Original stained-glass windows from an 1898 church still overlook the dining room of a restaurant. That’s quite a setting for dinner, and certainly something you don’t encounter at every neighborhood eatery.
The former church has been transformed into an Irish-inspired restaurant while preserving much of its historic character. Tall ceilings, wooden architectural details, and colorful windows give the interior a distinctive atmosphere.
I like that the building’s original purpose remains recognizable rather than disappearing beneath a completely modern renovation.
You can settle in for traditional comfort food while admiring features that have survived for more than a century. The unusual surroundings make even a casual meal feel a little different.
New Hampshire has plenty of historic buildings, but eating beneath original church windows is a particularly memorable way to appreciate one. I can see why the setting alone sparks curiosity.
Those Stained-Glass Windows Steal The Show Before The Menu Even Arrives
Colored light pours through tall windows that have watched over this building for more than a century. At The Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub, those original stained-glass windows are the star.
The building first served as St. Joseph’s Church in Epping, New Hampshire. Today, you can eat a warm meal right beneath the same glass that parishioners once admired.
Some of the glass is original to the church. A few pieces may have been added more recently, which keeps the look complete and bright.
The effect changes with the time of day. Afternoon sun brings out the colors, while evening gives the room a softer, cozier feel.
High ceilings let the windows stretch upward in classic church style. Your eyes naturally drift up, and you’ll probably forget to check your phone for a while.
Want the best view? Ask about seating in the Choir Loft, which looks straight across at the windows from up high.
Plan a lunch visit if photos matter to you. Daylight makes the glass pop, and your camera will thank you later.
Either way, it’s hard to find a more memorable backdrop for a plate of fries. Few restaurants anywhere can claim windows with this kind of story behind them.
A Parish Story That Stretches Back To The 1890s
William J. O’Connor built this church between 1895 and 1896.
By 1898, St. Joseph’s was established as a parish, and the building became a gathering place for the community.
That sense of gathering never really left. More than a century later, around 2008, Maureen Kennedy and her family turned the old church into a restaurant and pub.
The family kept the bones of the building intact. High ceilings, church-style architecture, and those famous windows all made the trip into the building’s new life.
I believe that choice is what makes the place work so well. Reusing a historic building is smart, but respecting it takes real care.
The space is roomy, too, at about 8,000 square feet. That gives the family plenty of room for dining areas, a bar, and an event hall.
Knowing the backstory makes a meal here feel different. You’re not just eating dinner, you’re sitting inside a piece of New Hampshire history.
Take a minute to look at the woodwork and old details before you order. Every corner hints at the building’s first chapter, and spotting them is half the fun.
History buffs, consider this your tastiest field trip of the year.
Grab A Seat In The Choir Loft For The Best View In The House
Singers once filled this balcony with music. Now it holds dinner tables, and the view is just as impressive as you’d hope.
The Choir Loft at The Holy Grail offers a more intimate place to eat. It overlooks the main bar below and the big Irish village mural painted on the altar wall.
It also gives you some of the best looks at the stained-glass windows. From up here, you see the whole room at once, which is honestly a treat.
Couples will like the quieter feel compared to the busier floor below. It’s a nice spot for a date night or a slow catch-up with a friend.
Families might enjoy it too. Kids usually love being up high, and there’s plenty to point at while waiting for food.
Here’s a practical tip for your visit. If the loft matters to you, ask about it when you arrive or call ahead before you go.
The busy bar below adds energy without taking over your table. You get the buzz of a lively pub with a little breathing room.
Not many dining rooms come with a former choir’s point of view. Good luck finding a better seat for people-watching.
Pew Booths, Murals, And A Friar Who Never Leaves His Post
A large statue of an Irish friar greets everyone who comes through the door. He sets the tone right away, and the tone is wonderfully quirky.
The decor mixes medieval charm with Irish pub flair. Murals and artifacts appear all over the restaurant, so there’s always something new to spot.
Pew-like booths line some of the walls. They’re a fun nod to the building’s past, and they make sliding in for a meal feel a little playful.
Then there’s the Irish village mural on the old altar wall. It turns the front of the room into a colorful scene from across the ocean.
The main bar is sometimes described as harp-shaped. That’s a clever touch, since the harp is a classic symbol of Ireland.
Framed coats of arms for different family names also decorate the walls. Go ahead and look for yours, because everyone does a little name hunting.
All these pieces could have felt messy together. Instead, the castle-meets-countryside style somehow fits the old church perfectly.
Give yourself a few extra minutes to wander before or after eating. The details reward anyone who looks closely, and the friar won’t mind the company.
The Cottage Room Carries A Family Memory From Ireland
Some rooms are decorated. The Cottage Room was remembered into being, and that makes it special.
