Description
St Columb’s Cathedral is a historic Anglican cathedral located within the city walls of Londonderry. Built in 1633, it was the first cathedral constructed after the Reformation and remains one of the city’s most important landmarks. The Cathedral is widely recognised for promoting ecumenical and bridge-building activities and is welcomed by all sections of the community.
Visitors can explore displays of artefacts from the Siege of Derry, a fine collection of silver Communion plate, and information on notable figures such as Cecil Francis Alexander, the Earl Bishop, and George Berkeley. Features include historic stained glass windows, regimental flags, memorials, the oldest peal of eight bells in Ireland, and an exhibition of facsimiles of the Book of Kells. The Cathedral’s original tower, Gothic architecture, stonework, arches, and later additions such as the Chancel and Chapter House highlight its craftsmanship and long history.
Admission is free, with a donation requested to support the upkeep of the building.
Overall, St Columb’s Cathedral offers a peaceful and meaningful visit in the heart of the city. It combines religious significance, historic artefacts, and architectural beauty in one place. This attraction is ideal for visitors interested in history, culture, faith, and the heritage of Londonderry.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
- Saint Columb’s Cathedral, was the first Cathedral built after the Reformation. It is the city’s most historic building containing displays of artefacts from the Siege.
- A fine collection of silver Communion plate, as well as information on famous personalities, e.g. Cecil Francis Alexander, the Earl Bishop and the philosopher George Berkeley. An exhibition of facsimilies of the Book of Kells was recently opened.
- It is dedicated to the name of St. Columba (Columb),the Ulster monk who established a Christian settlement here in the sixth century. St. Columb’s Cathedral was built in 1633 by William Parrot for the Honourable The Irish Society and is in the Planter Gothic Style.
- The current tower and main building are that of the original Cathedral, with the spire being added in 1821. The Chancel was added in 1887 and the Chapter House in 1910. The Cathedral was built of stone from local quarries.
- The old pillars and arches bear testimony to sound judgement and first-rate craftsmanship.The Cathedral has many fine stained glass windows, regimental flags, memorials and a large collection of historical items from the time of the siege.
- The foundation stone in the porch, part of which originally from the 12th Century Templemore Monastery of the Columban tradition is inscribed:
“If stones could speake, then London’s prayse should sounde who built this church and cittie from the grounde, Vaughan aed”came The peal of eight bells is the oldest set in Ireland, presented by Charles 1 in 1638."
0.34 miles
