Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
About
A magnificent cathedral that houses Jonathan Swift's remains (he wrote Gulliver's Travels). It is the only remaining cathedral in Ireland with a daily sung services. A small entrance fee is charged for tourists and all money raised goes back to paying for the upkeep of the building.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Summerasalifestyle
    Malibu, California3,586 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fee and charges
    Historic and iconic. As with these old gothic cathedrals it’s a kinda dark interior. I always stop and check out churches, chapels, mosques and synagogues. Very seldom is there an upfront charge at a working church. Kinda takes away and seems too money oriented.
    Hello, Thank you for taking the time to visit and share your thoughts on Saint Patrick's Cathedral. We're glad you found the cathedral historic and iconic, appreciating the unique atmosphere of Gothic architecture. We understand your perspective on upfront charges, and we appreciate your feedback. It's essential to mention that as a working church, these charges contribute to the upkeep and maintenance, allowing us to remain open for visitors. We strive to strike a balance between preserving the historical and spiritual aspects of the cathedral while ensuring its accessibility for everyone. We value your insights and hope you enjoyed exploring the rich history within our walls. Thank you for visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral.
    Written January 3, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 3, 2023
  • iridiumflames
    Houston, Texas7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour guide and lots of history in a beautiful building
    The guided tour here was great! Antóin was very knowledgeable about everything in the cathedral, and told us about important history as well as fun facts; there are so many memorials and plaques packed into this church that it wouldn't have had the same impact without him as a guide. I do recommend coming at an earlier time, or on a weekday, since when we arrived they were preparing for an evening service and we didn't want to browse through everything while people were attending church. Overall a really nice experience, and try to get Antóin as your guide if you can!
    Hello, Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our guided tour at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. We're thrilled to hear that Antóin's knowledge enhanced your visit, providing insights into both important history and fun facts. We appreciate your recommendation to arrive earlier or on a weekday for a more leisurely exploration of the memorials and plaques. We'll be sure to pass your compliments on to Antóin! Thank you for your kind words and for leaving such a positive review!
    Written November 29, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 4, 2023
  • KarenM1_10
    1,043 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful inside and out
    We visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral on our own. It was a little pricey compared to other Cathedrals we visited. The Cathedral is very ornate on the inside with beautiful stained-glass windows. A handout is provided that gives you the history of the Cathedral along with the location of several tombs worth viewing. Many tour groups visit there, so this Cathedral is very busy. So, try to arrive first thing in the morning or before closing. The outside area is a lovely park. I would recommend visiting if you have time.
    Hi Karen, Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear that you found the handout informative and explored the cathedral on your own, appreciating the ornate interior with beautiful stained-glass windows. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the pricing; it's important to note that admission fees contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the cathedral, ensuring it remains open for visitors. Understanding that the cathedral can get busy, especially with tour groups, your advice to visit early in the morning or before closing is valuable for those seeking a more tranquil experience. The surrounding park adds to the charm of the area, and we're pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for recommending Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for leaving such insightful feedback!
    Written January 3, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 5, 2023
  • Winifred Ann W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing architecture and history, make sure to visit!
    St. Patrick's Cathedral is where you will want to spend hours learning the history as well as the people buried/recognized there. My husband and I were amazed at the historical information available in the cathedral. The military flags hanging until they disintegrate was a new concept to us for honoring the dead servicemen. Architecturally, the cathedral is a masterpiece. It is amazing the detailed work done centuries ago. The history and architecture humble you. The crowds in the cathedral can be a bit overwhelming, but we had plenty of time for them to thin out so we could see more of the cathedral. If you are planning a trip to Ireland, make sure you leave plenty of time to visit the cathedral, it is well worth your time.
    Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review and for taking the time to appreciate the rich history and architectural marvels of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. We're delighted to hear that you and your husband found the historical information fascinating, and the concept of honoring servicemen with the military flags resonated with you. It's heartening to know that the cathedral's history and architecture left a humbling impression. We understand that the crowds can be overwhelming at times, and we appreciate your patience in allowing them to thin out. Your recommendation to allocate plenty of time for a visit is excellent advice for fellow travelers. We're grateful for your visit and your very kind words!
    Written December 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 9, 2023
  • Lisa K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must See for History Buff and/or Those Interested in Spirituality
    The tour was fantastic! It was interactive while allowing space for quiet meditation. The self-paced approach let me spend more time reviewing the items that interested me while moving more quickly through areas I had seen before. I will recommend this tour to everyone.
    Hello, Thank you for the glowing review! We're delighted to hear that you found the tour fantastic and appreciated the balance between interactivity and quiet meditation. Our self-paced approach aims to cater to individual interests, and we're thrilled it worked well for you. Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for recommending our tour!
    Written December 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 13, 2023
  • Susana G
    Portugal11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Informative and beautiful
