St Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland and one of Dublin's oldest buildings. The site has been a place of worship since the fifth century — according to tradition, St Patrick baptised converts in a well that still exists beneath the floor of the nave. The current Gothic structure was begun in 1191 and substantially rebuilt between 1254 and 1270. It underwent a major Victorian restoration in the 1860s, funded by the Guinness family, which largely created the interior as it appears today.
Jonathan Swift served as Dean of St Patrick's from 1713 until his death in 1745 and is buried here alongside his companion Esther Johnson ("Stella"). His epitaph — written by himself — is carved on the wall: "He lies where fierce indignation can no longer lacerate his heart." Swift donated his fortune to found a hospital for the mentally ill, which still operates in Dublin as St Patrick's Hospital.
The cathedral is a Church of Ireland (Anglican) church, which has created an interesting historical tension in a predominantly Catholic country. For centuries it served the Protestant establishment; since independence it has been the national cathedral in the broad sense. The interior contains flags, monuments, and brasses spanning seven centuries — the most visible are the military regimental colours.
Highlights
- Ireland's largest church — 13th-century Gothic cathedral on a site of worship since the 5th century
- Jonathan Swift's tomb and memorial — the author of Gulliver's Travels was Dean here from 1713 to 1745
- The Guinness family-funded Victorian restoration of the 1860s — the carved stonework and stained glass are largely from this period
- The medieval Chapter House door — a hole cut through it in 1492 for a handshake is the origin of the phrase 'chancing your arm'
- The ancient well of St Patrick beneath the nave — the original baptismal site still marked in the floor
Good to know
- →Entry fee applies — the cathedral needs income for upkeep. Worth paying for the quality of the building.
- →Saturday morning choral evensong is free to attend and is one of the finest choral traditions in Ireland.
- →Christ Church Cathedral (5 min walk) is the other medieval Dublin cathedral — older, smaller, and with the Viking crypt. Visit both.
- →The park behind the cathedral (St Patrick's Park) is free, pleasant, and has a literary corner with quotations from Irish writers.
- →The cathedral is in the Liberties — combine with Teeling Distillery (10 min walk) for a morning in this historic neighbourhood.
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round; evensong on weekday afternoons is free and the cathedral choir is worth timing a visit around — check the cathedral website for the weekly schedule. Morning visits avoid school groups and tour buses.
Getting There
Common questions
How much does St Patrick's Cathedral cost to enter?
Adult entry is around €9–10 (2025). Booking through GetYourGuide is slightly cheaper than door prices. The cathedral is an active Church of Ireland place of worship — services take place daily and the cathedral may briefly close to tourists during services. Check the schedule if timing is important.
What is the connection between St Patrick's Cathedral and Jonathan Swift?
Jonathan Swift — author of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal — served as Dean of St Patrick's from 1713 until his death in 1745. He is buried in the nave, with a Latin epitaph he composed himself (translated by Yeats as "he served human liberty"). His death mask, chair and writing table are displayed in the cathedral.
What is the difference between St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedral?
Both are medieval Church of Ireland cathedrals in Dublin's historic core, 500m apart. Christ Church is slightly older (founded 1030 vs 1191), smaller, and has original Norman crypt vaulting. St Patrick's is larger (the biggest church in Ireland), has the Swift connection, and is generally considered the more atmospheric interior. Both charge entry. Christ Church also has a multimedia experience in its crypt.
How long does a visit to St Patrick's Cathedral take?
A thorough visit takes about 1 hour: the nave and choir (with 19th-century Guinness-funded restoration), the Swift memorial area, the chapter house, and the flags and heraldry of the Knights of St Patrick. Combined with Christ Church and a walk through the Liberties, it makes a half-day Dublin historical circuit.
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St Patrick's Cathedral self-guided admission
Self-guided admission to St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin's largest church.
Book now →Quick Facts
- Type
- Heritage
- County
- Co. Dublin
- Province
- Leinster
- Entry
- €12
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00, Sun 09:00–14:30 (closed to visitors during services)
- Allow
- 45 min–1 hour
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