Finally.....Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Yes, you guessed it, I finally arrived at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and it was well worth it.  The grounds were actually more impressive than the interior, at least to me.  The inside was very dark, and not well maintained.  I did get some really good pictures, so you will be able to see for yourself.

Saint Patrick is said to have baptized converts to Christianity at the well that once existed in the park alongside the Cathedral.  Because of this association with Saint Patrick, a church has stood here since the fifth century.  The Normans built a church in stone on this site in 1191.  This was rebuilt in the early thirteenth century and is the building that is seen today.  in 1370, after a fire, the west tower was rebuilt and the spire was added in 1749.  Saint Patrick's is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, a member church of the Anglican Communion.

A couple of the famous Irish writers that are buried at Saint Patrick's

 

 

Different view

 

Looking down to the Choir

 

Closer look at the Choir - Above are the banners and hatchments of the Knights of Saint Patrick, a chivalric order founded by King George III in 1783.

This is the South Aisle and it is dedicated to military memorials and memorials to distringuished Irishmen.  Also gathered together are memorials and items commemorating the writer, Jonathan Swift.

I love stain glass windows

 

Memorial to Thomas Jones, Dean of St. Patrick's from 1581 to 1585

 

Celtic cross discovered near the church in the 19th century.

 

Statue of Saint Patrick by Melanie Le Brocquy

 

I am glad that I persevered and was able to visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral