St Fin Barre's Cathedral
St Fin Barre's Cathedral
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A stately 19th-century cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Cork.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
999 reviews
Excellent
516
Very good
340
Average
94
Poor
28
Terrible
21
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa401 contributions
Apr 2022
This was probably the best Cathedral we visited during our 2 week trip to Ireland. The reason I say this is that the actual outbuildings , the steeple , the interior , huge organ & the ceiling collectively were stunning.
The only reason I rated it down was they close between 1-2pm & we arrived just before 1pm & had to go somewhere else & return. As tourists pressed for time to see as much as we could it was inconvenient to return & as a tourist attraction that charges 6 euros pp it should be open during the day . At least 5 other tourists arrived while we were there & all left as a result.
We still enjoyed the experience & the beauty of the cathedral
The only reason I rated it down was they close between 1-2pm & we arrived just before 1pm & had to go somewhere else & return. As tourists pressed for time to see as much as we could it was inconvenient to return & as a tourist attraction that charges 6 euros pp it should be open during the day . At least 5 other tourists arrived while we were there & all left as a result.
We still enjoyed the experience & the beauty of the cathedral
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StephenInWSeattle
Seattle, WA375 contributions
Jul 2022
St Fin Barre's Cathedral was a suggestion by Agnes at Nano Nagle and we were so happy we visited. Beautiful cathedral, but we were able to chat with Father and he shared a couple of stories about the original construction, planned projects and the organ installation that had to be dug into the floor of the nave because it would obscure the stained glass if installed in the original position. He told us that it was like all of us, a work in progress! Only this one (Referring to St Fin Barre's) requires a lot of money.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX2,407 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This is a very attractive little (in relative terms) cathedral that dominates the "skyline" of Cork. There are no surprises here--it looks very much like every other Gothic cathedral inside and out, but I love them all!
There is always a story here of the time, effort, cost and pain of building and maintaining such a magnificent house of God that was/is the pride of a city.
Your visit here does much to honor the thousands of nameless men and women that performed a grueling labor of love to do their part to create a masterpiece. Just thinking about what they accomplished and what they gave up is a religious experience. It sends chills down your spine!
Just a few thoughts you may want to remember when you visit your next cathedral.
There is always a story here of the time, effort, cost and pain of building and maintaining such a magnificent house of God that was/is the pride of a city.
Your visit here does much to honor the thousands of nameless men and women that performed a grueling labor of love to do their part to create a masterpiece. Just thinking about what they accomplished and what they gave up is a religious experience. It sends chills down your spine!
Just a few thoughts you may want to remember when you visit your next cathedral.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IrelandGirl
County Mayo, Ireland9 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
St Fin Barres had been recommended to us by a relative, she knew we all have an interest in churches and architecture so we were all excited. Once there we were asked by a very polite and knowledgeable man at the door to be aware of a church meeting inside and to keep our voices down. We had no issue whatsoever with this as we would always be mindful and respectful of our surroundings when in any religious building. The fee to get in was a reasonable five or six euro and as we were a group we spent about 25 euro. The church itself is beautiful, both the grounds and the interior are well maintained and beautifully old-fashioned. Immediately we noticed a small group of church officials conducting a meeting. We of course were quiet and did not get in the way, we merely walked around the building admiring the architecture, however the officials present made a point of rudely brushing past everyone and refusing to nod or say hello. They made their contempt for both our group and the other groups apparent. If they did not want people in there I completely understand, however you have no right to ask for public donations, take a fee on the door and then treat everyone with contempt. As beautiful as the building is, the ironically dismissive attitude of the clergy officials puts a dent in the visit.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MP
9 contributions
Sep 2022
Many thanks to Michael who gave us an impromptu tour. The current cathedral was designed and built in French Gothic style by William Burgess, and the stained glass windows alone are worth the visit. The stained glass was crafted according to medieval technique - the first 4 windows made by French artisans, who then taught local artisans, so the bulk of the 70 windows were Irish crafted. Saint Fin Barre founded a monastery at this site in the 7th century, and further settlement around the monastery grew into the city of Cork. This is still a place of worship so time your visit accordingly (or attend choral evensong on Fridays (not during summer) to hear the beautifully restored organ and the current choir).
