Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from
$12.20
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,449 within 3 miles
Attractions
659 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Hana ŠZilina, Slovakia2 contributionsThis was my first time visiting Dublin, so I couldn't skip this beautiful cathedral. As a lover of gothic architecture, this was an absolute treat - I spent almost 2 hours inside, marvelling at the intricate details and the beautiful stained glass windows. The audio guide is great as well and I also had a go at the extra activities - though they're primarily meant for children, I couldn't resist and took one of my "masterpieces" home with me. I bought a joint ticket for the cathedral as well as Marsh's Library and would recommend doing the same to anyone who's a lover of books and history. Can't wait to visit here again!We're glad you enjoyed your visit to the cathedral. Thank you for the lovely review.Written December 3, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Traveled soloWritten November 15, 2024
- M A FHuelva, Spain447 contributionsWe bought the tickets through the official website the day before and chose the family ticket that for 28€ can enter two adults and up to 3 children under 18, being very profitable. At the entrance you will be provided with an audio guide in your language. Highly recommendedThank you so much for your lovely review.Written September 18, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 13, 2024
- Olha and Roman NDenver, Colorado21 contributionsThis site is interesting and the audio tour you get with the entry fee has tons of information and historical facts. That said, the atmosphere is not church like and it was quite crowded. Several tourists complained about the 9euro fee but I understand the need to upkeep the church with so many tourists coming through each day. I was surprised that this Cathedral is still Anglican but learned that it started as Catholic then of course Henry VIII made it Anglican, then it was offered back to the Catholics but was refused.Dear olhaandromann, Thank you for your detailed review of St. Patrick's Cathedral. We're pleased to hear that you found the site interesting and appreciated the wealth of information provided by the audio tour. We understand that the atmosphere can feel less church-like and more crowded due to the number of visitors. We strive to maintain a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the sanctity of the cathedral. Regarding the entry fee, the €9 charge is essential for the upkeep and preservation of this historic site. We're glad you understand the necessity of this fee given the volume of visitors. Your insight into the cathedral's history is spot on. It's indeed fascinating how the cathedral's religious affiliation has evolved over the centuries, reflecting broader historical changes. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to leave such a wonderful review.Written June 13, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 8, 2024
- Vensure1Ottawa, Canada284 contributionsJust a stunningly beautiful cathedral!! You have to spend a good two hours in it, just to drink in its splendour...everything about it sums up the essence of Ireland. We were first-time visitors, and this was first on our itinerary, which in hindsight was a great choice. The stained glass panels depict the life and works of St. Patrick, who to this day remains a mysterious figure - but the cathedral has all sorts of artefacts and descriptive plaques telling of his life. During your visit, you'll be given an audio device to play at each numbered spot, and I highly recommend using this...it will make your visit/tour so much more enriching.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 27, 2024
- alice_lentheWest Chester, Pennsylvania286 contributionsWe have toured many churches - this was one of the best. Take the tour for sure (rather than wandering on your own). So much fun (really!) and so interesting. I recommend going near the end of the day when the bus tour crowds are gone.Dear alice_lenthe, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so happy that you consider Saint Patrick's Cathedral one of the best churches you've toured. We're glad you found the guided tour both fun and exciting. Our guides strive to provide an engaging and informative experience, and it's great to know you enjoyed it. Visiting near the end of the day is a fantastic tip. It's a perfect time to explore the cathedral without the bus tour crowds, allowing for a more peaceful and personal experience. Thank you for your leaving such a lovely review!Written June 19, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 15, 2024
- Michaela SMassachusetts13 contributionsThis cathedral was jaw dropping! The space is so large and contains beautiful architecture, statues, stained glass windows and more. We did the audio tour which I highly recommend as it gives you an auditory history as you walk around to each stop. Definitely worth a visit!Thank you for your lovely review, we really appreciate it.Written September 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 13, 2024
- duffbeer_deBerlin, Germany248 contributionsThe entrance fee of 10€ is worth every cent. In the cathedral there are audio guides in many languages and this self-guided tour is totally interesting and entertainingly told. We were thrilled about the history of this cathedral....thank you for the exciting information and that we were allowed to be guests in this important house.Dear duffbeer_de, Thank you for your kind review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the audio guides and self-guided tour and found both entertaining. We strive to make them as engaging and informative as possible. It's wonderful to know that you were excited about the history of our cathedral and all it has to offer. We are glad we lived up to your expectations. Thank you so much for the kind review.Written July 24, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2024
