DK Travel : Dublin : St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral

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St Patrick’s, the Protestant Church of Ireland’s national cathedral and commonly known as the “People’s Cathedral”, stands on an early Christian site where St Patrick is said to have baptized converts in a well in AD 450. Like Christ Church Cathedral, the original structure was made of wood and it was not until 1192, when Bishop John Comyn founded St Patrick’s, that it was rebuilt in stone. Archbishop Henry de Londres restructured it again between 1220 and 1270 and raised its status to that of cathedral. The building has seen its fair share of politics: in 1649, during the Civil War, Cromwell’s cavalry used it for stabling; not long after, Huguenot refugees from France sought solace here.

Top 10 Features

1. Minot Tower

1. Minot Tower

Believed to have been built for defence purposes, the 43-m (140-ft), 14th-century Minot Tower still looks out of kilter with the rest of the cathedral.
2. Nave

2. Nave

St Patrick’s is the longest medieval church in Ireland and the nave reflects these immense proportions. The pillars are carved with an assortment of figures.
3. Graves of Jonathan Swift and Stella

3. Graves of Jonathan Swift and Stella

One of the first ports of call for many visitors to the cathedral are the graves of Jonathan Swift and his beloved Stella, positioned in the nave beneath brass tablets.
4. Boyle Monument

The vast monument for the eminent Boyle family is overrun with painted figures of the children of Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork.
5. Lady Chapel

At the east end of the church, this 13th-century building was given over to the French Huguenots who arrived as refugees in the mid-17th century. They were given permission to worship here by the Dean and Chapter, and did so for almost 150 years.
6. North Transept

Flags of Irish Regiments of the British Army are hung in this area and serve to commemorate more than 49,000 Irishmen who died in World War I. In one corner of this transept stands Jonathan Swift’s chair, table and pulpit.
7. South Transept

This former Chapter House boasts a beautiful stained-glass window and, as with all areas of the cathedral, numerous monuments. Particularly interesting is that of Archbishop Marsh which has fine carvings by Grinling Gibbons.
8. Choir

8. Choir

Somewhat surprisingly, the choir is adorned with swords, banners and helmets above the pews. These represent the different knights of St Patrick who, until 1869, underwent their services of investiture in this chapel. Another memorial honours Duke Frederick Schomberg, slain during fighting at the Battle of the Boyne.
9. South Aisle

Memorials here honour renowned Irish Protestants of the 20th century. Douglas Hyde, Ireland’s first president and founder of the Gaelic League is aptly remembered in Irish.
10. Wooden Door

10. Wooden Door

A row between two 15th-century earls, Kildare and Ormond, reached stalemate when Ormond barricaded himself in the chapter house. Kildare cut a hole in the door and offered to shake hands. From this incident came the expression “chancing your arm”.

Practical Information

Choral evensong is held at 5:45pm every day (3:15pm on Sunday). Sung Eucharist is at 11:15am on Sunday. Services at Christmas and Easter can be very busy. Early arrival is advised. St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 2 01-453 9472 Open Mar–Oct: 9am–5:15pm daily; Nov–Feb: 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 10am–3pm Sun Dis. access Adm €5.00