The church dates all the way back to 1191, so it has seen a lot of restorative work over the years. There was a little bit of work being done to the spire while we were there, but overall, the church looked beautiful and the grounds very well maintained.
I think it was about 6:30am when I strolled up to the church, so it wasn't yet open for visitors. If we would have had more time allotted for Dublin, I would have loved to have visited later in the day when they were open for tours. There is a fee to tour, which is about $10 USD, but they do offer senior and student discounts with i.d. I was still happy to have the chance to walk the perimeter of the church because it's just really gorgeous to see in person. I am a sucker for doors, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral had some really lovely ones to admire...
If you ever find yourself in Dublin and you love old churches, it's definitely worth a stop on your itinerary. Doors open for tours starting at 9:30am. If you miss the cutoff, I think it's still worth your while to head over and walk the perimeter to see this beautiful church in person. We even found little fairy doors on garden walls sprinkled around the surrounding neighborhoods that made the walk and trip that much more enjoyable :)
Visiting old churches, yay or nay?
I do ever so love me arched windows and entrances, can our new house have them? Pretty please? And diamond glass windows? And rotundas in windows? And a few turrets and towers for prisoners?
ReplyDeleteWe have a Franciscan church in our downtown which is as old as the city is, and currently has a rather hot abbot indeed :) Our local Catholic cathedral has a facade broken right into half by a massive crack so they're trying to fix that for years. We also have a few nice Orthodox churches.
Yay! That is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat is one old church. I really like the doors. They stick out indeed. Sure looks like a spot roam around for a while. I'd visit, but I find with things like that there is only so much you can see before it's time to move along.
ReplyDeleteThis would be so cool to see! I love history, so I'd be all about this cathedral. It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visiting old churches during my travels. It’s always a great experience.
ReplyDeleteThat church is amazing and how did they construct it in 1191. I have never been to Ireland but this is a can not miss sight.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought there is something absolutely stunning about cathedrals and this one is definitely stunning. It amazes me the architecture they used to do!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness this is such a beautiful church!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow! Every aspect of this cathedral is mesmerizing. Every inch is also very detail from the door to the edge of the roof.
ReplyDeleteweve been and its SO gorgeous inside- thanks for sharing these great pictures !
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this in person. These photos are so beautiful. I hope someday I'll be able to go there. I bet it is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis Cathedral is so wonderful! I would like to visit it one day!
ReplyDeleteWow, 1191? I had to scroll up to read that twice! Everything about Ireland is beautiful, but this may be my second favorite on our virtual journey. It's second to the colorful village you posted.
ReplyDeleteA definite Eso! (That would be a yay!) Been to some European churches, but don't think any were as old as St. Patrick's. Sweetie has Ireland on his bucketlust, so here's hoping we get to visit soon.
ReplyDeleteA definite ESO! (That would be a yay!) Babushka has visited some churches in Europe, but St. Patrick’s is older than the ones seen. Sweetie has Ireland on his bucket list. Hopefully we will get to visit soon.
ReplyDeleteI do love to visit old churches. I remember being so surprised once when my daughter-in-law said she hated visiting the churches in Europe. It was my reality blast that not everyone in my circle liked the same kind of itinerary. Lots of things have changed since the kids grew up and brought the outsiders... just kidding, but not kidding, and you for one, know why. :D :D :D
ReplyDeleteI like the doors. It's amazing how big they are...and heavy too, I'm sure. Architecture and design in these churches are sometimes so amazing.
I like churches and government buildings. Boy do I not care for either of the practices. I just like their buildings, and artwork.
ReplyDeleteI always visit churches and cathedrals with I'm traveling. The design and style of them are beautiful and considering they were built so long ago makes them more interesting. I also loved my visit to Dublin a few years ago. It's a great city.
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful building and I love to see the details. Can't get enough of them and I will definitely take tons of pictures while enjoying it :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a striking cathedral! The grounds are so peaceful looking. I love to visit churches of all kind. Maybe I'll make it to Dublin someday.
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