- LeawoodCoupleLeawood, Kansas280 contributionsA visit to the this episcopal/Anglican cathedral is recommended because it is a magnificent Gothic structure - the largest in Ireland and the country's cathedral. There are beautiful stained glass windows and the interior pillars will amaze you. The church is also centrally located - an easy walk from the Trinity College area. You probably should allow about an hour to self guide yourself (although there are tour guides on some days).Dear LeawoodCouple, Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation of St. Patrick's Cathedral! We're delighted to hear that you appreciated its magnificent Gothic architecture, being the largest in Ireland and a significant cultural landmark. The beautiful stained glass windows and impressive interior pillars are indeed highlights of the cathedral's charm. Located centrally near the Trinity College area, it's easily accessible for visitors exploring Dublin. Whether you choose a self-guided tour, which typically takes about an hour to enjoy fully, or opt for one of our guided tours on select days, we're committed to ensuring a memorable experience steeped in history. Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for taking the time to write a wonderful review.Written June 13, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- Eider U5 contributionsGood organization and we value the free self-guide service very positively, the children 5-7 years old kept their attention and enjoyed the visit. There is an interactive area that also interested them We booked the tickets online, it is advisable to have attended one of the sung masses. The cathedral itself can be a bit “crowded” between the souvenir shop and other elements and it is not possible to visit the organ (unique element).Hello Eider U, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We're glad to hear that you found our organisation commendable and enjoyed the positive experience with our free self-guide service. It's fantastic that the visit kept the attention of children, and that they also found the interactive area engaging. Booking tickets online is indeed convenient, and attending one of our sung masses adds to the cathedral experience. We understand that the cathedral can feel crowded at times, especially around the souvenir shop and other areas. We regret any inconvenience regarding the unique organ visitation, which is currently not available due to space constraints. We appreciate your visit and hope to see you again soon for more exploration and discovery at St. Patrick's Cathedral.Written June 13, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 20, 2024
- Sabrina CMonacizzo-Librari-Truglione, Italy2 contributionsBeautiful Cathedral, very suggestive, evokes with its height and its majesty the power of faith. We entered the opening there were very few people the cathedral was immersed in silence and light passing through the stained glass windows. The audio guide was very useful to learn the history and peculiarities of the cathedral and the characters related to it.Thank you for your lovely review, we really appreciate it.Written September 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,029 reviews
Excellent
4,224
Very good
2,650
Average
901
Poor
184
Terrible
70
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Puri Fernandez
Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands1,433 contributions
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.

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.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,159 contributions
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!
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.
midway42
Georgia3,476 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
It is somewhat ironic that Ireland’s most famous historical figure wasn’t, well, “Irish” to begin with at all. Although many details of his life are somewhat nebulous, the man we call St. Patrick was born somewhere on the island of Great Britain sometime in the 5th century AD. He was captured by Irish pirates as a teenager and enslaved for six years before escaping back to Britain. He then began studying Christianity and had the obligatory “vision” at home, encouraging him to return to Ireland as a missionary. The rest, as they say, is history and then some. One of the world’s most famous churches stands on a site where St. Patrick baptized converts by a well in 450 AD.
I visited the premises twice during my week in Dublin, the first time right at opening on a Sunday at 9:00AM before Mass. The didactic tour of the interior was supplemented by an audio guide with a pamphlet showing the nineteen stops. This was arranged in a clockwise fashion, covering expected topics such as the construction of the cathedral and the role of Jonathan Swift in its history. The organ, Tree of Remembrance, and the interactive Discovery Space were reviewed along the way, and intriguing personal stories shared throughout via the portable guide. The latter showcased multiple stories from the workers responsible for refurbishing portions of the building including the stained-glass windows, rarely covered topics but welcome additions for this reviewer. My second visit was later in the week for an “Evensong” performance, a traditional Irish church service held at sunset and featuring a choir. In this case the Cathedral Choir sang Canticles (Howells: Chichester Service) and an Anthem (Come my way).
