Dublin’s Magical Lucky Stone: A Wild Ride Through Time!

Ever heard of a magic stone that likes to move around? Well, Dublin has one! Nestled in Old St. Audoen’s Church, this ancient gem has seen some wild times. Here’s the scoop:

The church itself is super old, dating back to 1190 CE, and houses Ireland’s oldest bells. But the real star? The Lucky Stone! This 9th-century slab, engraved with a Greek cross, was once worshipped by locals who believed it could cure illnesses and bring good luck.

Fast forward to 1309, when Mayor John Le Decer moved the stone to the Cornmarket to boost his new water fountain’s appeal. But the stone had other plans—it vanished, only to pop up in Glasnevin Cemetery, then Whitefriar Street Church. In 1826, it was stolen and lost for years. The thieves even claimed it got heavier the farther it moved from Dublin—spooky, right?

In the 1840s, a night watchman in Kilmainham found the stone glowing and changing shape. News spread, and people flocked to see the talking, screaming rock. Finally, in 1888, Rev. Dr. Alexander Leeper brought it back to St. Audoen’s and locked it up safely behind iron bars. His ghost is said to guard the stone to this day!

This spot has some cool history too, with ties to Irish political figures like Oliver Bond and James Napper Tandy. The church’s name has a French twist, named after a 7th-century Bishop from France.

No one really knows where the Lucky Stone came from, but its legend is still alive and kicking. Visit Old St. Audoen’s to uncover Dublin’s magical past.