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Saint Mary's Cathedral

Saint Mary's Cathedral, Limerick

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Saint Mary's Cathedral

See all things to do
See all things to do
Saint Mary's Cathedral
4.5
532
#8 of 92 things to do in Limerick
Churches & Cathedrals
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13:30 - 16:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 16:00
Sunday
13:30 - 16:00
About
Saint Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and stands in the heart of the medieval city, looking over the majestic River Shannon. Originally the Royal Palace for the Kings of Thomond it was gifted to the church in 1168. It is a living church where worship is offered daily, as it has been for the last 850 years. Please come and visit us at Saint Mary's Cathedral. You will be most welcome !
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
281 within 5 kms
Bakehouse 22
178
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Irish • Cafe
Katie Dalys Heritage Pub & Kitchen
246
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Bar • European
Rossi's Italian & Grill
801
67 m€€ - €€€ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly
The Locke
2,377
74 m€€ - €€€ • Irish • Bar • European
Tuscany at the Granary
259
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Hook & Ladder Sarsfield Street
1,174
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Cafe • European
Aroi
602
0.4 km€ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
The Curragower Bar & Restaurant
1,374
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Bar • Seafood
Bon Appetit
148
0.5 km€ • Quick Bites • French • European
Coqbull
1,087
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
67 within 10 kms
Hunt Museum
697
0.2 kmArt Museums • History Museums
The Exchange
2
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Michael Hogan Statue
2
0.1 kmMonuments & Statues
King John's Castle
2,587
0.3 kmCastles
The Custom House
1
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings • Art Museums
The Treaty Stone
192
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
The Milk Market
290
0.4 kmFlea & Street Markets
Thomond Bridge
16
0.4 kmBridges
Saint Michael's Church
13
0.4 kmReligious Sites
Market Quarter
7
0.4 kmFlea & Street Markets
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Popular mentions
4.5
532 reviews
Excellent
268
Very good
172
Average
74
Poor
10
Terrible
8
smeeta s
Leicestershire, UK26 contributions
A warm welcome - Shah Family Visit
May 2022
A lovely dated church and good mix of congregation .
Victor spared time despite his busy schedule to share the history and details of the church. A must visit .
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kjlimoges
Niceville, FL10 contributions
Gorgeous cathedral!
Mar 2022
St. Mary's Cathedral was by far one of the most beautiful churches that I have ever seen. In the center of town, it was within walking distance to other activities.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aidan W
Shannon, Ireland316 contributions
A must see visit
Mar 2022 • Friends
11 of us visited the Cathedral on Monday 14/03/2022 and it was marvellous. On arrival, we were greeted by Sean who was immensely friendly and welcoming. Admission is free but donations are welcome and there is a machine that I tapped and it took €5 from my card.
Then Nóirín arrived and brought us on a tour of the beautiful and ancient Cathedral. Nóirín was brilliantly informative and oozed a love for the Church. The Cathedral was built in 1198 and exudes a wonderful sense of history of Limerick and wider afield.
Many thanks Nóirín, Seán and Edward for an outstanding and worthwhile visit to St. Mary's Cathedral. Míle buíochas.
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
darthsansa14
Hot Springs, AR100 contributions
Historic Cathedral
Aug 2021
Historic and beautiful church. There was restoration work going on inside, but I was still able to tour most of the church. The stained glass is remarkable. I also enjoyed strolling the grounds outside the cathedral. Lots of wildflowers and other beautiful greenery.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
neesaDublin
Dublin, Ireland79 contributions
Such an interesting piece of history!
Oct 2021
This place is incredible. We went inside for a little look and stayed for an hour! It goes back to 1168 and has witnessed so much history from Kings to sieges. It is wonderfully preserved and is still in use as a church to this day. Well worth a visit.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland2,095 contributions
Beautiful Cathedral with lots of history
Aug 2021 • Solo
Dating from the 12th century, this is a beautiful large Cathedral. Inside are rough stone walls, brightly coloured stain glass windows and high ceilings.

Highlights include the main alter and the Jebb chapel which has a set of misericords and these are the only ones left in Ireland.

Entry is free but a small donation is suggested.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nathanphoebe
Guernsey, UK21 contributions
Fascinating castle cathedral.
Sep 2020
We are ecclesiastical-building-geeks and this place is fascinating. Only cathedral we know of that was/is part of a castle.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gary H
Limerick, Ireland13 contributions
A fine building steeped in history.
Sep 2020
A fine well preserved cathedral with some interesting architecture and a lot of beautiful stained glass window examples. Plenty of reading inside for those who want to learn more.
It was free in, with donations welcome.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland8,422 contributions
Beautiful Medieval Cathedral
Jul 2020 • Solo
Gorgeous medieval building, central to the history of Limerick. Now due to Covid restrictions it is closed except for services so I was lucky enough to arrive just after one had finished so I could have a quick look.
The majestic exterior and lovely grounds are worth visiting anyway but I cant go higher than 3 stars when I had do little time to explore it. It deserves more and I will return in better times to see it properly.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
William Wurm
Dublin, Ireland15 contributions
Medieval Treasure Chest
Jan 2020
Our first attempt to enter was unsuccessful. Check out time schedule. You walk into the cathedral (Church of Ireland) and travel in time. You receive a well-done handout when you enter. Take at least an hour to walk around and observe all. Also before entering, go the entrance in front of the building. It was once the entrance of King Donal Mor O'Brien's Palace. The stained glass windows are magnicient. The history of the old altar stone is amazing. Look at the bowed wooden ceiling and the chandeliers. There are a number of side altars worth visitin. An, of course, check out the Lepers' Squint.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Mary's Cathedral
Saint Mary's Cathedral is open:
  • Sun - Sun 13:30 - 16:00
  • Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sat - Sat 09:00 - 16:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Saint Mary's Cathedral tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Saint Mary's Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor