Dublin · The Liberties
St Patrick's Cathedral
The national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the largest church in the country, with Jonathan Swift buried inside. Sunday visiting windows are short.
- 1 h 15
- €11.50
- Booking: not needed
- The Liberties
Data checked on October 5, 2026
The present building dates from the 13th century, on a site tied to St Patrick and a holy well. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was dean here in the early 18th century and lies buried near the west end of the nave. The nave is wide and the choir is hung with banners and swords of the Knights of St Patrick. It takes about an hour, and the park beside it is a quiet place to sit afterwards.
What to look for
- The grave and memorials of Jonathan Swift
- The Door of Reconciliation, the 15th century door with a hole cut in it
- The choir, with the banners of the Knights of St Patrick
- The medieval tiles and monuments in the nave
Opening hours
| 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–6:00 pm | |
| Sunday | 9:00 am–10:30 am, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm, 4:30 pm–6:00 pm |
The cathedral lists an opening time and a last admission. Monday to Friday: 9:30 to 17:00. Saturday: 9:00 to 18:00. Sunday: 9:00 to 10:30, 13:00 to 14:30 and 16:30 to 18:00. Free guided tours run at 10:30 and 14:30 from Monday to Saturday and not on Sundays.
Source: St Patrick's Cathedral, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket €11.50. The adult ticket is 11.50 euros, with a joint ticket for the cathedral and Marsh's Library at 17 euros. Children aged 6 to 12 pay less and under 5s are free. The guided tours are free.
Walk-ups are fine for individuals. Groups of ten or more must book online in advance.
Getting there
Dublin Bus routes stop on Patrick Street beside the cathedral, and the Luas Green line is about fifteen minutes away on foot.
Tip
Join one of the free guided tours before wandering alone, as they explain the monuments that the signs skip.