin’s paranormal folklore, making it a subject of interest for those fascinated by ghostly tales and local history.
Address
St. Mary's Chapel-of-Ease (The Black Church), Mountjoy Street, Dublin, IrelandMountjoy Street
D01 H0F9 Dublin, Leinster,