    It's quite beautiful. I'm not religious and I'd still say it's worth checking out. There's plenty of information available about what you are seeing. There is also an audio guide you can get for free. I took the self guided tour and it was more than enough to learn about this place and the history behind it.
    Hello, Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral! We're delighted to hear that you found Saint Patrick's Cathedral quite beautiful and worth exploring. It's fantastic that the available information and the free audio guide enhanced your self-guided tour, providing insights into the rich history of the cathedral. We appreciate your positive feedback!
    Written December 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 14, 2023
  • Valeria
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Cathedral and learning experience of Ireland history
    Beautiful Cathedral at Dublin, Ireland. They give you an audio guide to learn of all the history of it. Have to book on line and pay around 6€. They have very friendly staff to help you and public washrooms inside.
    Hello, Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that you found Saint Patrick's Cathedral beautiful and enjoyed the audio guide to delve into its rich history. Your positive mention of our friendly staff is greatly appreciated. We hope you had a memorable visit and we thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
    Written December 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 21, 2023
  • Laura R
    Guttenberg, New Jersey325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historical Cathedral
    The cathedral drips of history. It is worth spending some time to look at the sculptures, monuments and other displays. The chapels are also beautiful. There is a self-guided tour which explains the various pieces. It is worth using.
    Hi Laurar705, Thank you for your insightful review! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciated the rich history of Saint Patrick's Cathedral and took the time to explore the sculptures, monuments, and displays. The beauty of the chapels and the self-guided tour adds to the overall experience, and we're delighted that you found it worthwhile. Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for leaving such a positive review!
    Written December 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 22, 2023
  • MKTBE
    Topeka, Kansas4,090 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic Cathedral in the Heart of Dublin!
    Saint Patrick's Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Although a church has stood on this site since the 5th century, this building dates back to the turn of the 12th century, with several periods of restoration. The outside is a magnificent edifice, and we might have enjoyed walking the grounds even more than touring the inside of the cathedral. We procured tickets online for the earliest time available (9:30 a.m.). To our dismay, there were numerous tour busses, also scheduled for this time, and so there were hordes of people admitted. It was so difficult to admire the interior of Saint Patrick's while being jostled by so many other tourists! Some of the highlights included: The cathedral is filled with artifacts, the gorgoeous original 12th-century floor tiles, the tombs of Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels) and Esther Johnson, his long-term companion, the Tree of Rememberance honoring those who have been affected by conflict, and the names, banners, and hatchments of the Knights of Saint Patrick on display. We enjoyed our visit to the cathedral but found more spiritual peace while walking the beautifully manicured cathedral grounds!
    Hello, Thank you for sharing your detailed and thoughtful review of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. We're delighted that you appreciated the rich history and significant artifacts within the cathedral, including the beautiful 12th-century floor tiles and the poignant Tree of Remembrance. We understand the challenges posed by the large number of visitors during your time, and we appreciate your patience. Your insights into finding spiritual peace on the cathedral grounds are valuable, and we're pleased you enjoyed the serene atmosphere outside. Thank you for your visit and for taking the time to share your experience!
    Written December 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 24, 2023
  • ravenellej
    Merrimack, New Hampshire5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience
    The cathedral was very beautiful! It is very easy to walk to with so many other interests/sights along the way. We stayed at the Trinity Hotel making walking to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral easy. We went on a Sunday at 2:30PM which was the last admittance time during that block (on Sundays, they have blocks of times they are open). I was worried we would be rushed along - we were not! We stayed for at least an hour leisurely viewing, sitting in prayer and listening to the choir! Before we left, maybe around 3:15ish we had the honor of sitting and listening to the choir as they rehearsed. The gift shop was closing when we left, so if you go at a later time, as we did, you may want to make your purchase first.
    Hello, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at Saint Patrick's Cathedral! We're delighted to hear that you found the cathedral beautiful and that your visit was enhanced by the leisurely pace, time for prayer and the delightful choir. Your tip about the gift shop closing time is valuable for fellow visitors. We greatly appreciate your positive review. Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral!
    Written December 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Mary W
Dublin, Ireland11 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I will start this review by saying Colm Wilkinson was excellent. The sound system was very poor. We were about two thirds distance from the stage. Colm had a hand held microphone and when he moved his head we could not hear what he was saying. Those up the front could and we cold hear them laughing and interacting with him. The seats are hard and I would recommend you bring a cushion. It is also difficult to see as all seating is on the one level. Overall I do not think this is a suitable venue for concerts. Poor sound, poor seating and it is cold. Tickets were €100 each which I also think are overpriced for what you got. We saw people coming in at the interval when the main door was opened for Colm Wilkinson only who stood at the back. This should not be allowed.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bruce B
59 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
While work is being done on the exterior (1st time in 150 years, so it's needed), the inside was incredible from the floor to the view of the interior. Take the 40 minute tour-well worth the info. Lots of great things to buy in gift shop too, Worth the price of admission just for the very good prices for purchase.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SimeyTravels
San Diego, CA3,251 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We spent several hours within the walls of St. Patrick's Cathedral, taking copious amounts of pictures and stopping to read the plaques, notes and stories associated with almost every item on display.