This was an equally essential and fulfilling visit during my week in Dublin. As someone who has done over a hundred audio guided tours in his almost two decades of international travel, I can vouch for the fact that this one was very well done. The visits were easy to navigate, the perfect length (about two minutes), and contained numerous historical anecdotes not found on the storyboards. The history of St. Patrick’s Cathedral reflects that of the country itself and the Boyle Monument, Jonathan Swift, and the (Benjamin Lee) Guinness Restoration were all topics that I was exposed to here and ran into again later in the week at different locations. Like many historic churches, St. Patrick’s also functions as a contemporary place of worship and the Evensong performance was the perfect “final stop” on the audio tour. Customer service from the staff was excellent on both visits from beginning to end. Definitely a recommended visit with the strong suggestion to make time in your schedule for a choral performance.
I visited the premises twice during my week in Dublin, the first time right at opening on a Sunday at 9:00AM before Mass. The didactic tour of the interior was supplemented by an audio guide with a pamphlet showing the nineteen stops. This was arranged in a clockwise fashion, covering expected topics such as the construction of the cathedral and the role of Jonathan Swift in its history. The organ, Tree of Remembrance, and the interactive Discovery Space were reviewed along the way, and intriguing personal stories shared throughout via the portable guide. The latter showcased multiple stories from the workers responsible for refurbishing portions of the building including the stained-glass windows, rarely covered topics but welcome additions for this reviewer. My second visit was later in the week for an “Evensong” performance, a traditional Irish church service held at sunset and featuring a choir. In this case the Cathedral Choir sang Canticles (Howells: Chichester Service) and an Anthem (Come my way).
This was an equally essential and fulfilling visit during my week in Dublin. As someone who has done over a hundred audio guided tours in his almost two decades of international travel, I can vouch for the fact that this one was very well done. The visits were easy to navigate, the perfect length (about two minutes), and contained numerous historical anecdotes not found on the storyboards. The history of St. Patrick’s Cathedral reflects that of the country itself and the Boyle Monument, Jonathan Swift, and the (Benjamin Lee) Guinness Restoration were all topics that I was exposed to here and ran into again later in the week at different locations. Like many historic churches, St. Patrick’s also functions as a contemporary place of worship and the Evensong performance was the perfect “final stop” on the audio tour. Customer service from the staff was excellent on both visits from beginning to end. Definitely a recommended visit with the strong suggestion to make time in your schedule for a choral performance.
Written December 29, 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 insightful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences during your visits to Saint Patrick's Cathedral. It's wonderful that you took the time to explore both the tour and the Evensong performance, providing a well-rounded appreciation for the cathedral's rich history and contemporary significance. We're pleased that you found the audio guide informative and engaging and we appreciate your acknowledgment of the exceptional customer service from our staff. Your recommendation to make time for a choral performance is greatly appreciated and we couldn't agree more! Thank you for visiting and for sharing your thoughtful review!
Written January 31, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
missmadisonnn
Anaheim, CA27 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Out of the two popular cathedrals in Dublin I went with visiting this one since the price was cheaper and I felt this one had more relevance to Dublin. Once you buy your ticket you have a choice to join a tour or you can get an audio guide (for free with your ticket) and go about on your own. I decided to do the latter and was very happy with my experience. The cathedral was amazing and steeped in Irish culture and history. I had a great time and listened to all the extra audio guides as well. I would recommend it!
Written October 2, 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 choosing to visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the experience with the audio guide, exploring the rich Irish culture and history at your own pace. The audio guides offer a wealth of interesting information, especially with the additional features available. Your wonderful review and recommendation mean a lot to us!
Written November 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shanelle
Los Angeles, CA8,743 contributions
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.
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.
Melinda Manfai
8 contributions
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.
Yvane
Bresse-sur-Grosne, France4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
A magnificent place full of history. I had a great time and above all learned a lot of things. The audio guide is really very interesting and guides us to look at certain details that we would potentially have missed by visiting without.
The only downside is the crowds and therefore the constant noise which makes it difficult to listen and concentrate.
I highly recommend !
The only downside is the crowds and therefore the constant noise which makes it difficult to listen and concentrate.
I highly recommend !

Written February 27, 2024
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 experience with us. We're delighted to hear that you found Saint Patrick's Cathedral to be a beautiful place full of history and that you had a great time exploring it. The audio guide is indeed a valuable resource for uncovering interesting details during your visit.
We understand that larger crowds can sometimes detract from the experience, especially when it comes to noise and concentration. As one of Dublin's iconic attractions, Saint Patrick's Cathedral does attract many visitors, particularly during peak times. However, we continuously strive to manage and accommodate the crowds as best as possible to ensure an enjoyable experience for all our visitors.
We appreciate your recommendation! Thank you for visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral and for taking the time to share your feedback.
Written April 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabrielle I
25 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I am a huge fan of gothic cathedrals, and St. Patrick’s did not disappoint. Highly recommend getting there at opening as it got really busy about an hour after open (I went on a Saturday). I used the free audio guide and learned a lot.
Written July 29, 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 Gabrielle.
Thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're glad to hear you learned a lot from the audio guide and thank you for highly recommending us.
Written August 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kwagmeister
Newburgh, IN1,644 contributions
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.
‘
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.
Gary B
Vancouver, Canada482 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the cathedral in May 2019; sorry for the delayed review.
St. Patrick's is inextricably tied to the history and politics of Ireland. It served as both Catholic and Protestant cathedrals as control of the country shifted from Catholic to Anglican and back. King James visited here and King William of Orange held the church as his base. Today it is the cathedral of the Church of Ireland and states it serves both Catholics and Protestants. Access cost 7 Euros in 2019 and you could easily spend two hours or more self-guiding yourself around the cathedral; we were lucky enough to attach ourselves to a guided tour.
While seeming smaller than Christ Church and its surrounding buildings which were served by the Augustinians, St. Patrick's has almost a parish church feel to it. It is beautiful inside, with the glass, tiles, choir, and Lady Chapel well restored and worth seeing. Some highlights in its history include the feud between the Butlers and Fitzgeralds for control of Dublin which ended when the leaders of the clans shook hands through a hole in the Door of Reconciliation in 1492, resulting in the Irish term "chance the hand". Jonathan Swift (who wrote Gulliver's Travels) served as dean for over 30 years. The Messiah was first preformed here in 1742, and the Knights of the Order of St. Patricks were registered and their memberships ceremonies held here.
On one side of church is St. Patrick's Park which is nice for a stroll and to sit on a bench or the grass, and on the other side of the church is the red-bricked cathedral grammar school. Apparently St. Patrick would baptize people with water from a well in the park, and there is indeed a capped well in the park near the entrance to the cathedral.
Another must-see while visiting Dublin.
St. Patrick's is inextricably tied to the history and politics of Ireland. It served as both Catholic and Protestant cathedrals as control of the country shifted from Catholic to Anglican and back. King James visited here and King William of Orange held the church as his base. Today it is the cathedral of the Church of Ireland and states it serves both Catholics and Protestants. Access cost 7 Euros in 2019 and you could easily spend two hours or more self-guiding yourself around the cathedral; we were lucky enough to attach ourselves to a guided tour.
While seeming smaller than Christ Church and its surrounding buildings which were served by the Augustinians, St. Patrick's has almost a parish church feel to it. It is beautiful inside, with the glass, tiles, choir, and Lady Chapel well restored and worth seeing. Some highlights in its history include the feud between the Butlers and Fitzgeralds for control of Dublin which ended when the leaders of the clans shook hands through a hole in the Door of Reconciliation in 1492, resulting in the Irish term "chance the hand". Jonathan Swift (who wrote Gulliver's Travels) served as dean for over 30 years. The Messiah was first preformed here in 1742, and the Knights of the Order of St. Patricks were registered and their memberships ceremonies held here.
