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A place of spiritual significance for over 1,500 years, Saint Patrick's Cathedral is built on the site of an ancient well, used by the nation's patron saint when bringing Christianity to the first converts in the 5th century. There has been a church on the site ever since, but construction of the cathedral began between 1220 and 1260. Today it remains a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
This private, behind-the-scenes tour is guided by a cathedral verger (caretaker) and gives an in-depth insight into the history and significance of the cathedral as well as offering access to areas not usually open to the public.
The tour begins at the cathedral entrance, you meet your guide and get an introduction to the history of the site and the building you see today. You then explore the cavernous but harmoniously proportioned interior with its spectacular decoration and learn about storm and fire damage over the years and how the cathedral was rebuilt on numerous occasions.
You also hear about the cathedral's changing fates, including how it was used for a time as a courthouse and, at one stage, as an elaborate stable for Oliver Cromwell's horses. You can see where the boys of the cathedral choir have been singing since 1432 and visit the exquisite Lady Chapel, which was used by French Huguenots who had fled persecution at home.
Among the cathedral's main funerary monuments is that of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, who was a dean here for over 30 years. There's also the Boyle Monument, erected by Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, in 1632. His five-year-old son Robert, who is mentioned on the inscription, went on to become one of the founders of modern chemistry.
Finally you climb a narrow, spiral staircase and your verger directs you through secret doorways above the nave, where you can get close enough to touch the elaborate stained-glass windows. You then explore the bell tower and venture out onto the roof of the cathedral for far-reaching views over the city. Below you, the immaculately laid out gardens sit on the spot of what was once one of the city's most notorious slums.
The tour lasts approximately one hour. Afterwards you're free to stay at the site and reflect on your tour or explore the public areas in more detail.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Ireland specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley
Join a full-day guided tour to explore the ancient history and rich heritage of the Boyne Valley, just north of Dublin. Visit the Neolithic passage grave at Newgrange, an early Christian church at Monasterboice, and the mythical Hill of Slane.
Fabulous food trail
A chance to enjoy incredible food and a lively cultural experience, this food trail through Dublin's streets takes you off the beaten track to meet artisan bakers, cheesemongers and chocolatiers on a quest to learn about the contemporary Irish food scene.
Hiking in Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
Explore the highly impressive monastic ruins of Glendalough and the glorious Wicklow mountains in which they are set on this full-day tour from Dublin which also includes a stop at the James Joyce Museum in Sandycove tower.
Literary pub crawl around Dublin
Explore Dublin's rich literary heritage on this highly entertaining and informative tour. Your guides are a team of enthusiastic actors who introduce you to the city's most famous writers and the pubs they gathered in to discuss their work.
Rebellion walking trail
Learn about the history of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland and the eventual formation of the Free State on this highly engaging and informative tour that brings the political, economic and social situation of the time to vivid life.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
