Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

Saint Fin Barre\'s Cathedral featuring religious aspects, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral


With its richly decorated façade and opulent interior designs, this mid-19th century cathedral is one of Cork’s most instantly recognisable monuments.

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a landmark blessed with inspiring artistic features and a centuries-old history. It stands on the site of a 7th-century monastery established by Saint Fin Barre, the patron saint of Cork. Today’s Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is the church’s third edition and dates back to 1863. See this impressive work of the celebrated English architect William Burges, who won the right to build it in a competition with over 60 architects.

Stand at the cathedral’s entrance and admire the blend of French-Gothic and medieval architectural styles. Note the arched doorways and gaze up at the towers, crowned by soaring spires. Spot a series of gargoyles, griffins and saints, all intricately carved from stone. They make up a selection of over 1,200 sculptures beautifying the cathedral.

Look for a golden angel perched atop a dome on the east side of the cathedral. Legend states that the angel will blow its trumpet to warn Cork’s residents about the end of the world the residents will then be the first in line to enter heaven. Go to the southern edge of the cathedral grounds to see an archway that formed part of an earlier medieval church.

Inside, magnificent stained-glass windows portray Biblical scenes and decorate the cathedral walls. One of the more curious artifacts is a 24-pound (11-kilogram) cannonball. It is a remnant of the 1690 Siege of Cork and destroyed one of the medieval spires. Don’t miss the display of 12th-century stone heads, discovered during the removal of a tower in 1865.

Stroll through the cemetery to see the gravestones of notable Irish figures. Among these are composer Arnold Bax and sculptor Seamus Murphy.

The cathedral is open daily from April to November. Between December and March it’s open from Monday to Saturday. Pay the admission fee, which includes a souvenir postcard. Attend a worship service any day.

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a short walk southwest of Cork’s city center. A hop-on, hop-off tourist bus stops close to the main entrance. Visit nearby attractions such as the English Market and Glucksman Gallery.

Tours & day trips

See all 57 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 30 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The Dean Cork
The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

4 out of 5
Western Road, Cork, Cork
The River Lee Hotel
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Isaacs Hotel Cork City

Isaacs Hotel Cork City

3 out of 5
48 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Cork
Isaacs Hotel Cork City
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Imperial Hotel
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Clayton Hotel Cork City

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

4 out of 5
John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork, Cork
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
Leonardo Hotel Cork

Leonardo Hotel Cork

4 out of 5
Andersons Quay, Cork, Cork
Leonardo Hotel Cork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

At Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, visitors can engage in captivating cathedral tours and explore the rich history through book tours. The surrounding area offers a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities to enjoy local theatre performances, lively festivals, and scenic walking routes, making it a delightful destination for tourists seeking both culture and leisure.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, visit the English Market, only 483m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, head to Mahon Point Shopping Centre, located 6.4km away, which features entertainment and family-friendly options, or Blarney Woolen Mills, also 6.4km away.

Recreation

At Pairc Ui Chaoimh, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports just 3.2km from Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. For a lighter experience, enjoy laughter at the City Limits Comedy Club, located 1.1km away, perfect for families. Alternatively, play a round at Douglas Golf Club, 4.8km away, amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience thrilling karting at Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 16.1km from Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. For water enthusiasts, Swell Surf School, 22.5km away, offers exciting watersports. Finally, enjoy the scenic Barnane Walk, a hiking trail 30.6km from the cathedral, perfect for outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral at the Everyman Palace Theatre, just 1.3km away, offering a mix of culture and romance. Alternatively, visit the Cork Arts Theatre, 966m away, for more entertainment, or enjoy adventure at Leisureplex, located 1.1km from the Cathedral.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

While visiting Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area by exploring the nearby historic college and university. Wander the charming streets that surround the cathedral, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and local experiences. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment or simply a pleasant day out, the attractions in this vibrant part of Cork promise to engage and inspire every traveller.

  • University College Cork: A prestigious institution with a rich history, University College Cork is renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant campus atmosphere. Visitors can explore the lush grounds and appreciate the cultural vibe that permeates this intellectual hub, just 644m from Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral.
  • Cork Opera House: Located 805m away, Cork Opera House is a cultural gem offering a diverse range of performances. The venue exudes a romantic charm, making it perfect for an evening of entertainment and immersion in the arts, all while enjoying the lively city atmosphere.
  • St. Patrick's Bridge: This historic bridge, situated 966m from the cathedral, is an architectural landmark. Its cultural significance and picturesque views make it a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to soak in the essence of Cork.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

To save money during your visit to Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. The most affordable day to stay is Monday, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified options, and consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral with your flights and activities by opting for a package through Expedia.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia