Top 15 Churches and Cathedrals in Dublin: Historic and Beautiful

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Ireland has a very rich religious history that is full of strife while remaining something beautiful. The best way to take in Ireland’s history is to tour a few of the most important churches and cathedrals in Dublin.

Churches in Dublin feature gorgeous European architecture, magnificent stained glass window art, ornate artifacts, and some of the most beautiful organ and choir music in the country.

Whether you are looking to learn more about Irish history or want to find a church to worship and find peace in, Dublin will have something for you.

These are the Top 15 Churches and Cathedrals in Dublin:

Top 15 Churches to Visit in Dublin - Pin this!

How Many Churches Are There in Dublin?

Ireland has many churches and cathedrals due to its rich religious history. In Dublin, there are approximately 200 parishes and 2 cathedrals.

What Is the Biggest Church in Dublin?

1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin

Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599, Ireland

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is arguably the most famous cathedral in Dublin (and even all of Ireland) due to its namesake – Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. The cathedral was built in Dublin in 1191 and has a rich history that is documented throughout the church.

The church is built with gothic architecture and is magnificent to see, but what is really spectacular about this cathedral is the interior. It is built with high arches, beautiful stain glass windows, and flags lining the North Transcept that honor the various regiments that fought in battle.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is world-famous for its choir which was established in 1432 as the oldest choir school in Ireland. The choir still performs at the cathedral daily during the school term.

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, interior

As you enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral you will see Jonathan Swift’s grave, author of the famous Gulliver’s Travels novel and dean of the cathedral in the early 18th century.

The cathedral sits on St. Patrick’s Park, a nice green area with some beautiful flowers that is perfect to wander through or have a picnic on a sunny Dublin afternoon.

For information on Worship Services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, click here.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

What Is the Biggest Church in Ireland?

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the biggest church and cathedral in Ireland. However, the tallest church in Ireland is St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh at 91.4m (300ft).

What Is the Tallest Church in Dublin?

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the tallest church in Dublin with the spire coming in at 43m (141ft).

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What Is the Most Famous Church in Dublin/Ireland?

While I mentioned St. Patrick’s Cathedral might be the most famous church in Dublin and in Ireland, I actually preferred visiting (as do many other people) this cathedral:

2. Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Address: Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral is my favorite church to tour, mostly because I find the crypt fascinating! Plus, the exterior is pretty spectacular.

Originally a Viking church, the cathedral was built in the early 11th century, but it was extensively renovated in the late 19th century. The Christ Church Cathedral Crypt has tombs of some of Ireland’s most important religious figures, historical artifacts, a treasury, a mummified cat and rat, and even a family dress-up area.

Visitors can also walk the Christ Church Cathedral Labyrinth as a way to reflect, pray, and find peace.

For information on Worship Services at Christ Church Cathedral, click here.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF CHRIST CHUCH CATHEDRAL

OR, are you looking to visit Christ Church Cathedral during a tour of Dublin?

Check out one of these two tours that include a stop at the cathedral:

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DUBLIN CITY HIGHLIGHTS WALKING TOUR

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE GROUP TOUR OF DUBLIN

What Is the Oldest Church in Dublin/Ireland?

3. St. Audoen’s Church in Dublin

Address: High St, The Liberties, Dublin 8, Ireland

Built in 1190 with a neoclassical design, St. Audoen’s is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin and is still in use. As the oldest church in Dublin, the ancient exterior is pretty amazing to see.

St. Audoen’s Church is now home to the Polish chaplaincy in Ireland, but there is an adjacent Anglican church with the same name.

For information on Worship Services at St. Audoen’s Church, click here.

Looking for somewhere to stay near the top 3 churches to visit in Dublin?

I recommend staying at Staycity Aparthotels – Dublin Castle. It’s a modern 4-star, reasonably priced hotel that’s a 5-minute walk or less to all three churches.

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More of the Best Churches to Visit in Dublin

9. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

Address: City Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, Ireland

It is worth taking even a quick walk past the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Dublin. It’s a small church squeezed in between modern buildings for an interesting contrast of the old and the new in Dublin.

For information on Worship Services at Immaculate Heart of Marcy Church, click here.

10. Whitefriar Street Church Dublin

Address: 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 YF57, Ireland

This church is beautifully decorated between the colorful mosaics, dark wood confessionals, brightly colored stain glass windows, and their stations of the cross.

For information on Worship Services at Whitefriar Street Church Dublin, click here.

11. St. Ann’s Church of Ireland

Address: 18 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 YV57, Ireland

St. Ann’s Church of Ireland has a Romanesque inspiration for architecture and incredible craftsmanship.

For information on Worship Services at St. Ann’s Church of Ireland, click here.

12. Abbey Presbyterian Church, Dublin

Address: Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland

A more modern and inclusive church in Dublin, Abbey Presbyterian Church values being cross-generational and cross-cultural.

For information on Worship Services at Abbey Presbyterian Church, click here.

13. Romanian Orthodox Church, Dublin

Address: Leeson Park, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland

This church is very popular with Dublin locals for its pleasant and welcoming services.

For information on Worship Services at Romanian Orthodox Church, click here.

14. St. Werburgh’s Church of Ireland

Address: Werburgh St, Dublin, Ireland

This church has had a rich history in Ireland throughout the years. One of the older churches in Dublin, it has burned down and been rebuilt a few times over the course of its existence.

For information on St. Werburgh’s Church of Ireland, click here.

15. The Church Café Dublin

Address: Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX64, Ireland

Ok, so this one is more of a fun bonus “church” in Dublin. In 2005, the former St. Mary’s Church was turned into a bar that is now The Church Café. The building is beautiful and impressive, and having a drink or lunch in a church is a unique thing to try when visiting Ireland.

Those are the top 15 best churches and cathedrals to visit, tour, and worship at while visiting or living in Dublin, Ireland. Ireland has some of the richest religious history throughout the decades and many beautiful churches across the country to tour.

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☘️FAQs About Ireland☘️

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1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
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❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).

🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)

☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.

🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland

🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.

Top 15 Churches and Cathedrals in Dublin: Historic and Beautiful

How Many Churches Are There in Dublin?