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St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
Cork City, Co. Cork
Family friendly
Rainy days
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral stands on the site where the city of Cork was founded in the 7th century. The cathedral features splendid stained glass windows, marble mosaics and rich sculptures.

Situated near the heart of Cork, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is the most recent ecclesiastical site located where the saint is believed to have founded his monastic school in the 7th century.

The present Neo-Gothic cathedral, designed by English architect William Bruges, is made from Cork limestone and marble, as well as Bath stone. This Church of Ireland cathedral was consecrated in 1870.

Noteworthy features of its magnificent interior include stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, marble mosaics from the Pyrenees while the the sanctuary ceiling portrays Christ, surrounded by angels. The building contains more than 1,260 sculptures, a particularly ornate pulpit and even a 24 lb cannonball, a legacy of the Siege of Cork in 1690.

Upcoming events
Why we like it
  • Take a guided tour to uncover the history of this site where the City was founded in the 7th century.
  • Marvel at the stained-glass windows, marble mosaics and sculptures.
  • Admire the unique pulpit and ceiling, and the impressive pipe organ. 
  • Explore the perimeter to see the Goldie Angel and stroll through the labyrinth.
Tips from locals

This is a magnificent venue for classical music performances, enhanced by the acoustics and stunning setting. Check their calendar of events for details of upcoming recitals.

Contact details
Bishop St, The Lough, Cork, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here.

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