Explore the Majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of the fabric of Dublin city life for over 800 years. This long history has included plenty of twists and turns as the church evolved from a small parish into the national cathedral of Ireland. Today, it stands as one of the best examples of medieval architecture still present in the Irish capital.

The cathedral should be a stop on any trip to Dublin, for both its historical significance and its continuing cultural contributions to Dublin life, including daily choir concerts.

History

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is founded on the spot where St. Patrick himself is believed to have baptized the first Irish believers into the Christian faith. The sacred well that St. Patrick used has been lost, but the Cathedral was built in the area where the conversions are thought to have occurred.

The first church was constructed here in the 5^th century; however, the cathedral as it stands today was built between 1191 and 1270. In 1311, the Medieval College of Dublin was founded here, transforming the church into a place of higher education as well as a house of worship.

By the 16^th century, however, Saint Patrick’s fell into disrepair following the English Reformation, when the Church of England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. In 1537, St. Patrick’s became designated as an Anglican Church of Ireland, and it has remained a part of the Church of Ireland to this day.

Repairs began in the 1660s and continued in phases over the following decades to save the cathedral from falling into complete ruin. Consequently, as its status grew, it began to rival Christ Church Cathedral in importance. This is where the history of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral takes a complex turn in terms of church definitions. The current structure is often hailed as one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Dublin; however, it is fair to point out that the building underwent a significant rebuild in the 1860s, mainly financed by funds from the Guinness family.

As one of Dublin’s two Church of Ireland cathedrals, St. Patrick’s is designated as the “National Cathedral of Ireland.” However, it lacks the one element that typically defines a cathedral: a bishop. The Archbishop of Dublin has his seat at Christ Church Cathedral, which holds the title of the official Cathedral of Dublin. Instead, St. Patrick’s is headed by a dean.

The cathedral now plays a role in various Irish state events, including the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.

What to See

Saint Patrick’s is not only the largest but also the tallest cathedral in Ireland, offering plenty to see during your visit. One of the most famous attractions inside the cathedral is the tomb of Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels.” The esteemed writer once served as dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and is buried beside his beloved Stella (Ester Johnson).

Throughout the school year, there are daily concerts held in the cathedral, which you can plan your visit around. The Sung Martins typically occur at 9 am from Monday through Friday, while an evening choral concert is held at 5:30 pm on weekdays.

The cathedral features several smaller points of interest scattered throughout, including hundreds of memorial plaques, busts, and monuments. The most impressive among them belongs to the Boyle Family Tomb from the 17th century. Smaller tributes honor Turlough O’Carolan, the renowned blind harpist, and Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland.

A unique monument worth noting is a door with a hole, where Lord Kildare famously risked his arm to shake hands with his adversary, Lord Ormonde. This event gave birth to the phrase “to chance your arm.”

If you venture outside, while the well where St. Patrick is said to have performed baptisms has been lost, a stone memorializing the sacred spot can be found in the cathedral’s garden.

How to Visit

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is among the top sights in Dublin and is conveniently located on the edge of the city center. Despite its slightly off-the-beaten-path location in an older residential area, it is easily accessible via public transportation, on foot from Temple Bar, or as part of organized tours. The nearest bus stop is Patrick’s Street, serviced by the 150, 151, 49, and 77 bus routes.

This beautiful church operates a ticketing system, allowing visitors to purchase tickets upon arrival. Alternatively, tickets can be bought in advance online, which can save you approximately €0.50 on adult entry. Regular adult tickets are priced at €8 each, and various tours are available at no extra cost throughout the day.

There are extended hours during the summer; however, these are subject to change based on the season and holidays. For the most accurate information regarding current opening times, admission prices, and special events, refer to the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website. Additionally, the site lists service times for each day of the week, should you wish to participate in a worship service. The ticket price applies to casual visitors wishing to sightsee, but it is free to attend worship inside the cathedral.

What Else to Do Nearby

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is located close to Christ Church Cathedral, the church that serves as the official Cathedral of Dublin.

Moreover, it is also within walking distance from Temple Bar, a lively area perfect for enjoying lunch, shopping for artistic souvenirs, or experiencing an evening of live music after the quieter choir concerts at the cathedral.

A short 10-minute walk away lies St. Stephen’s Green, a peaceful green retreat in the heart of Dublin. Beyond the park, visitors will find the National Museums, which showcase a wide range of exhibits spanning art, archaeology, and more.