Historical Significance of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Since being elevated in 1192 by John Comyn, when it was built between two branches of the poddle, the history has been chequered.
Less than half a mile from the modern Arthaus, is a cathedral with roots over 1100 years old, named after a patron saint, St. Patrick. While this may get overlooked by Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick’s is the largest church in Ireland. However, a lot of power is held in Christ Church Cathedral, such as the enthronement of the Archbishop of Dublin, and the retainment of their items.
Nowadays, it is known more in public life as a place to visit, and of national celebrations. More of that later!
Having being founded as a Roman Catholic church originally, the reformations changed that. At St. Patrick’s cathedral, it’s noted that this happened around 1537.
The years that followed this led to a tumultuous time that saw the cathedral degraded to parish church. Along with this designation, the cathedral then hosted a court and the cathedral grammar school.
In 1560, one of Dublin’s first public clocks was erected in “St Patrick’s Steeple”. There is a lot of hidden history around these years that will become clearer as you take the tour of St. Patrick’s cathedral.
1871 Disestablishment
Fast forward to 1871, when the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland happened. The conflict between Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral was resolved.
Saint Patricks became the national cathedral, and Christ Church was named the cathedral of the Dublin Diocese.
For further information on the deep history, I highly recommend visiting and taking the tour.
Architectural Features
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was constructed in a way inspired by gothic architecture from around the world. However, this was allowed to fall in to ruin, and now the style from the victorian era.
Benjamin Lee Guinness
Much of the building dates to the late 12th century, however by the 17th century much of the cathedral was in ruin. This lead to the Benjamin Lee Guinness restoration period of 1860-65.
Adorned in stained glass windows, the stunning cathedral has a number of stories told through art.
The west end holds the largest cathedral window in Ireland, known as Saint Patrick’s window. There are 39 episodes told throughout the window.
Interior Design
The Organ is one of the notable features within the cathedral, and makes for a popular visitor attraction. Dating back to 1695, the organ has been a rebuilt numerous times. However, the playing of an organ is noted to William Herbit in 1509.
The bells of Patrick Street also come with history and fame. The tenth heaviest peal of bells are within the bell tower. With Benjamin Guinness and Edward Guinness both donating throughout the years to the cause.
The Guinness Restoration project did culminate with a stature being cast by John Henry Foley which can be seen in the exterior land.
The Role of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The cathedral now hosts a number of national ceremonies from Remembrance Day to Graduations and state funerals.
Local university, TUD confer their students in the cathedral each year. Which makes for an awesome photo op.
Two Irish Presidents celebrated their life here upon their death. Douglas Hyde, who was the first president of Ireland, had his funeral held in 1949. Some 25 years later, Erskine Childers’ funeral was also held in the cathedral.
Stay at the Arthaus Hotel
Take the stress out of travelling and stay just seconds from Dublin’s most well-known bars & restaurants and city attractions. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey.
Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get 10% off per night.
Regular Services & Community Involvement
While we see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral as a tourist attraction, it still is a practicing church. It is important to remember this while visiting. Some of those people are there to opening their heart and mind to god. Please be respectful while you are there.
You can see the service schedule on the Cathedral website. The earliest times of prayer are 9am. While the evening song is at 5.30pm.
The Cathedral Choir
When practicing the faith of the cathedral, it is not unusual to hear music. Choral music has been central to the worship for centuries. The choir is composed of choristers, boys and girls.
The Choir sings 2 choral services a day during term time. It is the only Cathedral Choir in Ireland still to do so. It is important to note that there is no choral service on a Saturday.
Over the years, the choir has made many commercial recordings, most of which can be purchased from the Cathedral Shop.
Book a Tour at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
When visiting Dublin, a tour at St. Patrick’s Cathedral should be on your list along with the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and some other favourite attractions.
There are two types of tours to take, a self guided and one with a guide. Entrance to the site is €10 for adults and you can join a guided tour at no extra cost. You just need to arrive on time.
If you have a Go City Dublin Pass, you can visit for free. Simply show your ticket at the entrance.
The Wrap Up
The Arthaus is just half a mile approx walking distance from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A short trip around the cathedral grounds before entering the cathedral for Choral evensong, or a tour is a very wholesome tourist activity to do during your stay.
Waltz around the beautiful stained-glass windows, each telling a story. Read these windows from bottom to top, rather than left to right! A visit will take you back to the medieval street exterior of Dublin city.
Staying at the Arthaus allows you to be in the heart of Dublin 2, close to St Stephen’s green, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street. Book your stay today.