The Pepper Canister Church, officially known as St. Stephen's Church, occupies a distinctive place in Dublin’s cultural and architectural landscape. Situated at 2 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2, this iconic structure was built in the early 19th century and earned its nickname from the unusual shape of its tower, which locals felt resembled a pepper pot.

Originally constructed for religious purposes, the church's grand neoclassical architecture and atmospheric interiors have since made it a favored venue for a variety of cultural and entertainment events, including concerts and club nights. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as the city’s nightlife evolved, the Pepper Canister Church established a reputation as a unique nightclub and live music location, cherished for its intimate ambiance and exceptional acoustics. While its primary role remains that of an event and performance space rather than a commercial nightclub in the traditional sense, it has played a significant role in Dublin’s creative and alternative scene.

The church’s transformation into an occasional clubbing and gig venue has brought renewed attention and preservation efforts, yet the building itself has remained in the same location since its construction, undergoing periodic restoration to maintain its stunning historic features and to accommodate modern performance requirements. Notable artists who have performed at the Pepper Canister Church include international acts such as Rufus Wainwright, The Frames, Cat Power, and Agnes Obel, alongside celebrated Irish musicians and ensembles like Glen Hansard, Damien Dempsey, Lisa Hannigan, Bell X1, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.