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eva-diva1029
Marysville, California105 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a must stop!! The staff were so friendly and informative. The time they spent pointing out all of the little hidden nuances by the architect was amazing. The history and craftsmanship in this building alone were worth the entire trip to Ireland!
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PhilKateCasey
Cork, Ireland49 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful structure - beautiful building - well worth a visit.
There are three spires and when you realise that this building is around since the 7th Century and think of the way buildings were built back then - this is an amazing design.
The building is rich in symbolism. In particular, stands the golden angel holding two trumpets in their hands, placed on the outside of the church spire on the back. It is also seen in the distance. Legend has it that these will join the blare of trumpets to own one of the other angels who announce the end of the world.
In addition to the building please also check out the beautiful garden.
There are three spires and when you realise that this building is around since the 7th Century and think of the way buildings were built back then - this is an amazing design.
The building is rich in symbolism. In particular, stands the golden angel holding two trumpets in their hands, placed on the outside of the church spire on the back. It is also seen in the distance. Legend has it that these will join the blare of trumpets to own one of the other angels who announce the end of the world.
In addition to the building please also check out the beautiful garden.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen K
Winter Park, FL4,299 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Nice visit for a rainy day. This Church of Ireland (Anglican) cathedral is pretty and worth a visit especially if it’s raining out. It’s compact & easy to visit. It’s 6€ per person. Check out the labyrinth in the yard.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlie B
Edinburgh, UK658 contributions
Jan 2020
On arriving into Cork our taxi driver pointed out St Fin Barre's Cathedral to us and indicated it was well worth a visit....he was not wrong! It was our last day in Cork after a relaxing week and we headed over to the Cathedral. When we entered we were made welcome by the person at the reception desk who was very keen to supplement the chart layout we were given with some of the history - all very interesting indeed and we were then left not wander and be amazed. after some time we were joined by one of the guides who spent some time with us explaining a number of features of the building that are not immediately apparent - it just added to a very interesting, enlightening and wonderful tour. This is a must for visitors to Cork. There is an entrance charge but it is more than worth it.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristine B
Orlando, FL274 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I hadn’t initially planned on visiting St. Fin Barre’s, but when I toured the Elizabeth Fort a plaque mentioned that a cannon ball from the Siege of 1690 was on display in the church, so I decided to go have a look. I entered the cathedral just as a service was about to start, so the gentleman in the gift shop advised that I skip the guided tour and do the self-guided (I was still able to walk around during the service since it took place in a side chapel, just couldn’t take pictures) and if I had any questions I could come back and he’d be happy to answer them. The church itself is beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed walking around it. When I went back toward the shop to take a look at the baptismal font, the gentleman who’d greeted me (I didn’t catch his name) volunteered some information and some interesting facts about the church that I never would’ve known. He was wonderful and we had a lovely chat. I highly recommend buying a souvenir or two in the cathedral shop, as all the profits go toward the upkeep and maintenance of the church.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IrishMountainChild
Naas, Ireland20 contributions
Hi,
I was just wondering what the entry cost to this Cathedral is?
Thank you in advance.
DougTMesa
Mesa, AZ476 contributions
I said spend the time and the money at the time. In retrospect, I really don't think going in was worth 6 euros.
Hi. Does this venue have disabled parking?
Nigel D
Cork, Ireland
Yes, we have reserved spaces for special parking
St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork
Frequently Asked Questions about St Fin Barre's Cathedral
- St Fin Barre's Cathedral is open:
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking St Fin Barre's Cathedral tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 St Fin Barre's Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St Fin Barre's Cathedral:
- (0.21 mi) The River Lee
- (0.18 mi) Lancaster Lodge
- (0.33 mi) Fernroyd House B&B
- (0.33 mi) Blarney Stone Guesthouse
- (0.45 mi) Hayfield Manor Hotel
- Restaurants near St Fin Barre's Cathedral:
- (0.09 mi) Tiramisu
- (0.11 mi) Pigalle Kitchen
- (0.10 mi) 107 Barrack Street
- (0.10 mi) The Quays Bar Tapas & Grill
- (0.11 mi) Tom Barry’s