St Fin Barre's Cathedral
St Fin Barre's Cathedral
4.5
09:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:00
Monday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 17:00
About
A stately 19th-century cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Cork.
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- roy vTraralgon, Australia5,936 contributionsA prominent buildingSpotted the Cathedral a long way off so headed towards it while walking in town during our stay. Beautifull architecture, with it’s multiple spires We had a good look around the grounds and looked at lots of very old graves. Sadly we could not enter as it was not openVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
- Kate J10 contributionsMust-see Gothic, excellent staffAbsolutely stunning cathedral and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. We probably spent over an hour wandering around and talking to two of the men working. They knew so much about the history of the building and Cork, and I feel like it gave us such a better sense of the area. If you like Gothic architecture it's a must-see, and we'll definitely be going back next time we're in the area.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2023
- Gordon MVancouver, Washington39 contributionsMost Unique Cathedral ExperienceOf all the Cathedrals in Ireland, this one has a really interesting history. Don’t be shy about asking for some of the history, starting with the back-stories of the architect, William Burgess. (Stephen really made this visit special.) Look for the astrological symbols ‘snuck’ into the stained glass windows in the top tier! Also, the story behind the two sets of pipes for the Organ. (Early surround-sound.)Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 October 2023
- Giorgio BLund, Sweden969 contributionsExcellent for some quiet time in the presence of beautyWhile not ancient, Saint Fin Barre's cathedral in Cork still manages to be awe-inspiring. Visiting is made simple and informative by the leaflet you get at the entrance, and the staff issuing tickets is also very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. The architect charged with the construction must have been quite a character, and it is probably not by chance that he is mentioned everywhere as you visit the church. A feature of churches - primarily in the British Isles - which I find very endearing is the connection between the religious building and the memory of the young people from the congregation that were killed in a war. This cathedral is no exception, and the names of the fallen are preserved neatly in a thick book that can be admired close to one of the transept pillars.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 February 2024
- ShipahoyahoyPortsmouth, United Kingdom694 contributionsVery ornate cathedral with lots to seeI was on a 'pilgrimage' from England to find evidence of my maternal great grandparents, who were married on St Fin Barre's Cathedral, and my grandmother, who was baptised in the cathedral. She emigrated to England. The gentleman at the ticket desk could not have been more helpful. Thanks. My ancestors came from a poor background so I was expecting a small parish church and not this fabulously interesting cathedral, with so much history. Not only did I come across the font where my grandmother was baptised but also found on the First World War "Heroes Column" memorial the name of another relative. A surprise find was the lectern, which was destined for Lille France but didn't get there. A coincidence as my mother was from Lille. A very interesting Cathedral with helpful staff.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 12 March 2024
- ven_of_attre10 contributionsA stunning inner-city cathedralFirst off, the lady at the entrance was very helpful and kind. That's always important for tourist attractions, and it deserves credit. The cathedral itself was a stunning piece of architecture, with an incredible ceiling, gorgeous stained glass windows, and an altar area (there's a word for that) which was both beautiful and stately. Outside, around the back, is a labyrinth made from grass and stone. It is not an actual labyrinth, so don't bother looking around for an underground maze like I accidentally did.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 17 April 2024
- BRIAN GLiverpool, United Kingdom116 contributionsBeautiful cathedral in Cork.Unfortunately we couldn't go inside as a tourist as the Sunday morning service was taking place. Nevertheless we thoroughly enjoyed a look around the outside and the small but peaceful grounds. A must see if you are in Cork.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2024
- McCloskey13Ireland81 contributionsAmazing cathedralI love visiting a cathedral and seeing the architecture and the art - this one was brilliant. I arrived during a service so I had to wait a bit to get in but it was all clear by 12:30. It was seven euros, which was a bit steep if you’re not interested in cathedrals, but if you are it’s worth it!Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,026 reviews
Excellent
529
Very good
349
Average
95
Poor
29
Terrible
24
GlobeTrotter
County Mayo, Ireland12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
St Fin Barres had been recommended to us by a relative, she knew we all have an interest in churches and architecture so we were all excited. Once there we were asked by a very polite and knowledgeable man at the door to be aware of a church meeting inside and to keep our voices down. We had no issue whatsoever with this as we would always be mindful and respectful of our surroundings when in any religious building. The fee to get in was a reasonable five or six euro and as we were a group we spent about 25 euro. The church itself is beautiful, both the grounds and the interior are well maintained and beautifully old-fashioned. Immediately we noticed a small group of church officials conducting a meeting. We of course were quiet and did not get in the way, we merely walked around the building admiring the architecture, however the officials present made a point of rudely brushing past everyone and refusing to nod or say hello. They made their contempt for both our group and the other groups apparent. If they did not want people in there I completely understand, however you have no right to ask for public donations, take a fee on the door and then treat everyone with contempt. As beautiful as the building is, the ironically dismissive attitude of the clergy officials puts a dent in the visit.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yanie P
Indonesia368 contributions
May 2019
It's absolutely stunning. The gardens are amazing, clean, tidy, with its green grass and blooming flowers, fortunately we visited it during Spring. Actually it's weird at least for me to pay for visiting a church while the other church let you in for free but actually it's so beautiful inside.
