Name: St Marys Cathedral
Rating: 5.0

St Marys Cathedral

Bridge Street, Englishtown, Limerick, V94 E068, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Welcome to Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, Situated at the heart of the medieval city of Limerick, Saint Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest cathedral on the Wild Atlantic Way. A must-see if you’re looking for places to visit in Limerick.

For more than 850 years we have been a place of exploration – representing both a spiritual and physical journey. We give you the space to reach inside yourself to find calm and tranquility in a fragile and chaotic world. To reflect on your purpose in the loving presence of God.

At the same time, we invite you to step back in time to explore our fascinating Limerick heritage, awe-inspiring beauty and architectural significance. Or let the stunning music of one of our regular choirs and recitals soothe the soul.

Prices starts from €5.00 for adults, Free for Children(0 -10 yrs) and €3.50 for Student. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Art and Architecture:

The Tower: The Cathedral’s mighty tower was not present in the original architecture and was only added much later in the 14th-century. The bell tower is 36.5 metres (120 feet) in height and contains a total of 8 bells.
The Chapels: There are 6 chapels in the Cathedral: the Chapel of Saint James and Mary Magdalen, the Lady Chapel, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, the Jebb Chapel, Saint Mark’s Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel.
The Original Altar in the Lady Chapel: Stretching 4 metres (13ft) in length and weighing three tons, the altar you’ll see is the Cathedral’s original, pre-Reformation High Altar. After Oliver Cromwell captured Limerick in 1651, his army used the Cathedral as a stable, as was the case with so many other cathedrals in Ireland at this time. Cromwell’s troops also removed the altar and dumped it, though in the 1960s it was thankfully recovered and reinstated.
The Misericords: Unique in Ireland, the misericords are one of the most famous features in Saint Mary’s Cathedral and are the only surviving pre-Elizabethan carvings. It is believed they date from 1480-1500 and were possibly created during restoration work carried out by the last pre-Reformation Bishop of Limerick, John Folan (1489-1522).
The Exquisite Stained-Glass Windows: The stained-glass work throughout the Cathedral is truly magnificent and of exquisite quality – with each window telling a different story. Many are memorials to benefactors of the cathedral, but most illustrate in great colour the biblical stories of our salvation.
The Nave, the Roof and the Roof-High Monk’s Walk: Stand on the main aisle of the Cathedral and you will see the 12th century arcaded arches. High up above them on the north, west and south sides of the Cathedral, you’ll note a clerestory or ‘monk’s walk’ which is still intact today. Within every other cathedral dating from this period to the Norman invasion in 1169 A.D, arches like this are long in ruins, while those in Saint Mary’s Cathedral are present and original.
The Great Romanesque West Door: Romanesque in style and elaborately carved, it is believed that this door was once the entrance to King Donal Mór O’Brien’s Palace. Above it is the 120- foot tower. This is unusual as within typical cathedrals of this age the tower would be placed in a central position in the building.
The Williamite Siege Cannon Balls: Saint Mary’s Cathedral suffered considerable damage from cannon balls in 1691, during the Williamite Siege of Limerick. These are particularly evident on the east end of the Cathedral. You will also see two cannon balls when you visit.
The Lepers’ Squint: In the north transept, there is an opening in the Cathedral wall called ‘the lepers’ squint’. In Medieval days, medical opinion stated that leprosy, which was common in at that time, was highly contagious, and lepers were not allowed into churches. The Cathedral’s so-called ‘lepers’ squint’ allowed them to see and hear mass, while they could also receive Communion through the opening.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: When it comes to eating in Limerick, the city is your oyster. There’s a wealth of restaurants, cafes, pub grub and fast food on offer. There are some gorgeous independent eateries, from fresh and flavourful Italian food to steaks and burgers. One of Limerick’s legendary, awarding gastro pub The Locke Bar is right around the corner from Saint Mary’s Cathedral.

What to see

Events:

Hear From Our Choir: Experience the famous sound of Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
Musical Highlights: Review our programme of musical performances.
Light A Candle: Find light, warmth and comfort by dedicating a votive candle in prayer.
Bell Ringing: A years-old Saint Mary’s Cathedral tradition.

For more information please visit: https://saintmaryscathedral.ie/worship-music/

Website

Contact

Video