Many of us will remember the shock of the incident on April 15th, 2019 — the sense of sheer disbelief as images and videos capturing the centuries-old monument ablaze first began circulating worldwide.

As the world watched on helplessly that day whilst the fire ripped through Notre Dame, totally destroying its roof and spire, it was difficult to imagine we’d ever see it restored to its former glory or be able to walk through its doors once more.

To now be able to do so, just five years on from the disaster, is truly remarkable — a near impossible feat, pulled off by hundreds of construction workers, craftspeople and artisans and an even higher number of generous donors scattered across the globe.

It’s one hell of a success story, and may even live on to be one of the most riveting parts of the wider story of Notre Dame, and its 860-year history to date.

Here in Ireland, though, we’re spoiled for similarly great stories — and for jaw-droppingly beautiful buildings that contain them. Best of all, none of them have mega crowds queuing outside the doors like the Notre Dame soon will!

“Without a doubt, Ireland’s cathedrals stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s most famous landmarks [in terms of visitor appeal],” claims Ed Coleman, marketing manager for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

Saint Patrick’s is the largest cathedral in Ireland, and also one of the tallest — with its 43-metre spire an instantly recognisable part of the fabric of Dublin city.

While the grandeur of the cathedral alone makes it well worth a visit, the stories woven into every stone of Saint Patrick’s are even vaster still. The cathedral is a place of worship; but it is also a place of wonder, where history comes alive and visitors find themselves drawn into Ireland’s story.

And what a story it is; Ireland may be the land of saints and scholars, but Saint Patrick’s cathedral can lay claim to some of the most famous of each!

Of course, the cathedral is named after Ireland’s patron saint, but the connections don’t end there. While very little definitive information exists about the life of Saint Patrick, it is widely believed that he passed through Dublin in the 5th Century.

According to legend, during this period he used a well somewhere in the vicinity of what is now Saint Patrick’s Cathedral to baptise new converts to Christianity. In other words, there’s a very high chance that if you were to visit the cathedral today, you’d be walking on the same ground that Saint Patrick himself once did!

Then, of course, there’s the cathedral’s connection to Jonathan Swift, author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ and one of Ireland’s most famous writers and satirists. He was the Dean of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713 until his death in 1745. Today, you can find Swift’s grave and a cast of his skull on display at the cathedral, along with many other fascinating artefacts connected to his time in St Patrick’s.

“One of the most significant events hosted by the cathedral is the Jonathan Swift Festival, held every November,” Ed shares. “The festival celebrates Swift’s life and legacy, with a range of activities including lectures, performances, and readings of Swift's works. It’s a special opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the literary and historical culture associated with one of Ireland’s most famous figures.

“The [cathedral’s] sense of connection with Ireland’s past often leaves visitors unexpectedly moved, as does the architecture and the history. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the place. Whether people come to pray, reflect, or simply to marvel at the beauty of the architecture, they are most welcomed.

“Saint Patrick's Cathedral welcomed over 600,000 visitors in 2023, drawing tourists, pilgrims, and locals alike. Its rich history and breathtaking architecture attract people from around the globe, while locals and Dubliners enjoy reconnecting with their heritage in such a grand, historic space.

“Visitors often express surprise at how peaceful and reflective the space feels, despite being located in the bustling heart of Dublin. Many are also impressed by the beautiful choir performances on offer here, or generally they remark on how much more there is to see and learn than they had initially expected, with our friendly team of staff here playing a key role in helping them uncover hidden layers of history and culture.”

As well as welcoming people of all religions and of none, Saint Patrick’s cathedral is also geared towards visitors of all ages. The cathedral offers family-friendly tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities designed to keep the little ones happy, while the adjoining Saint Patrick’s Park, with its beautiful surroundings, is the perfect spot for a family picnic or to stretch your legs before heading on to the next stop on your Irish holiday adventure!

Where to next?

While it may be the biggest, Saint Patrick’s certainly isn’t the only cathedral worth popping in to for a visit as you explore Ireland.

It’s the nature of Ireland that you’ll come across a place of worship in just about every town, village and city you’ll pass through, each with something different to offer any curious explorer – from stunning architecture to living pieces of Irish history.

Here are just some to keep an eye out for along your travels;

Saint Colman’s Cathedral, Co Cork

Located in the heart of bustling seaside town Cobh, and offering views of Cork Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of Ireland's most scenic churches. A stunning feat of neo-Gothic architecture, Saint Colman’s features a 100-metre-high spire and a tower that includes a 49-bell carillon, one of the largest in Europe. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch one of the cathedral’s famous recitals, featuring choirs from around the world.

Belfast Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of St Anne) 

This beautiful cathedral celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, sitting in the heart of Belfast city. It is the focal point of the aptly-named Cathedral Quarter, a historic trading quarter that is today one of the liveliest parts of Belfast, home to many of the city’s top restaurants, bars and music venues. Head to the cathedral for a range of self-guided or expert-led tours, where highlights include the Titanic Pall, a stunning memorial to the 1,517 lives lost in the tragic sinking of the Titanic.

Saint Canice’s Cathedral, Co Kilkenny

Dating all the way back to the 6th century, this ancient cathedral is where the story of Kilkenny began, and even gives the city its name — Cill Chainnigh — Church of Canice. One of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval cathedrals, St Canice’s Cathedral appears to visitors today very much as it did to their Norman and Gaelic ancestors 800 years ago. While there, don’t miss your chance to visit the cathedral’s Round Tower, one of only two round towers in the country that people can still climb, which offers fantastic views of the city once you reach the top.