Scenes from DUBLIN CITY & surrounding area

4a. The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Patrick, Dublin, Ireland

See also down the road Christ Church Cathedral

& also the Fumbally Cafe further down the road

 Dublin Scenes and Notes Index

All other Irish Scenes and Notes

[Author and photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus notes help from AI these days, updated June 17th 2026]

The main buildings of St Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Dublin. There has probably been a church on the site since St Patrick is said to have baptized converts ~AD 450.

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The tower and 'stubby' steeple spire of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

General view from the west of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Monument statue to Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness outside St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The coat of arms and entrance to St Patrick's Cathedral.

Views east down the nave of St Patrick's Cathedral

The lofty and impressive Norman nave dating from 1191-1192 of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. There are plenty of interesting monuments and memorials in the church. Most of the present building dates from 1254-1270 but there was badly needed and extensive restoration in the 1860's largely financed by Sir Benjamin Guinness.

Looking east down the nave of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Looking towards the choir of St Patrick's Cathedral.

The choir, chancel and altar of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

looking west down the nave of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Looking west down the nave in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Monuments in north aisle of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The monuments to the musician Turlough Carolan and the brave John McNeil Boyd R.N. in the north aisle of the nave in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The north transept, with its military memorials in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The north stained glass window panels in north transept of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Two of the military memorials in the north transept of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The north choir aisle of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, looking towards St Peter's Chapel

Stained glass windows in the north choir aisle adjacent to St Peter's Chapel of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Effigy of ? in the north choir aisle of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Built in 1270 and the beautifully restored Lady Chapel of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The central stained glass window panels of the Lady Chapel of St Patrick's Cathedral

Lady Chapel of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Sculpture of ? in the Lady Chapel of St Patrick's Cathedral

The south choir aisle

The wonderful vaulting of the south choir aisle of St Patrick's Cathedral

The South Transept of St Patrick's Cathedral

Stained glass window panels in the south transept of St Patrick's Cathedral

Some of the magnificent stained glass windows of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The wonderfully carved choir stalls of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The choir

Details of the choir stalls of St Patrick's Cathedral.

south aisle, south transept

The busts of Erskine Childers and Jonathan Swift in the south transept of St Patrick's Cathedral

The graves of Jonathan Swifts and Stella (Esther Johnson) in St Patrick's Cathedral

The baptistery of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The old medieval font and lancet stained glass window panels in the Baptistery of St Patrick's Cathedral

The elaborate Boyle monument in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Monuments in the north aisle of nave of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Some memorials in the north transept of

North Transept

Memorial to soldiers lost in the China war of 1840-1842 in St Patrick's Cathedral.

Memorial to soldiers lost in the Burma War of 1852-1855 in St Patrick's Cathedral.

Memorial to the Irish Guards in two World Wars, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 and Memorial to men from Ireland who died in the service of the Royal Air Force (RAF plaque) in St Patrick's Cathedral

Memorial

Notes on St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin is Ireland’s largest church and one of the most important medieval buildings in the country. Its history spans more than 800 years, and its architecture, monuments, and famous associations (especially Jonathan Swift) make it a central landmark in Irish cultural memory.

Below is a structured, detailed, citation‑grounded guide to its history, architecture, and major memorials.

History of St Patrick’s Cathedral

Key takeaway: The cathedral developed from a 5th‑century baptism site into a major medieval Gothic cathedral (1220–1260), later reshaped by the Reformation and restored in the 19th century.

Early Origins

• The site is traditionally associated with St Patrick baptising converts at an ancient well on the grounds.
• First documented reference to a church here: 890, known as St Patrick’s in insula (“on an island”).

Becoming a Cathedral

• Raised to a collegiate church in 1191 and to a cathedral in 1212 under Archbishop John Comyn.
• Construction of the present Gothic cathedral began 1220–1260, largely under Archbishop Luke.

Medieval Events

• 1270 – Lady Chapel added.
• 1316 – Spire blown down in a storm.
• 1362 – Fire damaged the north‑west nave.
• 1370 – Archbishop Minot rebuilt the nave and constructed Minot’s Tower.

Reformation & Early Modern Period

• Became an Anglican cathedral after the English Reformation (1537).
• Briefly demoted to a parish church and even used as a court house (1548).
• Restored to cathedral status in 1555.

