Over 800 years old, Ireland's largest church and the island's National Cathedral was founded beside a sacred well where Saint Patrick is said to have baptised pagans and converted them to Christianity around 450A.D. A small wooden church was built to commemorate this visit and a cathedral building erected between 1200 and 1270 - a feat begun by the first Anglo-Norman bishop, John Comyn.

Through years of erosion and persecution, the Church of Ireland building fell into disrepair but was restored by the Guinness family between 1860 and 1900. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was Dean from 1713-1745 and is buried near the entrance. A selection of Swift artefacts can be found in the Cathedral including his epitaph, death mask, writings and a parchment awarding him the Freedom of the City of Dublin.

One of the Cathedral's most significant events was in 1742 when a combined choir with neighbouring Christ Church Cathedral gave the first public performance of Handel's Messiah. This strong singing tradition continues today with two sung services daily (except Sat) during school term - the only Cathedral to do so in Britain and Ireland. It's a not-to-be missed experience in a truly inspirational setting.

Saint Patrick’s, perhaps more than any other building in Ireland, embodies the history and heritage of Irish people of all backgrounds from the earliest times to the present day. Which is why each year over 300,000 visitors and pilgrims visit the cathedral and its Living Stones exhibition which celebrates its place in the life of the city, its history, and role in the future.

Services: Mon - Fri: 09:00: Sung Matins (school term only), 11:05: Holy Eucharist (Wed and Thur), 17:30: Choral Evensong, Sat: 11:05: Holy Eucharist, Sun: 08:30: Holy Eucharist, 11:15: Sung Eucharist/Matins, 15:15: Choral Evensong.