Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years and today is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Dublin. Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint between 1220 and 1260, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. St Patrick baptised people here 1500 years ago.
It is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest cathedral in the country. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was dean of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in the 1700s and he is one of many burials on site. The phrase "to chance your arm" originates from a feud that played out within the walls of St Patrick's. The cathedral is world famous for its choir, established in 1432, which still performs daily during school term. In recent years the Lady Chapel, dating from 1270, has been restored to its original glory. A new exhibition called Lives Remembered has opened which includes a specially commissioned tree sculpture and marks the centenary of World War 1. Guided tours of the cathedral happen regularly throughout the day or a free app can be used for self-guide purpose.