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10 Churches & Cathedrals in Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. St. Mary's Collegiate Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Welcome to 'Voices of St. Mary's Collegiate Church'. We hope you will enjoy exploring our church and discover more about its story in our interactive exhibition when you come to visit! Since its foundation in 1220, St. Mary's Collegiate Church has been at the heart of the town of Youghal. For over 800 years, the stone walls and wooden roof have provided sanctuary and solace through times of war and famine, as well as a calm presence in times of prosperity and peace. There is so much to discover her and as you look around you will see where parts of the church have been altered over the centuries. Despite these changes, the craftsmen who constructed the building in the 13th century would recognise it today. Christian worship continues to this day and Church of Ireland services are regularly held here. The church came into the care of Cork County Council in 2005 and now hosts a wide range of community events and performances, as well as welcoming visitors from all over the world!
Reviewed By Kathleen_White17 - Dublin, Ireland
Really loved our tour of the St Mary Collegiate Church -- our tour guide, Wayne, was very friendly, welcoming and filled with interesting information about the Church and the surrounding areas. Would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Irish history, wanting to spend time in a unique and impressive historical building, and/or wanting to learn some interesting facts about an Irish town that played a big role in history!
2. St Mel's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By 547sheelaghm
You don't have to be a practising catholic to appreciate this gem. The rebuilding of this cathedral has provided a showcase for so many fabulous artists and artisans so if you are near come and enjoy the beautiful stucco celing, stain glass windows, tabernacle, pipe organ to mention but a few. It really is proof that our modern day artists/artisans are every bit as gifted as those of the past when they get an opportunity and the funding to display their talents. Don't miss it.
3. Augustinian Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By 806deirdrew - County Dublin, Ireland
Went to mass here on Sunday. Nothing much to that you say!,But it was the chat with the priest after mass that charmed us.. It being International Women's day, we were all invited to light a candle at a shrine of Our choice, to honour a woman who inspired us. Fabulous gesture. "Have you seen our beautiful garden ' says he. And promptly takes us out to a beautiful memory garden.. It has hand painted walls dedicated to the work of Harry Clarke. Stunning. Lovely remembrance wall set in water feature. Real gem.
4. Saint Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Saint Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and stands in the heart of the medieval city, looking over the majestic River Shannon. Originally the Royal Palace for the Kings of Thomond it was gifted to the church in 1168. It is a living church where worship is offered daily, as it has been for the last 850 years. Please come and visit us at Saint Mary's Cathedral. You will be most welcome !
Reviewed By madigan24 - Knoxville, United States
I love cathedrals and have to visit every one I come across. This one was a gem! Beautiful architecture and gorgeous stained glass. It felt very much like a living, breathing worship community while still preserving its history. The cemetery was also very interesting to view. If you are going to visit King John’s Castle as well while you’re in town, I would suggest visiting the cathedral first, as it will give you a good mental image and context when you come across mention of it in the castle exhibits.
5. St. Anne's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
One of Cork's most prominent landmarks, you can enjoy the unique experience of ringing the original 18th Century Church bells, view the mechanism of the famous four faced liar clock, climb the tower to experience spectacular views of Cork City and beyond and visit the beautiful interior of St, Anne's church, one of Cork's oldest buildings.
Reviewed By JohnL365 - Dungarvan, Ireland
A unique experience. Ring the famous bells, even play a tune on them…… that is great fun for all ages. The steep climb up the narrow stairs was an adventure and well worth the effort. The views of the city from the top are spectacular. In contrast to the clang of the bells is the silence in the church. A little cameo stained glass window provides a meditative environment. Last, but the not least, were the very helpful staff who made our little group so welcome. To become a true Cork person, you must visit Shandon and ring the bells.
6. Corpus Christi Church & Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,411 reviews
Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin's oldest buildings, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Famous for its breathtaking beauty, magnificent architectural features and wonderful floor tiles, Christ Church is also popular as a venue and is host to many high profile concerts throughout the year. It is home to the tomb of Strongbow, leader of the Normans, who captured Dublin in 1170. The Medieval Crypt, the largest in Ireland, extends under the entire Cathedral and contains the mummified Cat and Rat, trapped in the organ in the 1860s. Opening Hours: March and October Monday-Saturday: 9.30-18.00 Sunday: 12.30-14.30 /16.30-18.00 April –September Monday-Saturday: 9.30-19.00 Sunday: 12.30 – 14.30 /16.30 – 19.00 November –February Monday-Saturday: 9.30-17.00 Sunday 12.30-14.30 Please note there may be some restricted access due to services and events.
Reviewed By 611chipm - Colorado Springs, United States
Impressive. Imposing. Beautiful. Worth it! Due to time, we chose this one over St. Pat’s. I don’t feel gipped in any way. Beautiful architecture, well laid out descriptions, awesome crypt, beautiful grounds in the heart of the city of Dublin. If you’re there, worth a stop, for sure!
8. Clonmacnoise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,021 reviews
Reviewed By kirish_12
We had a very atypical Irish vacation in that we had only a few hours of rain in two and a half weeks. We drove to Clonmacnoise hoping to beat the onset of the one rainy afternoon, and did--just. However, the atmosphere created by the gray-green filter that is Ireland was all the more appropriate for the spot. There is such a weight of history and momentous action that lingers there that people seem to fall silent as they move around the grounds, half hearing echoes from the past. Of all Irish places that I have visited over the years, I have only found this rivaled at the Rock of Cashel. You look out over the Shannon River (you could step in it if you exceeded the edge of the grounds) and have such a sense of the vulnerability of the place to raiders and vandals at the same time that your heart aches over the beauty of the scenery. When the rain finally came, we moved inside the visitors' center and saw the introductory movie, which was very helpful and was shown in several languages. Because of wear from weathering, three of the high crosses have been moved inside, each in a room of its own, each from a successive century, each with detailed and fascinating information about the progression of carving styles over time. No one rushes you, and we were not part of a huge crowd. Clonmacnoise is not so much a tourist attraction as it is a mood. Make every effort to go there.
9. St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,582 reviews
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century.The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland. Opening times from 29/11/2011 to 23/11/2011. Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm. Sunday 2pm to 4pm. Round Tower Climb Time at 12 noon and 3pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 3pm. Weather and staff permitting. Admission fee applies for visit into Cathedral and Round Tower. From 24/12/2011 to 02/01/2012 the Cathedral and Round Tower is closed for visiting. PLease check our website for services during the Christmas period.
Reviewed By longandshortofit - Overland Park, United States
Eager to climb a round tower during our time in Ireland, we were happy to find we could do just that in Kilkenny. A bit scary for anyone afraid of heights, the views at the top were expansive and worth the climb. (Their are good railings the whole climb.) There isn't much room at the top so we were glad to go when it wasn't crowded. It also helped to not have too many people trying to climb either up or down at the same time in the narrow space of the tower. The cathedral was lovely and had a very informative self-guided tour with lots of points of interest. We actually preferred it to St Patrick's and Christ Church in Dublin.
10. Fore Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By 88ovidius - Dublin, Ireland
Nice walk in a rainy day:).Very old ruins of a monastery founded in Ireland in yhe 7th century.Free entrance,fresh air and nice view, plus history.The locals said The Abbey have 7 wonders.
