St Michan's crypt to reopen to public for first time since head of 800 year old mummy stolen

The crypt housing the mummies at St Michan’s Church will reopen to the public next week for the first time it was vandalised earlier this year.

The crypt has been closed since the end of February when the head of an 800-year-old mummy known as "The Crusader" was stolen.

During the break in, coffins in the crypt were vandalised and other mummified remains, including those of a 400 year old nun, were desecrated.

The skull and head of the mummy were recovered a week later by gardai.

The incident drew worldwide attention to the Dublin church and prompted outcry throughout Dublin city.

Both archbishops of Dublin, Archbishop Michael Jackson and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, visited the crypt in the wake of the break in.

The sign left outside the church following the theft (Darragh Berry)

Since being recovered, The Crusader's head has been undergoing restoration with the help of the National Museum.

Nichols undertakers have generously provided new coffins and re-coffined the mummified remains while increased security measures have been put in place at the site.