Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS...
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Swift's Tomb
»
Black James' Door
»
Boyle's Monument
PRACTICALITIES
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MAP
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St Patrick's Close
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adult/child €5.50/free
»
9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 9-10.30am & 12.30-2.30pm Sun year-round, longer hrs Mar-Oct
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50, 50A or 56A from Aston Quay, 54 or 54A from Burgh Quay
Although a church has stood here since the 5th century, this building dates from the
turn of the 12th century and has been altered several times, most notably in 1864 when it
was saved from ruin and, some might say, over- enthusiastically restored. The interior is
as calm and soothing as the exterior is sombre. The picturesque
St Patrick's Park
, adjoining,
was a crowded slum until it was cleared in the early 20th century.
It's likely that St Patrick's was intended to replace Christ Church as the city's cathedral
but the older church's stubborn refusal to be usurped resulted in the two cathedrals being
virtually a stone's throw from one another. Separated only by the city walls (with St Pat-
rick's outside), each possessed the rights of cathedral of the diocese. While St Pat's isn't
as photogenic as its neighbour, it probably one-ups its sexier-looking rival in historical
terms.