St Patrick's Cathedral
Dublin, Ireland
The largest church in Ireland, built between 1220 and 1260 near an ancient well where St. Patrick baptized converted inhabitants in the 5th century. From 1713 to 1745, the writer Jonathan Swift, creator of Gulliver's Travels, was the dean of the cathedral. His tomb and a bust with a Latin inscription are preserved in the south nave. Inside the Gothic interior, one can admire the Door of Reconciliation from 1492 with a cut-out opening through which the feuding lords of Kildare and Ormond shook hands.
- Visit time: 1 h 15 min
- Local name: Saint Patrick's Cathedral
What to look for
- Early Gothic rib vaults and terracotta floors
- The historic Door of Reconciliation from 1492 with axe marks
- The tomb of Dean Jonathan Swift and his long-time companion Stella
Before you go
- Best time: In the morning or during afternoon vespers
- Crowds: Moderate traffic on weekdays
- Note: Limited visiting during church services
Good to know
- The English saying chancing your arm, meaning taking a risk, comes from the event with the Door of Reconciliation.
Sources: stpatrickscathedral.ie, en.wikipedia.org
How long does it take to visit St Patrick's Cathedral?
Plan about 1 h 15 min.
Nearby
- Marsh's Library — 60 m
- Spitalfields — 310 m
- Whitefriar Street Church — 330 m
- Christ Church Cathedral — 400 m
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery — 400 m
- Chester Beatty — 410 m
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