Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

The first time I went to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was in 2012. I was studying abroad and doing SO much each day that I could hardly tell you if I was coming or going. I say this because it wasn’t that the cathedral wasn’t stunning but in a whirlwind trip, it simply didn’t stand out as much as some of the other activities or places I went. With things opening back up more here and now that I am fully vaccinated I am feeling better about getting out to visit and do more in Dublin and first on that list was to re-visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The building serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and hosts many different events. It is the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland. The present building dates from 1220 and over the centuries the Cathedral has experienced and survived wars, revolutions, and a reformation. There is obviously a huge amount of history regarding the cathedral so I have pulled a few bits I found the most interesting to share quickly.

Interesting times in the history of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral:

·       450 – Saint Patrick baptized people into Christianity on the site.

·       890 – The first documented reference to a church on the site is made.

·       1219 – William Fitzguido becomes first dean of the Cathedral (the church is currently on their 67th dean!)

·       1220-1260 – Construction on the current Cathedral building begins

·       1432 – Cathedral Choir School is founded. The Choir School still exists today and is the oldest school in Ireland.

·       1537 – Saint Patrick’s becomes an Anglican Cathedral following the English Reformation

·       1560 – One of Dublin’s first public clocks was installed in the tower.

·       1666 – Lady Chapel given for use by French Huguenots who fled to Ireland.

·       1713 – Jonathan Swift elected Dean of the Cathedral.

·       1726 – ´´Gulliver’s Travels´´ by Jonathan Swift first published.

·       1821 – King George IV visits the Cathedral.

·       1901 – Celtic grave slabs and Saint Patrick’s Well found beside the Cathedral.

·       1916 – The outbreak of the Easter Rising leads to services in the Cathedral being cancelled.

·       2012 – The Lady Chapel was fully restored.

These are just SOME of the fascinating moments in the 800 year history of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

A story I found particularly intriguing was that of Gerald Fitzgerald, who in 1492, ´´chanced his arm´´ in the Chapter House which gave rise to a phrase still used in Ireland today. At the time, a feud between the Butlers of Ormonde and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare led to the families seeking refuge in the Cathedral. After arguing through the Chapter House door, Gerald Fitzgerald thrust his arm through a hole in the door as an offer of peace. The Butlers accepted and peace was made, giving rise to the phrase “to chance your arm”.

Visitor information (admission info, opening hours, etc.) for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral can be found here. I spent about 40 minutes inside but you could spend more or less time inside depending on if you want to read each bit of information (me!) or if you’re happy to just have a look and keep it moving. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is not a free attraction but it is one I would recommend paying for as I felt my entry fee was justified. The Cathedral’s roof is in need of repair and there are card machines strategically placed around the Cathedral if you wish to donate to help facilitate that work. You can also sponsor a slate here if you so desire.  All the  money raised through the gift shop and welcome desk goes directly to supporting the cost of the maintenance and restoration of the building.

If you find yourself in Dublin do be sure to add a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral to your list. You do not need to be religious to appreciate the beauty and history of the Cathedral.

St Patrick's Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599