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History · Leinster, Dublin

St Patrick's Cathedral

Ireland's largest cathedral, founded beside the well where St Patrick is said to have baptised converts

  • EraMedieval
  • Admission€11.50 adult, €9 student/senior, €5 child (6–12), under 5 free (~$12.65 / ~$9.90 / ~$5.50); stpatrickscathedral.ie
  • HoursMon–Fri 09:30–17:00, Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–13:00 and 16:30–18:00 (reduced during services)
St Patrick's Cathedral

Built beside a holy well associated with St Patrick's own 5th-century baptisms, the current cathedral dates largely from 1220 and serves as the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, served as Dean here for over 30 years and is buried inside alongside his companion Esther Johnson, known as 'Stella'.

Practical information for St Patrick's Cathedral
Admission €11.50 adult, €9 student/senior, €5 child (6–12), under 5 free (~$12.65 / ~$9.90 / ~$5.50); stpatrickscathedral.ie
Hours Mon–Fri 09:30–17:00, Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–13:00 and 16:30–18:00 (reduced during services)
Address St Patrick's Close, Dublin 8, D08 H6X3, Ireland

Why it matters

National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland; Jonathan Swift served as Dean from 1713 to 1745 and is buried here

Site facts

Built
1220 (current building); tower added 1362, spire added 1749

Weather through the year in Ireland

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Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding

Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.

Location

St Patrick's Close, Dublin 8, D08 H6X3, Ireland

53.3394, -6.2714 View on map

Highlights

  • Tomb and memorabilia of Dean Jonathan Swift
  • Ireland's largest cathedral by length, at 91 metres
  • Medieval choir stalls of the Knights of St Patrick