This dining space at The Holy Grail is designed to look like the owner’s grandparents’ home. That home sat in Rosmuc, Derryrush, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.
Connemara is a rugged, beautiful region on Ireland’s west coast. Bringing a piece of it to a former New Hampshire church is a sweet way to honor family roots.
The room offers a change of pace from the soaring main space. Where the church areas feel grand, the cottage feels homey and close.
I like how it shows the owners’ personal side. A themed room is fun, but one based on real family memories feels much warmer.
It’s a great pick for a smaller group or a quiet family dinner. The cozy setting makes conversation easy.
If you have Irish roots yourself, this room may tug at your heart a bit. Even without them, it’s easy to feel like a welcome guest.
Ask your server if you can peek in, even if you’re seated elsewhere. Seeing how one building holds a church, a castle mood, and an Irish cottage is pretty remarkable.
Shepherd’s Pie And Stew In A Bread Bowl Make A Strong Case For Comfort Food
Hearty is the word that comes to mind with this menu. The kitchen blends traditional pub fare, New England favorites, and Irish and English dishes.
Shepherd’s pie is one of the best-known plates here. Ground meat and vegetables under a blanket of mashed potatoes just makes sense in a cozy Irish pub.
Beef stew is another classic worth knowing about. It can come served in a bread bowl, which means your dish is also part of your dinner.
Think of it as edible dishware. Fewer dishes for the staff, more bread for you, and everybody wins.
Bangers and colcannon also appear on the menu. Colcannon is a traditional Irish mash made with potatoes and greens, and it’s comfort in a spoon.
Corned beef shows up too, including a boiled dinner with vegetables and mustard. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up on a frosty evening.
Portions are known for being generous. Plan to share or to take a box home, because leftovers here are a bonus round.
The Holy Grail keeps these Irish-American favorites at the center of the menu. They match the old church setting about as well as anything could.
Scotch Eggs And Crispy Fish Earn Their Spot On Your Table
Scotch eggs might be the most fun starter on the menu. A boiled egg gets wrapped in sausage, coated, and fried, so it’s basically breakfast in disguise.
Here they come with Colman’s mustard and peach chutney for dipping. That sweet and tangy combo gives the rich egg a nice kick.
Never tried one before? This is a great place to start, since they fit the British Isles theme so naturally.
Fish and chips are another pub favorite at The Holy Grail. The kitchen makes its own batter, and the fish comes out with a crispy coating.
Chicken tenders get the same kind of crunchy treatment. They’re a smart choice for picky eaters who still want something tasty.
Other starters include a soft pretzel appetizer and potato skins. A table of friends could easily build a whole snack feast from these options.
French onion soup is on the menu too. It’s a cozy pick on a cold New Hampshire day, especially before a big main course.
Here’s my advice for groups. Order a few starters for the table and pass them around, because deciding on just one is tough.
Bring The Whole Crew, Because This Pub Was Built For Gatherings
Planning a party for a big group is never easy. A place with a function hall called Camelot makes it a lot more exciting.
The Camelot Function Hall hosts events inside The Holy Grail. The name fits the medieval theme perfectly, and it sounds like a party for knights.
Birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and family gatherings all suit a space like this. Your guests will definitely remember eating inside a former church.
The pub also leans into themed celebrations. Oktoberfest has been one of them, and St. Patrick’s Day season is a natural fit for an Irish pub.
Families are welcome here, too. The restaurant has a lively, family-oriented feel, so kids aren’t out of place.
Big groups can be seated, and the menu is wide enough for different tastes. Even picky eaters will likely find something they like.
Outdoor seating offers another option in warmer months. Summer evenings outside can bring a whole new mood, sometimes with live music.
One helpful tip for planners: weekends and the days near March 17 can get very busy. Book early or arrive ahead of the rush, and your crew will thank you.
Getting There Is Easy, Leaving Is The Hard Part
Good news for road trippers: this one is easy to reach. The Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub sits at 64 Main Street, Epping, New Hampshire 03042.
It’s right off Exit 7 on Route 101. That puts it conveniently between Manchester and the Seacoast, so it’s a handy stop on a drive across the state.
Parking is simple, too. A large lot offers plenty of space, which is always a relief at a busy restaurant.
The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
The kitchen closes earlier than the pub, so check current hours before heading out.
Lunch is a great choice if you want sunlight streaming through the stained glass. Dinner gives the old church a warmer, glowing mood instead.
The place has earned the title of Best Irish Pub in New Hampshire for several years in a row. That’s quite a run for a building that started out as a parish church.
So add it to your list for the next drive through Epping. Come for the windows, stay for the shepherd’s pie, and say hello to the friar on your way out.
