St Peter's Cathedral, Belfast
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St Peter's Cathedral

4.7
·328 reviews·, United Kingdom

A stunning Gothic Revival cathedral in Belfast, known for its beautiful stained glass, statues, and role as a spiritual heart for the Catholic communi...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St Peter's Cathedral, Belfast

St Peter's Cathedral

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Gothic Revival cathedral in Belfast, known for its beautiful stained glass, statues, and role as a spiritual heart for the Catholic community.

4.7
(328 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful cathedral with a prayerful atmosphere and plenty of parking. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Bring a Warm Layer

It can get surprisingly cold inside, especially during evening events.

🚗 Parking Available

There's plenty of parking available on the cathedral grounds.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Revival Architecture

Gothic Revival Architecture

Admire the intricate Gothic Revival design, a testament to architect J.J. McCarthy's vision.

Reddit
Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Marvel at the detailed stained glass works that adorn the cathedral, casting colorful light.

Reddit
Statues and Shrines

Statues and Shrines

Explore the numerous statues and shrines within the cathedral, offering moments of reflection.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Dress for the Weather

Belfast can be chilly, even indoors. Bring layers, especially if attending evening events like candlelight concerts, as it can get quite cold inside the cathedral. Reddit

Plan Your Visit Time

While peaceful and prayerful, St. Peter's Cathedral can be a refuge from sudden downpours. Check for special events like Eucharistic processions or concerts to enhance your experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique concerts and services
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Can anyone identify this church? Passed it on the bus but couldn't find it on google maps... Cheers

🧥 Bring a Warm Layer

It can get surprisingly cold inside, especially during evening events. Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

There's plenty of parking available on the cathedral grounds. Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone been to belfast cathedral candlelight concerts

🙏 Prayerful Atmosphere

Enjoy the peaceful and prayerful ambiance, perfect for quiet reflection. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring a Warm Layer

It can get surprisingly cold inside, especially during evening events. Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

There's plenty of parking available on the cathedral grounds. Reddit

🙏 Prayerful Atmosphere

Enjoy the peaceful and prayerful ambiance, perfect for quiet reflection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(328 reviews)

Reviews Summary

St. Peter's Cathedral is a beautiful and prayerful landmark, praised for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stained glass, and numerous statues. Visitors find it a peaceful refuge, with ample parking and a welcoming atmosphere, though some note it can be quite cold, especially during evening events.

"Was welcomed here to this beautiful church and benediction mass at the end of our "Walk the Cross" and Eucharistic procession."

Mark James Phillips

"Absolutely beautiful cathedral. There are many statues inside with shrines. My photos show many of these. There is plenty of parking in the grounds."

Phillip O'Brien

"Nice cathedral with prayerful atmosphere."

Stanly Wilson

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Stained glass detail

What People Dislike

Can be cold

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Peter's Cathedral is located on the Falls Road in Belfast. It's accessible by public transport and has parking available on-site. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available in the grounds of St. Peter's Cathedral, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St. Peter's Cathedral is generally free, as it is a place of worship. However, special events like concerts may have ticket prices. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but the cathedral is typically open for visitors during daylight hours. It's best to check for specific service times or event schedules. Reddit

Yes, St. Peter's Cathedral holds regular masses and services. You can attend benediction mass and other services as part of your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside St. Peter's Cathedral, especially to capture the beautiful architecture and stained glass. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or prayer. Reddit

Visitors often praise the detailed roof and the beautiful stained glass windows for photography. The statues and shrines also offer compelling shots. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

The cathedral offers a prayerful and peaceful atmosphere, making it a lovely refuge, even from unexpected weather. Reddit

St. Peter's Cathedral hosts various events, including Eucharistic processions and candlelight concerts, which can enhance your visit. Reddit

St. Peter's Cathedral is designed in the Gothic Revival style, built in 1866 by architect J.J. McCarthy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Peter's Cathedral offers a peaceful environment that can be a welcome respite for families. The visual appeal of the stained glass windows and the numerous statues can capture children's attention. While it's a place of worship, the spacious grounds offer room to move, and the cathedral can serve as a quiet refuge from unexpected Belfast weather. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow for a more relaxed experience. While there aren't specific child-focused activities, the sheer beauty and scale of the cathedral can be an educational and awe-inspiring experience for younger visitors. Reddit

🎶 Music Lovers

St. Peter's Cathedral is a sought-after venue for musical performances, particularly its candlelight concerts. These events transform the cathedral into an atmospheric concert hall, with various ensembles performing classical and contemporary pieces. Reddit

It's important to note that these concerts can be very popular, and seating, especially for last-minute bookings, might be restricted. Attendees have also advised that the cathedral can be quite cold during these events, so dressing warmly is recommended. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Architecture

St. Peter's Cathedral, a significant Roman Catholic landmark in Belfast, stands proudly on the Falls Road. Originally built as a parish church in 1866, its architect, J.J. McCarthy, envisioned it in the striking Gothic Revival style. It was later elevated to cathedral status in 1986, becoming the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The cathedral's historical significance is deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of Belfast's Catholic community, particularly during challenging periods like The Troubles. Reddit

Visitors are often struck by the cathedral's interior, which features numerous statues and shrines offering spaces for quiet contemplation. The beautiful stained glass works are a highlight, casting intricate patterns of light throughout the space. Many also admire the detailed craftsmanship of the roof, a testament to the dedication of its builders. Reddit

For those attending events, such as the popular candlelight concerts, it's worth noting that the building can be quite cold. Some attendees have mentioned bringing extra layers to ensure comfort during performances. Reddit

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