Although the neoclassical 18th-century exterior is hardly insignificant, you’d be forgiven for missing St. Werburgh’s, as it doesn’t look particularly churchlike. There’s a reason for this—the spire was demolished in 1803, ostensibly because it was in bad repair, although the true reason was that the British were worried that it could be used by snipers to target nearby Dublin Castle. The building itself dates from the late 12th century, although it was rebuilt several times—the present interior was modeled in 1877. Jonathan Swift was baptized here in 1677. The ornately carved wooden pulpit dates from the 1700s. Note the enormous cast-iron bell in the middle of the nave (you can hardly miss it). It doesn’t, in fact, come from the old tower; it was placed here in honor of Napper Tandy, a leader of the 1798 rebellion, whose name is carved into the metal. To see inside the church you usually have to call first, or you could drop by no. 8 Castle Street (just around the corner) to ask the caretaker to let you in.