St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral is a 19th-century religious icon in a rural part of Armagh. Standing on a green hill, the church and its tall twin spires rise above the city. Explore the church’s fascinating collection of historical relics and examine stone carvings that date back thousands of years.
Ascend the steps to reach the church at the top of the hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the green countryside. Gaze up at the cathedral and appreciate its Gothic Revival design. The Great Famine in Ireland halted construction for several years. This and other issues resulted in a time for completion of nearly 65 years, with the structure finally finished in 1904.
Enter through the large portal to find yourself in the tall and narrow nave. Columns and arches line the flanks. See the 19th-century pipe organ that was constructed by famous builder William Telford. It has since been renovated and redesigned, primarily drawing inspiration from the French style.
Listen to the hymns of the choir during a church service on Sunday mornings. Attend a concert or other event at the church.
Pre-book a guided tour to get a greater understanding of the cathedral and its treasures. Follow the tales from the Book of Armagh on the lower eastern section of the stained-glass windows. The panels portray the life of St. Patrick, who allegedly spared the life of a deer and its fawn.
Study the stained-glass windows of scriptural tales and note the intricate mosaics in the church. Peruse the gift shop for souvenirs and intriguing books and accessories.
Visit the Anglican sister cathedral, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, which is in the city center. The two churches have somewhat different religious practices, but cordial relations.
Enter the church for free. Its shop is open daily from morning until late afternoon with later opening on Sundays.
St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral is in the northwestern part of Armagh. It is a 0.4-mile (0.6-kilometer) walk northwest of its Anglican counterpart. Relax in the nearby Abbey Park and stroll through the picturesque rural surroundings.
