 23:52, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 (in Ireland)
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Churches to Visit in DublinSt. Patrick’s Cathedral (C of I) Top AttractionIreland's largest church was founded beside a sacred well where St. Patrick is said to have baptised converts around 450A.D. A stone slab bearing a Celtic cross and covering the well was un-earthed at the turn of the century(20th). It is now preserved in the west end of the cathedral's nave. The original building was just a wooden chapel and remained so until 1192 when Archbishop John Comyn rebuilt the cathedral in stone. Much of the present building dates back to work completed between 1254 and 1270. Location: St. Patrick's Close, Dublin 8. St. Mary’s Pro CathedralDedicated in 1825 before catholic emancipation was fully effected, St. Mary's is Dublin's Catholic cathedral . Its backstreet site was the best the city's Anglo-Irish leaders would allow. The façade is based on the Temple of Theseus in Athens. Its six Doric columns support a pediment with statues of St. Laurence O'Toole, 12th century Archbishop of Dublin and patron saint of the city, St. Mary and St. Patrick In 1904 the great tenor, John McCormack, began his career with the Palestrina Choir here, which can be heard every Sunday at 11am. Location: Marlborough Street. St. Ann’s Church (C of I)Founded in 1707, St. Ann's striking Romanesque façade was added in 1868. Inside is a series of colourful stained glass windows, dating from the mid-19th century. Famous past parishioners include Wolfe Tone who was married here in 1785, Douglas Hyde and Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Location: Dawson Street. Trinity College ChapelThis is the only chapel in the Republic of Ireland to be shared by all denominations. The painted window above the altar dates from 1867. Location: Trinity College. St. Audeon’s ChurchDesignated a national Monument and currently under restoration, St. Audeon's is Dublin's earliest surviving Medieval church. The 12th-Century tower is believed to be the oldest in Ireland, and its three bells date from 1423. The 15th century nave also remains intact. The church stands in an attractive churchyard with well-maintained lawns and shrubs. Next door stand St. Audeon's Catholic Church, completed in 1847. In the basement is an audiovisual presentation on pre-Viking Ireland. Location: High Street. St. Werburgh’s Church (C of I)The original church was built in 1178 and named after the daughter of the King of Mercia. An act of 1715 which passed through the Irish Parliament appointed commissioners for building a new church. In 1719 the church was sufficiently built to permit worship to be carried out but the tower was left unfinished, without either spire or dome. Location: Werburgh Street. Whitefriar Church (RC)Designed by George Papworth, this Catholic Church was built in 1827. It stands on the site of a 16th-century Carmelite priory of which nothing remains. In contrast to the two Church of Ireland cathedrals, St. Patrick's, and Christchurch, which are usually full of tourists, this church is frequented by local worshipers. Location: 55 Aungier Street. | |||
