St Patrick's Cathedral Self-Guided Admission Ticket Dublin

St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin's national cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral stands in the old heart of Dublin on a site connected with Saint Patrick himself, beside a well where he is said to have baptised converts. The present building dates mainly from the thirteenth century, though a church has stood here far longer, and it is the largest church in Ireland with the country's tallest spire. Since the nineteenth century it has served as the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland.

If you plan a St Patrick's Cathedral visit, expect a spacious Gothic interior, worn stone floors, medieval tiles, banners of the Order of St Patrick and a series of monuments that trace centuries of Irish history. Sung services are held on most days, so the visitor route may adjust around worship.

Jonathan Swift and the cathedral's stories

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was dean of St Patrick's Cathedral from 1713 until his death in 1745, and he is buried inside the church. Beside his grave lies Esther Johnson, whom he called Stella. Displays in the cathedral present his writings, his sharp satire and his charity work, and even his death mask is shown.

Many visitors search for information on Swift at St Patrick's because the cathedral makes the writer feel close. The audio guide brings his story to life alongside the wider history of the building, the choir school and the many monuments to soldiers, statesmen and clergy.

The Door of Reconciliation and stained glass

The Door of Reconciliation is a small cut-out in an old wooden door, dating to a fifteenth-century feud between two powerful Irish families. To end a standoff, one lord cut a hole and thrust his arm through in a gesture of peace, which is said to have given rise to the expression to chance your arm. You can see the door in the cathedral and hear its story on the audio guide.

Look up as well for the stained glass windows, including one that tells the life of Saint Patrick in a series of small scenes, and for the carved stone, banners and memorials that fill the aisles. The interactive Discovery Space is a good stop for families, with touchscreen displays and a hands-on brass rubbing.

Opening hours, audio guide and nearby sights

Opening hours change by season and for services, so check the times shown when you book; the ticket is valid for one day. The audio guide is included in six languages, and admission is self-guided, so you can spend as long as you like, though most visitors take about an hour.

St Patrick's Cathedral is a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Marsh's Library. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and the visit is wheelchair-accessible. To reach the cathedral, walk south from Grafton Street or take a bus to Patrick Street.