St Patrick's Cathedral

Nave of a church with banners on either side and stain glass windows in the background
Person in a suit giving a guided tour to two people
Two people listening to an audio guide device in a church aisle
  • Family friendly
  • Rainy days
St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin City's most popular attractions. Built between 1220 and 1260, the cathedral is one of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin. Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick's, is one of around 700 burials on the site.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years and today is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Dublin City. Built between 1220 and 1260 in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. St Patrick baptised Christian converts on this site 1500 years ago.

It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the largest cathedral in the country. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was dean of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in the 1700s and he is one of many burials on site. The phrase "to chance your arm" originates from a feud that played out within the walls of St Patrick's. The cathedral is world famous for its choir, established in 1432, which still performs daily during school term. In recent years the Lady Chapel, dating from 1270, has been restored to its original glory.

Guided tours of the cathedral take place regularly throughout the day. A free app can be used for self guided tours.

The times of services are Monday to Friday, 09:00 Sung Matins (school term only), 11:05 Holy Eucharist (Wednesday and Thursday only) 17:30: Choral evensong. On Saturday 11:05 Holy Eucharist and Sunday 09:15 Holy Eucharist, 11:15 Choral Eucharist, 15:15 Choral Evensong.

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