Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years, however, legend tells that Saint Patrick baptized people into Christianity on the site in the fifth century!

In 1901 building works beside the Cathedral unearthed six Celtic grave slabs. These were subsequently dated to the 10th century. One of these large stones was covering the remains of (what looked like) an ancient well and it’s possible that this was the same well that Saint Patrick used in the fifth century.

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels is buried in the cathedral!

Ever wondered where the Irish phrase “to chance your arm” comes from?

In 1492 two Irish families, the Butlers of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Kildare, were involved in a bitter feud. This disagreement centred around the position of Lord Deputy.

The Butlers, realising that the fighting was getting out of control, took refuge in the Chapter House of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The FitzGeralds followed them into the Cathedral and asked them to come out and make peace. The Butlers, afraid that if they did so they would be slaughtered, refused.

As a gesture of good faith the head of the Kildare family, Gerald FitzGerald, ordered that a hole be cut in the door. He then thrust his arm through the door and offered his hand in peace to those on the other side. Upon seeing that FitzGerald was willing to risk his arm by putting it through the door the Butlers reasoned that he was serious in his intention. They shook hands through the door, the Butlers emerged from the Chapter House and the two families made peace. The Door of Reconciliation is still there today!

The cathedral is world famous for its choir, established in 1432, which still performs daily during school term.

During the sixteenth century, the Cathedral also served as a courthouse.

The Organ of St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most fantastic things about this historical place. It is in fact the largest organ in all of Ireland and is built with more than 4000 pipes.

I hope to visit the cathedral once again, on my next trip to Dublin, and I will take some images and put them up on the MyIrelandBox Facebook Group page!

Have a nice day and warm regards to you from Dingle Ireland,
Katharine and the team ☘️