St Peter's Cathedral

St Peter’s Cathedral, a stunning piece of Belfast’s heritage, its intricate Gothic design and historic presence offer a journey through time, from its beginnings in the mid-19th century to its place today as a revered landmark.  

Positioned in an area deeply affected by Northern Ireland’s complex history, St. Peter's has witnessed profound transformations in the surrounding community. The cathedral stands close to the Peace Wall, a powerful symbol of the city’s divisions and efforts toward peace. This proximity adds a layer of poignancy to the cathedral’s presence, as it has served as a place of solace and reflection amid periods of conflict. 

Built between 1860 and 1866, St Peter’s owes its architectural splendour to the vision of Father Jeremiah Ryan McAuley, a Belfast architect and priest whose design brought to life a space meant for worship but never originally intended to serve as a cathedral. Father Jeremiah left for Salamanca in 1862, and the responsibility fell to architect John O’Neill of Belfast to complete the work. Soon after its construction, St Peter’s took on the title of “Pro-Cathedral,” performing the important ceremonies and rites traditionally associated with a full cathedral.  

In 1886, two graceful spires were added, giving the cathedral its distinctive skyline presence. These spires stand tall and visible across Belfast’s changing urban landscape. A remarkable feature of St Peter’s is its carillon of eleven bells, cast at Murphy’s Bell Foundry in Dublin. Installed at the impressive cost of £1,500, the bells resonated as a proud milestone for the cathedral and its community. 

To honour this significant addition, Fr James McGreevey, the church curate, penned a heartfelt poem titled The Bells of St. Peter’s. In his verse, he captures the cathedral's spirit and grandeur, portraying the bells as deep and resonant, surpassing even the famed harps of Tara, the ancient hill linked to Ireland’s High Kings.  

‘The Bells of St Peter’s! The Bells of St Peters! 
Oh, ring them out gaily – nor ever forget 
That the voice of their chiming from yon lofty steeple 
Shall echo the shouts of our liberty yet.’ 

Today St Peter’s is celebrated for its Cathedral Choir, this magnificent space has been filled with music that echoes its storied past. The organ, carefully restored and rebuilt over the years, remains a cherished connection to the cathedral’s enduring heritage.