The Cathedral wasn't very crowded when we arrived, kind of early on a Monday morning. We'd walked by the Cathedral the afternoon before, and thought about popping in then, but it was almost evening on a Sunday and we didn't want to a) interrupt any services that may have been going on; or 2) have to rush through the place because we showed up late.

So it was that we found ourselves inside the Cathedral early on a cold and blistery Monday morning, staring in awe at the relics, stained glass, pews and memorials.

My only slight critique would be that the self-guide tour map they provide after paying at the entrance is fairly off from the Cathedral itself. We found that out pretty quickly, but I did notice several other tourists looking from their maps to the stop in front of them, back and forth, trying to match the text with the item.

There is an incredibly impressive amount of history within these walls, as is to be expected. And I learned quite a bit about Jonathan Swift, which I delighted in. I also learned a great deal about St. Patrick himself, including the fact that most of the paintings, statues and icons to the man are likely incorrect. Fascinating!

This definitely is a place we'd revisit, on another trip to Dublin. We both love history and architecture, and this Cathedral is resplendent in both. My only lasting regret is that we never woke up early enough to travel to St. Patrick's for Matins. That is something that is still very much on my to-do list, and I think it would have been especially powerful to experience Matins or Evensong in St. Patrick's.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katie589
Edinburgh, UK20 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Lovely old cathedral with some beautiful stained glass windows. Admission includes a free tour with a knowledgeable guide who is happy to answer any questions. Worth visiting, especially to help preserve the building, which is currently having its roof re-done (and for the Jonathan Swift connection, which I didn't know about).
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kwagmeister
Newburgh, IN1,651 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
This beautiful cathedral is lovingly maintained based in part on the entry fees - which are nominal at 8 euros a person. Admission includes an audio guide (which they are disinfecting after each use). Don’t pass it up - there is some great information to learn!
This cathedral has regular services including its choir which we unfortunately missed out on, but signage is posted in the event you might be able to return.
Just a few steps away is Christ Church - another must visit right there.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi kwagmeister, Thank you for your lovely review of your visit! You are correct - admission to the Cathedral includes a leaflet, audio guides and public tours of the cathedral throughout the day. The audio guide in particular comes highly recommended by our visitors! All visitors are welcome to attend services to experience the wonder of our Choir. Both our Matins and Choral Evensong are sung services and are free for all to attend. As you mentioned, we are just down the road from Christ Church Cathedral, another wonderful gem in Dublin city. We would definitely recommend a visit once you finish in Saint Patrick's! Thank you for your visit, we hope to see you return in the future!
Written September 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,090 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Saint Patrick's Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Although a church has stood on this site since the 5th century, this building dates back to the turn of the 12th century, with several periods of restoration. The outside is a magnificent edifice, and we might have enjoyed walking the grounds even more than touring the inside of the cathedral.

