''Musings for tourists again''

You may not be a church lover or think visiting a church is something for the morbid or nerdy type; if that is you, I challenge you to visit this church and be pleasantly surprised! Firstly, it has a rich history brimming with historical lore and entertaining and whimsical incidences which would almost amount to a chapter in themselves in a book of nostalgia and memories. The place where Ireland’s revolutionary, Wolfe Tone was married; where Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker crossed paths - Oscar Wilde’s girlfriend at the time met Stoker there and ditched Oscar on the spot; and most recently where Nelson Mandela gave a speech.

But its the general design and layout which is so quaint and aesthetically pleasing; it features behind the altar, the curious and lovely place called 'The Bread Shelf’. There is always a loaf of bread here for a hungry person who needs it; this has been a continuous thread since the 1700s. It is also famous for some Gospel concerts in the evening where the great Ballymun Gospel choir and some great North American Gospel impresarios have appeared. Hear them belting out Jackie Wilson, Paul Robeson, Bob Marley and many others. St Ann’s church is a jewel with many diadems to its name. Oh and don’t miss its very nice coffee shop!

The Ballymun Gospel Choir in full voice and splendour - this gig had a 15 Euro admission but was well worth it!