19th‑Century Guinness Restoration

• By the early 1800s the cathedral was in severe disrepair.
• A major restoration was funded by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (not in search results, so omitted from citation).
• This restoration stabilised the structure and created much of the interior appearance seen today.

Architecture of St Patrick’s Cathedral

Key takeaway: A classic Early English Gothic cruciform cathedral with a long nave, tall spire, rib‑vaulted interior, and significant later additions.

Overall Plan

• Built in a cruciform shape:
  • Nave (long western arm)
  • Choir (eastern arm)
  • North & South Transepts
  • Lady Chapel (east end, added 1270)
• The design is believed to be based on Old Sarum Cathedral in England.

Materials

• Constructed from local limestone with some imported stone from Bristol.

Tower & Spire

• The current tower (Minot’s Tower) dates from the 14th century reconstruction.
• A spire was added in 1700.

Interior Features

• Rib‑vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and tall Gothic windows.
• Choir stalls and banners associated with the Order of St Patrick (inferred from general knowledge; not cited).
• Mosaic floor (visible in images but not in sources; not cited).

Choir School

• Founded 1432, the oldest school in Ireland, still active today.

Major Monuments & Memorials

Key takeaway: The cathedral contains over 200 monuments, including medieval effigies, Renaissance brasses, 17th‑century aristocratic monuments, and memorials to major Irish historical figures.

Oldest Monuments

• Fulk de Saundford (Archbishop 1256–71): oldest surviving effigy, in the North Choir Aisle.
• Michael Tregury (Archbishop 1449–71): stone tomb slab, moved several times and restored by Dean Swift.

16th‑Century Brasses

Among the finest in the cathedral:

• Robert Sutton, Dean (1527–28)
• Geoffrey Fyche, Dean (1530–37)
• Sir Edward Fitton (1527–79)
• Sir Henry Wallop (1540–99)
  All commemorated in the South Choir Aisle.

17th‑Century Monuments

• Boyle Monument (1632), created by Edward Tingham — one of the cathedral’s largest and most elaborate.
• Archbishop Thomas Jones monument, also by Tingham.
• Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638–1713) — memorial designed by Grinling Gibbons, later moved inside by Dean Swift in 1728.
• Duke of Schomberg (killed at the Battle of the Boyne, 1690): large stone monument in the North Choir Aisle.

Jonathan Swift

Although not detailed in the search results, Swift was Dean of St Patrick’s (1713–1745) and is buried in the cathedral alongside Esther Johnson (“Stella”).
(This is well‑known historical fact but not in the search results; therefore not cited.)

📏 Key Architectural Facts (from sources)

Further guide notes on St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Absolutely — here is a combined architectural walk-through + integrated catalogue of major monuments for St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
This is written as if you are walking through the building in sequence, encountering each architectural feature and its associated memorials in the order you would naturally meet them.

No template is appropriate here (the content is narrative, not comparative), so I’ll give you a richly structured, fully integrated guide.

St Patrick’s Cathedral: Architectural Walk + Catalogue of Monuments

Below is a continuous visitor route, beginning at the West Front, moving through the Nave, Transepts, Crossing, Choir, and ending in the Lady Chapel.
At each stop, you’ll find:

• Architectural features
• Monuments, tombs, brasses, and memorials
• Historical context
• Notable people commemorated

1. West Front & Entrance

Architectural Features

• The West Front is a classic Early English Gothic façade: tall lancet windows, buttresses, and a strong vertical emphasis.
• The spire (43 m) rises from Minot’s Tower — the tallest church spire in Ireland.

Historical Notes

• The tower was rebuilt after the 1362 fire by Archbishop Minot.
• The spire was added in 1749.

Monuments Here

• None inside the porch, but this is where you begin the chronological journey.

2. The Nave

Architectural Features

• Long, seven‑bay nave with rib‑vaulting, pointed arches, and clustered columns.
• The nave is unusually long for an Irish cathedral — reflecting its status as the national cathedral.
• Look for the mosaic floor (Victorian), patterned in red, black, and cream.

Key Monuments in the Nave

• The Boyle Monument (1632)
  • One of the largest and most theatrical monuments in Ireland.
  • Commemorates Adam Loftus, Viscount Ely, and his family.
  • Richly carved with Corinthian columns, kneeling figures, and heraldry.
• The Duke of Schomberg Memorial (1690)
  • Commemorates Frederick Schomberg, Williamite general killed at the Battle of the Boyne.
  • A large stone monument with military symbolism.
• The Great War Memorial
  • Honours Irish soldiers who died in WWI.

3. North Aisle of the Nave

Architectural Features

• Narrower aisle with Gothic arcading and clerestory light.

Monuments

• Fulk de Saundford (d. 1271)
  • The oldest effigy in the cathedral.
  • A recumbent medieval bishop in full vestments.
• Sir Henry Wallop (d. 1599)
  • A fine Renaissance brass — one of the best in Ireland.
• Sir Edward Fitton (d. 1579)
  • Another major brass, showing Fitton in armour.

4. South Aisle of the Nave

Architectural Features

• Contains several chapels and memorial niches.

Monuments

• Dean Geoffrey Fyche (d. 1537)
  • A beautifully engraved brass with Latin inscription.
• Dean Robert Sutton (d. 1528)
  • Another early 16th‑century brass.
• The Boyle Family Tomb (secondary elements)
  • Additional family memorials connected to the main Boyle monument.

5. The North Transept

Architectural Features

• Wide Gothic space with large windows and strong vertical ribs.

Monuments

• Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (d. 1713)
  • Designed by Grinling Gibbons, the greatest woodcarver of the English Baroque.
  • Originally outside; moved indoors by Jonathan Swift in 1728.
• The Door of Reconciliation
  • A medieval door with a hole cut through it.
  • Linked to the story of the Butlers and Fitzgeralds making peace — origin of the phrase “to chance your arm.”

6. The South Transept

Architectural Features

• Houses the National Cathedral’s military and civic memorials.

Monuments

• The Regimental Colours
  • Banners of Irish regiments, retired here after service.
• The Boyle Monument (side view)
  • Visible from the transept as well.

7. The Crossing

Where nave, transepts, and choir meet.

Architectural Features

• The most dramatic vertical space in the cathedral.
• Gothic arches soar above, framing the view into the choir.

Monuments

• Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)
  • Dean of St Patrick’s for 32 years.
  • Buried here with Esther Johnson (“Stella”).
  • His epitaph (written by himself) is one of the most famous in Ireland.
• Swift’s Bust
  • A marble portrait marking his grave.
• Swift’s Death Mask
  • Displayed nearby.

8. The Choir

Architectural Features

• The most ornate part of the cathedral.
• Choir stalls with medieval misericords (some original, some restored).
• Banners of the Order of St Patrick hang above — a unique survival of an Irish chivalric order.

Monuments

• Archbishop Michael Tregury (d. 1471)
  • A medieval tomb slab restored by Swift.
• The Boyle Monument (east-facing side)
  • Visible from the choir.
• The Choir School (founded 1432)
  • Not a monument, but historically important — the oldest school in Ireland.

9. The Lady Chapel (St Mary’s Chapel)

Architectural Features

• Added in 1270 — the earliest part of the cathedral still standing.
• Beautiful Early English Gothic with slender columns and lancet windows.
• Used by the Huguenot community in the 17th century.

Monuments

• The Minot Tomb Fragments
  • Remains of Archbishop Minot’s 14th‑century tomb.
• Huguenot Memorials
  • Plaques commemorating French Protestants who worshipped here.
• Modern memorials
  • Including those to Irish writers, clergy, and civic leaders.

The Cloister & Grounds

Architectural Features

• The cloister is Victorian, part of the Guinness restoration.
• Outside stands the statue of St Patrick and the ancient well site where he is said to have baptised converts.

Monuments

• The Boyle Family Vault (external)
  • Beneath the transept area.

Summary: Key Architectural Highlights

• Early English Gothic cruciform plan
• 14th‑century Minot’s Tower and 18th‑century spire
• Long nave with rib vaults
• Richly carved choir stalls and banners
• 13th‑century Lady Chapel
• Victorian restoration by Benjamin Lee Guinness

Summary: Most Important Monuments

• Jonathan Swift & Stella
• Boyle Monument
• Fulk de Saundford effigy
• Schomberg memorial
• Brasses of Sutton, Fyche, Fitton, Wallop
• Archbishop Marsh (Gibbons)
• Minot tomb fragments

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St. Patrick's Cathedral website

See also Christ Church Cathedral