St. Patricks Cathedral

Introduction

St Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland and the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (Anglican). Founded in 1191 and named after St Patrick — who is said to have baptized converts nearby — with its Gothic spires, stained glass, medieval floor tiles, memorial statues, and Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels) as dean buried within, it is Dublin's most important religious building and the spiritual center of the Church of Ireland. Founded in 1191 on the site of St Patrick's 5th-century baptismal well — rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th-14th centuries, extensively restored in the 19th century with Guinness family funding. Ireland's largest church — ~91 m long, Gothic spire ~43 m. Interior features stained glass, medieval floor tiles, knightly banners and memorial statues. Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels) was dean (1713-1745) and is buried inside with his beloved Esther Johnson (Stella). The choir remains active. Visiting to feel a millennium of faith and Swift's literary legacy in Ireland's largest Gothic church is a solemn, profound cultural experience in Dublin.

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