The Church (cafe bar & restaurant), Dublin

Prepare to be amazed by a truly remarkable transformation: an 18th-century Methodist church reborn as a chic new bar and restaurant, preserving its original pipe organ, stained glass windows, and marble wall memorials. Intrigued by this audacious venture, one may question the propriety of such a conversion. Yet, as the bartender at The Church will enlighten you, the building was teetering on the brink of ruin until John M. Keating intervened in the late 1990s. With millions of euros invested, what was once a dilapidated structure now stands as the epitome of coolness, a one-of-a-kind establishment on both banks of the Liffey.

Venture downstairs, and you'll discover the old crypt transformed into a second bar, accessible via a lengthy staircase; however, it's the main bar that truly captivates with its atmospheric charm. For a truly unique dining experience, ascend to the organ gallery—a rare architectural feature regardless of denomination—and enjoy your meal amidst history and grandeur.