St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

St. Fin Barre’s is one of the most striking buildings in the city of Cork. The cathedral is often seen from the outside on city sightseeing tours. Visitors who arrive on day tours from Dublin usually get to see the cathedral along with other nearby attractions, such as the English Market and Blarney Castle. Inside the cathedral, guides are on hand to assist visitors.

• St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a must for architecture enthusiasts.

• Keep quiet and be respectful of worshippers.

• Recitals, concerts, and other events are held at the church year-round.

• The cathedral features a gift shop where visitors can pick up souvenirs.

St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is located southwest of the city center. The easiest way to get there is on foot. Walking from Grand Parade will take around 10 minutes.

The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 2:30pm and 4:30 to 5pm between April and November. Go first thing in the morning to experience the cathedral at its quietest.

Visitors will find several other religious buildings of note in Cork. St. Peter and Paul’s Church is one of the main Catholic centers of worship, while the 18th-century St. Anne’s Church, home to the famous bells of Shandon, is one of the most visited. About 30 minutes’ drive from the city center lies Cobh Cathedral, an imposing neo-Gothic structure perched on a hill overlooking the small harbor town of Cobh.