On one side of church is St. Patrick's Park which is nice for a stroll and to sit on a bench or the grass, and on the other side of the church is the red-bricked cathedral grammar school. Apparently St. Patrick would baptize people with water from a well in the park, and there is indeed a capped well in the park near the entrance to the cathedral.
Another must-see while visiting Dublin.
Written September 5, 2021
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.
Bob E
Boca Raton, Florida
We’ve read of immigrant tent cities and anti-immigration protests in this area. We have booked a trip fo August, but must commit or cancel this month. Any observations or concerns?
Written June 6, 2024
Bob E
Boca Raton, Florida
We’ve read of immigrant tent cities and anti-immigration protests in this area. We have booked a trip fo August, but must commit or cancel this month. Any observations or concerns?
Written June 6, 2024
If I purchase tickets ahead of time, can I arrive early or late? Do I have to arrive at the exact time on my ticket?
Written October 20, 2023
Is it possible to take a tripod into the Cathedral to take photos? I would love to take a good photo of the beautiful interior but I understand that it is low light in there. Thank you.
Written September 1, 2023
Sorry, don't know. I used a Pixel 6 phone and got very good photos with the available light
Written September 2, 2023
while visiting Dublin in 2019, I attended morning rehearsals w the choir school students at st Patricks cathedral. It was lovely and I would like to attend again during our upcoming trip. Is this still an option (not seeing it on the website), and what days/time does it take place?
Written December 31, 2021
IDoLoveFood
Belgium
Hello, as yourself I am not certain that this is now still possible or acceptable to the church community (due to modifying Covid19-regulations). At the time of my visit (last October), the Cathedral was accessible somewhat the entire day.
To be sure, I would like to refer you to the general inquiry-office that you can reach through the website of the Cathedral, where in the top brown-gold line you will find a contact e-mailaddress.
Good luck!
Written January 20, 2022
culturaltraveller563
Bologna, Italy
Ciao, è possibile entrare con zaini da spalla dentro la chiesa o ci sono controlli/dievieti?
Written October 2, 2019
ilrriccio
Parma, Italy
Non ho visto nessuno che controllasse il contenuto di zaini e/o borse
Written October 2, 2019
culturaltraveller563
Bologna, Italy
Hello,
is possible to attend during the service Choral Evensong at 17.30 (not in Sunday but during the week)?
Written September 10, 2019
hannahw1992
Arenzville, Illinois
Is it necessary to pre-book or can you walk in for the self-guided tour?
Written August 3, 2019
LizLemonadeNYC
New York City, New York
I'm hoping to attend the Choral Evensong service on a Sunday at 15:15, but it looks like the Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays from 14:30 to 16:30. How does that work? Can I still come in a little bit before the service to walk around and take pictures? Or is there a specific time to get there? I was also considering getting there for the 14:00 touring entry time in addition to the Evensong... if I did that, do they clear the cathedral out at 14:30 and then have people come back in for the service? Thank you!
Written April 14, 2019
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Dear Mardie,
Thank you for getting in touch. To clarify, we do not allow visitors to enter the Cathedral to tour during service times. On Sundays, we have last admission at 14.00 so that visitors are clear by 14.30, giving us enough time to prepare the building for the 15.15 service. If you would like to come both as a visitor and a worshipper, you have one of two options:
-Arrive at 14.00 for last admission and let the staff know that you are staying on for Evensong (you will be asked to take a seat for the service at that point).
-Arrive no later than 15.00 and let them know you are there for Evensong; there will be no charge for entry. However, if you wish to stay on and visit after, you will be asked to pay an admission fee at that point.
I hope that helps; please email us for further information.
Best Wishes,
Clarissa Delap
Marketing and Events Officer
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Written April 15, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 35
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing