CountyArmaghARMAGHStPatricksCathedral(tourismnorthernireland©NITB)5 ©TourismNorthernIreland

St Patrick's Cathedral

The seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.

Armagh, County Armagh

Opening times

Cathedral is open everyday from 8:30am to 7pm (approx).

Tour times:
Monday to Saturday: 10:30am to 5:30pm.
Sunday 12noon to 5pm.

Address

Cathedral Road
Armagh
County Armagh
BT61 7DY

It was built in various phases between 1840 and 1904 to serve as the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Armagh, the original medieval Cathedral of St Patrick having been transferred to the Protestant Church of Ireland at the time of the Irish Reformation. The Cathedral stands on a hill as does its Anglican counterpart.

The building of a Catholic cathedral at Armagh was a task imbued with great historic and political symbolism. Armagh was the Primatial seat of Ireland and its ancient ecclesiastical capital. Following Catholic emancipation in 1829, the need to construct churches and cathedrals to serve this population became apparent. The lack of a Catholic presence in the Primatial City of Armagh in particular became a popular cause of discontent among the emerging Catholic episcopacy, clergy and congregation. Although a start was made in building the Cathedral in 1838 building stopped from time to time, and significant redesigns occurred, so that it was not until 1904 that it could be completed. 

The decorative style of the cathedral was significantly changed in 1982, followed by major structural repairs in 2002. The beautiful interior in particular has been frequently remarked upon by visitors.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Café within 500m

  • Car park at church

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Level access throughout

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Mass Times: Monday to Saturday 10am and Sunday Vigil 7pm (Saturday), 11am and 5:30pm.

  • Catholic Church

  • Cornerstone Grant, £24,500, 2021

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Armagh Cathedral

Armagh, County Armagh

As the seat of both Catholic and Anglican Archbishops, Amargh is still the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland, the Anglican medieval church has been sympathetically restored over centuries and celebrates its connection with St Patrick.

St Aidan

Salters Grange, County Armagh

Consecrated 1776 on land gifted by Sir Capel Molyneux and financced by Archbishop Richard Robinson.

St Luke

Loughgall, County Armagh

This late Georgian church in a simple Gothic style is located in the village of Loughgall in the heart of Co Armagh's apple growing countryside.