Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is Ireland‘s largest cathedral and the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, located at St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, at the junction of Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street. Built from 1220 on a site associated with Saint Patrick’s earliest ministry in Ireland, it remains a working place of worship as well as one of Dublin‘s most visited attractions. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility, what to see inside, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Admission is included for free if you have a Go City Dublin Pass.
Updated February 2026. Ticket prices and opening hours were verified directly on the official cathedral website. Many third-party guides and ticketing platforms still list the adult admission price as €9.00 or €10.00 — the current adult price is €11.50. The child ticket (ages 6–12) has also increased and now stands at €5.50, not the €3.50 or €4.00 still shown on many older guides.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, D08 H6X3 |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri: 09:30–17:00; Sat: 09:00–17:00; Sun: 09:00–10:30 and 13:00–14:30 |
| Last admission | As per the closing times above (the cathedral closes to visitors between services on Sundays) |
| Adult ticket | €11.50 |
| Student/Senior (60+) | €10.00 |
| Child (6–12) | €5.50 |
| Infant (under 5) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | €31.00 |
| Joint entry (cathedral + Marsh’s Library) | €17.00 |
| Nearest public transport | Dublin Bus: routes 49, 54A, 56A, 77A, 151 stop nearby; Luas red line: Four Courts (approx. 12 min walk) |
| Parking | Limited coach spaces on St Patrick’s Close; no dedicated visitor car park |
| Typical visit duration | 40–60 minutes self-guided; longer with free guided tour |
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral opening hours
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 09:30, and on Saturday from 09:00, with visitor access until 17:00 on both. Sunday hours are staggered around services: the cathedral is open to visitors from 09:00 to 10:30, and again from 13:00 to 14:30 on Sundays. It is closed to tourists during services. As a working cathedral, it can also close at short notice for special services or events — it is advisable to check the official website or contact the cathedral before travelling on a Sunday in particular.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral ticket prices
The standard adult admission ticket costs €11.50, which includes entry to the full cathedral and an audio guide. Concessions are available for students and seniors aged 60 and over at €10.00. Children aged 6 to 12 pay €5.50; infants under 5 enter free. A family ticket covering two adults and up to three children costs €31.00.
A joint entry ticket covering both Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the adjacent Marsh’s Library — one of Ireland’s oldest public libraries, founded in 1707 — is available for €17.00 per adult and represents a saving over purchasing both tickets separately.
The cathedral is included on the Go City Dublin Pass and the DoDublin Days Out Card.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Go City Dublin Pass?
- 🎟️ Access to 40+ Attractions: Enjoy entry to Dublin’s most iconic sites, including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on admission fees compared to buying individual tickets at the gate for each landmark.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus sightseeing tour, making it easy to navigate the city and reach top districts without extra transport costs.
- 📱 Digital Convenience: No need for paper tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone at each attraction for seamless entry.
- ⏱️ Flexible Sightseeing: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days) that fits your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace.
How to get to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is located in the south inner city, approximately a 15-minute walk from Dame Street and Dublin Castle. Several Dublin Bus routes stop close to the cathedral, including the 49, 54A, 56A, 77A, and 151. The nearest Luas stop is Four Courts on the red line, approximately 12 minutes’ walk away. From Trinity College Dublin, the cathedral is approximately 1 km on foot — around a 16-minute walk. The DoDublin and City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tours both have a designated stop directly outside the cathedral. Dublin Bikes docking stations are available at Francis Street and Christ Church Place, both a short walk away.
Parking at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
There is no dedicated visitor car park at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. A limited number of coach parking spaces are available on Saint Patrick’s Close, though the cathedral is not responsible for parking arrangements. Visitors arriving by car should use public car parks in the surrounding area — the nearest options include those at Dublin Castle and Christchurch. Given the central location and good public transport connections, most visitors find public transport or walking the more practical choice.
5 great Dublin experiences to book
- 🌊 Cliffs of Moher day tour: Take a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway.
- 🚶 Dublin walking tour: Discover Dublin’s highlights and hidden gems on a city walking tour packed with stories.
- 📚 Book of Kells and castle tour: See key historic sites on a guided tour combining the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.
- 🍺 Food and drink tour: Enjoy eight tastings on an indulgent walking tour.
- 🚤 River Liffey cruise: Take a sightseeing cruise along the River Liffey.
How long to spend at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
A self-guided visit typically takes 40 to 60 minutes. Visitors who join one of the free guided tours should allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Those purchasing a joint entry ticket to also visit Marsh’s Library next door should plan for a total visit of approximately two hours. The cathedral’s gift shop and garden are also worth allowing time for.
Accessibility at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is wheelchair accessible. The cathedral publishes a dedicated Access Welcome Guide, available on its website, which provides detailed information on accessible routes through the building. Visitors with specific mobility or access requirements are encouraged to review the guide before their visit or to contact the cathedral directly. Toilets are available on site.
Inside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral: what to see
All admission tickets include a self-guided audio tour, available in seven languages: English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Mandarin. Free guided tours of the interior are available to individual visitors on Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 14:30. These operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are not available for group bookings; availability is subject to unforeseen circumstances. Visitors should check at the Welcome Desk on arrival for the time of the next tour.
The nave is the longest in Ireland and features soaring Gothic vaulted ceilings dating from the cathedral’s construction between 1220 and 1259. The stone floor has been restored and features the original medieval layout. The stained-glass windows span several centuries and include examples from Victorian restorations carried out by the Guinness family in the 1860s. The organ has more than 4,000 pipes and is one of the largest in Ireland.
Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels and Dean of Saint Patrick’s from 1713 to 1745, is buried in the cathedral alongside his companion Esther Johnson. A corner of the nave is dedicated to Swift, including a display of his death mask, writing materials, and personal effects. Visitors can also see his own epitaph, which he wrote in Latin and which is mounted on the wall.
The cathedral houses over 200 monuments, making it one of the most monument-rich buildings in Ireland. Among the most notable are the Boyle Monument (1632), a large painted monument erected by Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, for his family; the effigy of Fulke de Saundford in the North Choir Aisle; and the Tree of Remembrance, the cathedral’s most recent monument, commemorating Irish involvement in the First World War.
The Door of Reconciliation in the north transept is a historic wooden door with a hole cut in it, the origin of the phrase “to chance your arm.” In 1492, during a dispute between the earls of Kildare and Ormond, the Earl of Kildare cut a hole in this door and pushed his arm through to shake hands with his adversary — a gesture of reconciliation that ended the stand-off.
The Discovery Space includes interactive exhibits with touch screens and audio content from the cathedral’s world-famous choir, which was founded in 1432. The choir still performs at services during the school term; service times are listed on the official website.
The cathedral garden to the rear is free to enter and features seating areas with views of the building’s exterior.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Be aware of Sunday opening windows | On Sundays the cathedral closes to visitors between 10:30 and 13:00 for services. Visitors arriving in this window will not be admitted. Plan around the two open windows: 09:00–10:30 and 13:00–14:30. |
| Free guided tours are walk-in only | Guided tours at 10:30 and 14:30 (Mon–Sat) are free and open to all admitted visitors. They do not require separate booking but are not guaranteed — ask at the Welcome Desk on arrival. |
| The garden is free to enter | The rear garden can be accessed without a ticket. It provides views of the exterior and has benches. |
| Joint ticket with Marsh’s Library | Marsh’s Library is immediately adjacent to the cathedral and one of the few surviving early 18th-century libraries in Europe. The joint ticket at €17.00 is worth considering for visitors with an interest in history or literature. |
| Book in advance for groups | Groups of 10 or more must book in advance online and arrive during their allocated time slot. Walk-in accommodation for groups is not guaranteed. |
| Audio guides are included | An audio guide in your chosen language is included with all admission tickets — no additional charge or booking required. |
| Check for special closures | The cathedral is a working place of worship. It may close to visitors on short notice for funerals, special services, or events. Checking the website on the day of your visit is advisable. |
Frequently asked questions about Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral? | Adult €11.50; student/senior €10.00; child (6–12) €5.50; under 5s free; family (2 adults + up to 3 children) €31.00. |
| Is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral free to visit? | No. Admission is charged for all visitors except infants under 5. The cathedral garden at the rear is free to enter. |
| Is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral open on Sundays? | Yes, but only during two windows: 09:00–10:30 and 13:00–14:30. It is closed to visitors during services. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral? | Individual visitors can purchase tickets on the door. Advance booking is available online. Groups of 10 or more must book online in advance. |
| Is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral wheelchair accessible? | Yes. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible. An Access Welcome Guide is available on the official website. |
| Is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral suitable for children? | Yes. Children aged 6–12 pay a reduced rate; under 5s are free. A family ticket is available. Interactive exhibits are included in the Discovery Space. |
| Are guided tours available at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral? | Free guided tours run at 10:30 and 14:30, Monday to Saturday, for individual visitors. Private guided tours for groups (min. 10) can be arranged at €18 per person. No guided tours on Sundays. |
| Are audio guides included with admission to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral? | Yes. Audio guides in English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Mandarin are included with all admission tickets. |
| What is the Marsh’s Library joint ticket? | A combined entry ticket for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh’s Library is available for €17.00 per adult. Marsh’s Library is adjacent to the cathedral and is one of Ireland’s oldest public libraries. |
Things to do near Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Marsh’s Library — immediately adjacent to the cathedral, accessible via a joint entry ticket. One of Ireland’s oldest public libraries, founded in 1707, with a collection of over 25,000 books. Admission charged separately or via joint ticket.
Christ Church Cathedral — approximately 500 metres north. The other of Dublin’s two Church of Ireland cathedrals, with a crypt and Treasures exhibition included in admission. Admission charged. The two cathedrals are easily combined in a half-day visit.
Dublinia — attached to Christ Church Cathedral, approximately 500 metres north. An interactive museum covering Viking and medieval Dublin history. Admission charged.
Dublin Castle — approximately 700 metres northeast. Includes state apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the Chester Beatty Library within the grounds. Guided tours of the state apartments require a ticket; the Chester Beatty Library is free.
Guinness Storehouse — approximately 800 metres west. The most visited fee-paying attraction in Ireland. Admission charged; advance booking strongly recommended.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery — approximately 500 metres southwest on Newmarket. A working craft distillery offering guided tours and tastings. Admission charged.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What you need to know before visiting EPIC The Irish Emigrant Museum, the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay.
- Learn about life in the tenements at 14 Henrietta Street.
- Embrace the cheese at the National Wax Museum Plus and the earnestness at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience.
- What you’ll see at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
- Explore Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Farm and the Skerries Mills to the north of Dublin.
