St Mary's Cathedral
Iconic 12th-century cathedral in Limerick, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture, stunning stained-glass windows, and ancient burial ground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 12th-century cathedral in Limerick, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture, stunning stained-glass windows, and ancient burial ground.
"A beautiful and peaceful spot to visit, you can really feel the history as you walk around."
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for about 20 minutes to explore the cathedral and its grounds. :stopwatch:
💰 Check entry fees
There's an entry fee; inquire about potential closures before paying. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Burial Ground
Graveyard surrounding the Cathedral
Explore centuries of history among ancient tombs and graves, including those of notable figures.
Stained Glass Windows
Interior of the Cathedral
Marvel at the intricate beauty and historical significance of the cathedral's stunning stained-glass artistry.
Gothic Revival Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the breathtaking architecture, a testament to its 12th-century origins and Gothic Revival influences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for about 20 minutes to explore the cathedral and its grounds. :stopwatch:
💰 Check entry fees
There's an entry fee; inquire about potential closures before paying. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the graveyard
The ancient burial ground offers a unique historical perspective. :walking:
📸 Capture the beauty
The architecture and stained glass are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for about 20 minutes to explore the cathedral and its grounds. :stopwatch:
💰 Check entry fees
There's an entry fee; inquire about potential closures before paying. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the graveyard
The ancient burial ground offers a unique historical perspective. :walking:
📸 Capture the beauty
The architecture and stained glass are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Mary's Cathedral to be a beautiful and well-maintained historical site with impressive architecture and a significant ancient graveyard. While the entry fee is generally accepted for preservation, some guests have noted that certain areas were closed during their visit, which they felt should warrant a fee adjustment. The graveyard is particularly praised for its historical depth. +2
"A nice and well maintained cathedral. Entrance a bit steep as all they done here is put information exhibits on the sides of the cathedral as you walk around it to tell you about it's history. Overall still enjoyed it allow 20 minutes."
Vin Chenzo
"Decent cathedral with a lot of history. You have to pay to tour the place which in itself is maybe acceptable although not entirely justifiable, however, despite paying some parts as indicated on the booklet they give were closed and as such it would be reasonable to lower the fee. Also, we wanted to light some candles, but the lighter was not working and no matches were provided."
Anthony O'Connell-Gros
"The Graveyard: The churchyard surrounding St. Mary's Cathedral is an ancient burial ground, with the oldest parts dating back to the 12th century, though earliest burial records are from 1726. It remains an active graveyard to this day. As you explore, you'll find a variety of graves and tombs, some of which belong to notable historical figures. These include the Barrington and Sexton vaults, the Protestant Orphan Grave, and the grave of Prince Milo Petrović-Njegoš of Montenegro. The graveyard offers a tangible connection to centuries of Limerick's past and its inhabitants."
William Murphy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Cathedral is located in the heart of Limerick city. It's easily accessible by public transport, with local bus routes stopping nearby. If you're driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can get busy.
While the exterior and some parts of the interior may be accessible, older cathedrals can present challenges. It's advisable to contact the cathedral directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Absolutely! St. Mary's Cathedral is a key historical site and a great addition to any Limerick day trip, often recommended alongside other attractions like the Hunt Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Mary's Cathedral is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current opening times, especially around holidays.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee to tour St. Mary's Cathedral, which helps fund its ongoing preservation. Some visitors have noted that certain areas might be closed despite the fee.
St. Mary's Cathedral holds regular mass services. You can find information on mass times, including daily and weekend services, by checking their official schedule or looking for 'st mary's cathedral mass times' online.
For general visiting, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak tourist seasons or for special events.
Cathedrals often host a variety of events, from religious services like Ash Wednesday or Easter mass to concerts and historical talks. Searching for 'Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral' or 'Easter mass times St Mary's Cathedral' can provide details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful stained-glass windows, impressive stonework, and a sense of deep history. The cathedral also houses information exhibits detailing its rich past.
Dating back to the 1100s, St. Mary's Cathedral is an iconic 12th-century landmark with significant historical and architectural importance. It showcases Gothic Revival style and has been a spiritual center for centuries.
The churchyard is an ancient burial ground, with parts dating back to the 12th century. It contains graves of notable historical figures and offers a tangible connection to Limerick's past.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage or ask a member of staff. Many visitors capture the exterior and graveyard, but interior photography might be restricted to preserve the sanctity of the space.
St. Mary's Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and built between 1874 and 1879.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, St. Mary's Cathedral is located in Limerick city center, which offers a wide array of dining options, from traditional pubs to modern cafes and restaurants. You'll find plenty of choices within walking distance.
Many cathedrals have gift shops selling religious items, books, and souvenirs. It's worth checking if St. Mary's Cathedral has one available for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially the facade and towers, offers great photo opportunities. The ancient graveyard with its tombstones also provides a unique backdrop. Inside, the stained-glass windows are a must-capture.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical and religious sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that entry typically involves a fee, and the cathedral is a place of worship, so encourage respectful behavior. For younger children, the historical exhibits might be less engaging, but the visual elements like the architecture and windows can still be captivating. Consider a shorter visit focused on the most visually striking aspects.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to read the information exhibits scattered throughout the cathedral, which provide detailed historical context. Understanding the cathedral's role through different eras will enrich your visit immensely.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Visitors often remark on the palpable sense of history as they walk through its hallowed halls and explore the surrounding grounds. The graveyard is particularly noteworthy, serving as an ancient burial ground with the earliest burial records dating back to 1726, though parts of the churchyard are even older. It's a place where you can find the tombs of notable historical figures, offering a tangible connection to centuries of Limerick's past inhabitants.
For those interested in the cathedral's heritage, information exhibits are placed along the visitor's path, detailing its historical journey. This approach allows visitors to learn about the cathedral's past while experiencing its present.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
The cathedral's construction between 1874 and 1879 aimed to create a majestic spiritual center, and it certainly achieves that with its imposing facade and soaring interior. One of the most captivating features inside the cathedral is its large stained-glass windows. These windows are not only beautiful works of art but also serve to illuminate the interior with vibrant colors, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
While the exterior and interior architecture are stunning, it's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned that certain parts of the cathedral might be closed during visits, even with paid entry. It's always a good idea to manage expectations and inquire about access beforehand.
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