About
A spacious early 19th Century interior, the latest of many renovations of Archbishop O’Scanlan’s Cathedral of 1268, on the site of St Patrick’s ‘Great Stone Church’ of 445. The burial place of Brian Boru (1014). Important monuments and stained glass windows. Each child will receive a free booklet on the Cathedral. Visits to the crypt will be available on request.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is built on the hill Ard Mhacha,‘the height of Mhacha’, from which the city derives its name. According to tradition, St. Patrick had a stone church built on this site in 445AD. Although nothing remains of the original building, a church has stood here since that time. The Book of Armagh states that Patrick decreed that the Church in Armagh should have pre-eminence over all the churches and monasteries in Ireland, a position it holds to this day.
The present building dates from 1268 and was commissioned by Archbishop O’Scannell. In 1428 accidental fire damaged the Cathedral. Primate John Swayne restored it. In the sixteenth century the Cathedral suffered more burnings. In 1729 the Dean and Chapter turned the south transept into the ‘Bishop’s Court’ blocking up the arches between the Nave and the aisle. In 1765 Archbishop Richard Robinson fitted the Cathedral to make it possible to hold divine services. He did much for Armagh, being responsible for many of the fine buildings, such as the Archbishop’s Palace, the former Public Library (now Armagh Robinson Library), the Royal School and the Observatory.
In 1834 Lewis Nockalls Cottingham, a famous English architect, was employed by Archbishop John Beresford to restore the building. This disguised beyond recognition nearly all the distinctive traces of Primate O’Scanlan’s building. Later, further minor works of restoration included the reordering of the Chapter and Choir Stalls, as well as the addition of a new Archbishop’s Throne [1887]. In 1903 a reredos of Corsham Stone, representing the Last Supper, was erected. Major work to many of the windows has also been undertaken in 2005.This support is given by the parishes of the Diocese, the Cathedral Board, the Cathedral Congregation and the Friends of the Cathedral.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| EHOD | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