We procured tickets online for the earliest time available (9:30 a.m.). To our dismay, there were numerous tour busses, also scheduled for this time, and so there were hordes of people admitted. It was so difficult to admire the interior of Saint Patrick's while being jostled by so many other tourists!

Some of the highlights included: The cathedral is filled with artifacts, the gorgoeous original 12th-century floor tiles, the tombs of Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels) and Esther Johnson, his long-term companion, the Tree of Rememberance honoring those who have been affected by conflict, and the names, banners, and hatchments of the Knights of Saint Patrick on display. We enjoyed our visit to the cathedral but found more spiritual peace while walking the beautifully manicured cathedral grounds!
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for sharing your detailed and thoughtful review of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. We're delighted that you appreciated the rich history and significant artifacts within the cathedral, including the beautiful 12th-century floor tiles and the poignant Tree of Remembrance. We understand the challenges posed by the large number of visitors during your time, and we appreciate your patience. Your insights into finding spiritual peace on the cathedral grounds are valuable, and we're pleased you enjoyed the serene atmosphere outside. Thank you for your visit and for taking the time to share your experience!
Written December 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA8,075 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
Beautiful historic landmark. Came here at opening on a Sunday morning and it was 9 euro admission (credit cards and cash accepted). They offer audio guides in various languages that’s included in the entry fee; there weren’t any guided tours being offered when we went.

We spent 2 hours going to each of the sites (labeled with a number). There was active service happening in a partioned off section. Afterwards, you could walk around the park (that’s free) and get some really pretty views. There’s a kids playground outside as well.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Shanellesua, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, we're delighted you enjoyed your experience and thank you for your kind words. We hope to see you back again soon.
Written April 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Deirdre_dines
Dublin, Ireland1,006 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
A lovely place to visit when the rains bickering down in Dublin - escape in to St Patrick’s cathedral and get lost in its history.

On the day we visited we were lucky to have arrived when an organ recital was taking place - there were only a handful of tourists in the building so it was a super experience.

Take time to learn about the links to St Patrick, Swift etc and the origin of the phrase ‘to chance your arm’!

Tip : to make the best of and to time your visit visit their website before you go - for tickets plus information on what’s taking place in the cathedral daily.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Puri Fernandez
Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands1,438 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Beautiful cathedral, lots to see and with audio tour. It is more than worth the entrance fee. You can also enter around 5:30 PM to listen to the children's choir and then admission is free, but you are not allowed to walk everywhere.
Google
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi PuriR277, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you found Saint Patrick's Cathedral beautiful and enjoyed the audio tour. Your tip about entering around 5:30 PM to listen to the children's choir is fantastic for those looking to experience the choir, and we appreciate you sharing this insight. We hope you had a memorable visit, and we appreciate your recommendation!
Written December 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Melinda Manfai
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
Upon arriving to Dublin for a six day winter getaway on my own I left my hostel very early in the morning to start to explore this city. I ended up arriving to Saint Patrick's after 10, bought my entrance ticket (9 euros) and was lucky enough to run into a guided tour in the cathedral starting at 10:30 (may be one in every hour, no extra fees for this! - but also, you get a headphone for your ticket automatically). And this is why I am writing this review, there was a lady called Maria, maybe in her 60s, the guide to offer the tour and SHE WAS FANTASTIC! I absolutely loved listening to her, she put together the tour so perfectly offering a deep insight through the building of the cathedral and every interesting thing in it into also the city of Dublin, and the history of the Irish island altogether - I really needed no more for my forthcoming days in Ireland. I absolutely LOVE remembering Maria, and I will always be very very grateful for my experience there on that day! Greetings from Hungary
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mendart, Greetings back from Ireland. Thank you so much for the amazing review. We're trilled that you had such a great experience. We're very keen to keep the price of a ticket at great value, this is why guided tours and audio guides are included in the price. We are thrilled to hear that Maria did such a great tour and we'll be sure to let her know that you left this great review for her, she'll be delighted to read it. Say hi to everyone in Hungary from us in St Patrick's Cathedral and we hope to see you back again next time you're in Dublin.
Written April 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

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