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. Founded in 1191 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.
- Cathedral Night Tours
Family funCathedral Night Tours As twilight falls, the ancient bells toll, resonating through the city’s soul. Step inside the majestic cathedral, where shadows dance in the dim candlelight, and history whispers through every stone.
- The Jonathan Swift Festival
Family funThe Jonathan Swift Festival Experience the legacy of author Jonathan Swift like never before at this year's Jonathan Swift Festival!
- Swift Festival: Cathedral Night Tour
Family funSwift Festival: Cathedral Night Tour As twilight falls, the ancient bells toll, resonating through the city’s soul. Step inside the majestic cathedral, where shadows dance in the dim candlelight, and history whispers through every stone and learn about their former Dean, Jonathan Swift.
- Swiftly into a Culwick Christmas
Family funSwiftly into a Culwick Christmas Christmas Choral Music from the time of Jonathan Swift along with more recent seasonal pieces as part of Swift Festival.
- Tina Turner By Candlelight (29/11/24)
Arts and cultureTina Turner By Candlelight (29/11/24) Let’s Stay Together’ for this euphoric night of ‘The Best’ Tina Turner hits performed by Dixie Daye and her incredible live band at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral, by candlelight.
- Tina Turner By Candlelight (30/11/24)
Arts and cultureTina Turner By Candlelight (30/11/24) Let’s Stay Together’ for this euphoric night of ‘The Best’ Tina Turner hits performed by Dixie Daye and her incredible live band at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral, by candlelight.
- Christmas by Candlelight at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Arts and cultureChristmas by Candlelight at St Patrick’s Cathedral A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before!
- A Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Christmas
Family funA Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Christmas Join in for an enchanting evening of seasonal music at the annual Christmas concert given by Choristers and Lay Vicars of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Choir & Orchestra and seasonal readings from their very own Bryan Dobson.
Marsh's Library, beside the Cathedral is a must. It's the oldest public library in Ireland and contains 25,000 books.
