Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s story for over 800 years. In honour of Ireland’s patron saint, it offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience, built on the site where Saint Patrick is said to have baptised early Christian converts 1500 years ago.
It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, and the largest in the country. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as Dean of the cathedral in the 1700s and is buried here. The phrase “to chance your arm” originated within its walls. The world famous choir, founded in 1432, still performs daily during school term. Visitors can explore the cathedral through guided or self guided tours available every day.
- Jonathan Swift Festival: Gulliver’s Travels Gala Dinner
AutumnJonathan Swift Festival: Gulliver’s Travels Gala Dinner Step into the extraordinary imagination of Jonathan Swift for a spectacular evening of food, entertainment and storytelling inspired by the four worlds of Gulliver’s Travels.
- Jonathan Swift Festival: Night Tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
AutumnJonathan Swift Festival: Night Tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral A Special Guided Night Tour of the iconic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral as part of the Jonathan Swift Festival 2026.
- Jonathan Swift Festival: Walking Tour with Saint Patrick’s Hospital
AutumnJonathan Swift Festival: Walking Tour with Saint Patrick’s Hospital A special walking tour that traces Jonathan Swift’s deep connections to Dublin which end in a visit to Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
- Jonathan Swift Festival: And Then There Was Gulliver
AutumnJonathan Swift Festival: And Then There Was Gulliver And Then There Was Gulliver is a new stage musical that covers real events in the life of Jonathan Swift, as he wrote his masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels.
- Jonathan Swift Festival: Jonathan and the Jest
AutumnJonathan Swift Festival: Jonathan and the Jest An engaging literary experience that combines a guided walk through Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh’s Library.
- Guinness Choir: Messiah
Arts and cultureGuinness Choir: Messiah The Guinness Choir continues it's 75th Anniversary celebratory year with a performance of Handel's Messiah at the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th December 2026.
Marsh's Library, beside the Cathedral is a must. It's the oldest public library in Ireland and contains 25,000 books.
