Visiting churches in Ireland? So you want to see the best, but it can be difficult to choose as it sometimes seems like you can’t throw a stone in Ireland without jeopardizing a church window. Ireland, known as the Island of Saints and Scholars, is dotted with church buildings. From the first medieval oratorios to the Byzantine extravagances; From simple homages to neo-Gothic fantasies, the following churches would give you a good impression of the different styles.
01
from 10
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin
Direction
St Patrick’s Close , Wood Quay , Dublin 8 , Co. Dublin , IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 453 9472
Web
Visit the website
Churches are no bigger than this, at least not in Ireland. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland. It is the only Irish cathedral without a bishop and was designated as the ‘National Cathedral of Ireland’ by the Church of Ireland to prevent any attempted takeover by Catholics. Besides the imposing building itself, other important attractions are the historical tombs and various statues. Many visitors specifically come to see the graves of Jonathan Swift and his beloved Stella.
02
from 10
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Direction
Ballycullen Ave, Tymon South, Dublin 24, IrelandGet directions
Web
Visit the website
The Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street is famous for containing St. Valentine’s relics, but these don’t have to be the only reason to visit. Although reminiscent of an imposing fortress from the outside, the interior of the church is resplendent with colorful decorations and statues.
03
from 10
St. Kevin’s Kitchen in Glendalough
This church, with a small round tower incorporated into the main structure, is one of the few complete monuments in Glendalough, County Wicklow. Because the tower looked like a fireplace, the entire church was nicknamed “kitchen.” This church is not open to the public, but you can get a taste of the incredible acoustics through the metal door that protects the interior from visitors.
04
from 10
Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals in Armagh
Direction
40 Upper English St , Armagh BT61 7BA , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 7861 729868
Rising on two opposite hills in County Armagh, overlooking ‘Cathedral City’, the Church of Ireland and Catholic cathedrals are dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland. While the former cathedral belonging to the Church of Ireland can trace its ancestry back to the saint himself, the neo-Gothic extravagance of the Catholic Church was only built in the 19th century. Both feature various depictions of primarily Irish saints on murals, as statues, and in glorious stained glass.
05
from 10
Gallarus Oratory near Dingle
Direction
Caherdorgan South , Dingle , Co. Kerry , V92 Y028 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 66915 5333
Web
Visit the website
Resembling a ship turned upside down, this ancient church is one of the historic gems on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Organically nestled in the landscape, it would be easy to get lost without a guide.
06
from 10
St. Patrick’s Church in Saúl
Direction
St Patricks Rd , Saul , Downpatrick BT30 7JQ , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 28 4461 5947
Built to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s mission (working from the supposed date of 432), this small church in County Down is remarkably restricted. The steeple, or bell tower, has the classic shape of an Irish round tower and appears to be the only fantastic architecture. A small stained glass window depicting Patrick himself is the only decoration, a fitting tribute to a man who saw himself as the humblest servant and built his first church here.
07
from 10
St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh
Direction
5 Cathedral Pl , Kilgarvan , Cobh , Co. Cork , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 21 481 3222
Web
Visit the website
Built on an artificial sandstone bed and built between 1859 and 1919, this cathedral exemplifies the French Gothic style. This County Cork cathedral features rose windows, tall pointed arches, octagonal towers, and several fine gargoyles. These characteristics combine to achieve a very continental, even Mediterranean effect, especially notable is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, decorated with Italian marble and a fine mosaic floor.
08
from 10
Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin
Direction
Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 677 8099
Web
Visit the website
This was the first stone building in Dublin, erected by the conqueror ‘Strongbow’ for his close associate, Archbishop Laurence O’Toole. O’Toole, now a saint, is still in residence: his mummified heart can be seen in the Chapel of St. Laud, near the mummified bodies of a rat and a cat that were found in an organ pipe around 1860. Christ Church is unusual in having a large crypt, with cellars being a rarity in Dublin. Today, the crypt is a museum of the long history of the cathedral.
09
from 10
St Columba’s house in Kells
Direction
St Columbas Terrace , Co. Meath , IrlandaGet directions
Tucked between the busy N3 and the Round Tower of Kells in a narrow lane in County Meath, this little gem is quite representative of early Irish churches. The steep roof and sturdy construction create an unusual, if not exactly attractive image.
10
from 10
University Church in Dublin
Direction
87A St Stephen’s Green , Saint Kevin’s , Dublín 2 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 475 9674
Web
Visit the website
Well hidden and passed by thousands of people who don’t even notice the entrance to Saint Stephen’s Green South, this is one of the weirdest churches in Dublin. Built at the height of the Catholic revival to serve the new university, it was decorated in a Byzantine style, making it seem almost out of place in the city of Dublin. The long, narrow and tall church has strange proportions but a great deal of decorative detail.
