St Patrick’s Cathedral

The largest church in Ireland, the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral has borne witness to nearly 800 years of Irish history. The church was supposedly founded on the site where Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, baptized converts and is known for its exquisite stained-glass windows, marble statues, and medieval tiling. St. Patrick’s is as much a significant spot for literary pilgrims as it is for their religious counterparts; Jonathan Swift, the esteemed author of “Gulliver’s Travels” once served as dean here and is now buried within its gray stone walls.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most-visited historical attractions and an essential stop for any history buff. A stop at the 13th-century building is included on most Dublin sightseeing tours, along with nearby attractions such as Trinity College and Temple Bar. It’s also a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dublin. To fully appreciate the symbolic significance of the cathedral’s many features and avoid the lines that can form at busy times, opt for a guided tour with skip-the-line-access.