Written 7 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenInWSeattle
Seattle, WA505 contributions
Jul 2022
St Fin Barre's Cathedral was a suggestion by Agnes at Nano Nagle and we were so happy we visited. Beautiful cathedral, but we were able to chat with Father and he shared a couple of stories about the original construction, planned projects and the organ installation that had to be dug into the floor of the nave because it would obscure the stained glass if installed in the original position. He told us that it was like all of us, a work in progress! Only this one (Referring to St Fin Barre's) requires a lot of money.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andydjp
Stotfold, UK637 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Amazing gothic architecture both in and out as well as wonderful stained glassed windows. There is an entrance fee for which you get an information leaflet and then can take time on a self tour. There is a very small car park but other than that parking can be a challenge. Would definitely recommend if in Cork.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,202 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This is a very attractive little (in relative terms) cathedral that dominates the "skyline" of Cork. There are no surprises here--it looks very much like every other Gothic cathedral inside and out, but I love them all!
There is always a story here of the time, effort, cost and pain of building and maintaining such a magnificent house of God that was/is the pride of a city.
Your visit here does much to honor the thousands of nameless men and women that performed a grueling labor of love to do their part to create a masterpiece. Just thinking about what they accomplished and what they gave up is a religious experience. It sends chills down your spine!
Just a few thoughts you may want to remember when you visit your next cathedral.
There is always a story here of the time, effort, cost and pain of building and maintaining such a magnificent house of God that was/is the pride of a city.
Your visit here does much to honor the thousands of nameless men and women that performed a grueling labor of love to do their part to create a masterpiece. Just thinking about what they accomplished and what they gave up is a religious experience. It sends chills down your spine!
Just a few thoughts you may want to remember when you visit your next cathedral.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandFB
Wirral, UK477 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
I would say that the Cathedral is a must if you want to be sure that you have sampled all the history that Cork has to offer. There is a guide supplied with the entrance fee and there were a couple of guides walking around the Cathedral to answer any questions. My only criticism would be the size of the entrance fee. We saw a family who clearly felt that the size of the fee wasn’t worth it and they turned away. I think that is a shame and to an extent the Cathedral is missing a trick as a lower fee would probably encourage more people to pay to enter. As we left we noticed other groups in the doorway who were clearly debating whether the fee would be worth it.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MP
Dallas, TX14 contributions
Sept 2022
Many thanks to Michael who gave us an impromptu tour. The current cathedral was designed and built in French Gothic style by William Burgess, and the stained glass windows alone are worth the visit. The stained glass was crafted according to medieval technique - the first 4 windows made by French artisans, who then taught local artisans, so the bulk of the 70 windows were Irish crafted. Saint Fin Barre founded a monastery at this site in the 7th century, and further settlement around the monastery grew into the city of Cork. This is still a place of worship so time your visit accordingly (or attend choral evensong on Fridays (not during summer) to hear the beautifully restored organ and the current choir).
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilKateCasey
Cork, Ireland54 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful structure - beautiful building - well worth a visit.
There are three spires and when you realise that this building is around since the 7th Century and think of the way buildings were built back then - this is an amazing design.
The building is rich in symbolism. In particular, stands the golden angel holding two trumpets in their hands, placed on the outside of the church spire on the back. It is also seen in the distance. Legend has it that these will join the blare of trumpets to own one of the other angels who announce the end of the world.
In addition to the building please also check out the beautiful garden.
There are three spires and when you realise that this building is around since the 7th Century and think of the way buildings were built back then - this is an amazing design.
The building is rich in symbolism. In particular, stands the golden angel holding two trumpets in their hands, placed on the outside of the church spire on the back. It is also seen in the distance. Legend has it that these will join the blare of trumpets to own one of the other angels who announce the end of the world.
In addition to the building please also check out the beautiful garden.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eva-diva1029
Marysville, CA136 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a must stop!! The staff were so friendly and informative. The time they spent pointing out all of the little hidden nuances by the architect was amazing. The history and craftsmanship in this building alone were worth the entire trip to Ireland!
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate J
10 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Absolutely stunning cathedral and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. We probably spent over an hour wandering around and talking to two of the men working. They knew so much about the history of the building and Cork, and I feel like it gave us such a better sense of the area. If you like Gothic architecture it's a must-see, and we'll definitely be going back next time we're in the area.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you cater for groups? Minimum /Max?
Cost per person?
How di I book?
We plan to go Wednesday 31st.May 2023.
Many thanks.
M
Written 11 April 2023
Hi
Just go online to their website if you look you will see groups there is an online form all the information you require is on their website
I'm not allowed to post the link or a photo Trip Advisor rules.
Written 19 April 2023
Hi,
I was just wondering what the entry cost to this Cathedral is?
Thank you in advance.
Written 22 November 2018
I said spend the time and the money at the time. In retrospect, I really don't think going in was worth 6 euros.
Written 2 January 2019
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