You need only look at the ancient structure of Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick to feel its majesty but one step inside reveals architectural treasures that everybody should see. Also known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this site has been used as a meeting place since the Viking era, and the church was founded in 1168 by King Domhnall Mór O’Brien. Since then, it’s been an important place of worship in the community – the oldest continuously used building in the city.
This impressive structure is certainly hard to miss, by The Exchange Wall in Englishtown, towering over surrounding buildings. It’s really easy to get to because it’s so centrally located so you won’t have any trouble and it’s also surrounded by bars and restaurants. So, should you attend a Candlelight concert in the church, it’s easy to go for a meal after or before.
Facts, Curiosities, and Interesting Things about Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
1. It’s steeped in Limerick history
The cathedral’s location is incredibly historically significant. Built on the site of an old Viking meeting place, it was later the royal palace of the O’Brien Kings of Thomond. It was founded by King Domhnall Mór O’Brien, a direct descendant of Brian Boru and it’s been through a lot in its short life. It suffered damage from many conflicts, including the Williamite Siege of the city back in 1691 and the Irish Confederate Wars.
2. The walls tell the story of 850 years.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral is an incredible mixture of different architectural styles, owing to its long and storied history. It’s an impressive building with gems to discover at every turn, from Romanesque arches to Gothic windows. In fact, the West doorway is believed to be the original entrance used by the O’Briens and you can still see on the stones the marks made by soldiers sharpening their swords for battle.
3. See unique Limerick artefacts
Aside from the sword marks on the walls, there’s plenty to admire and marvel at in Saint Mary’s Cathedral. It’s home to the only complete set of misrecords in Ireland – Small ledges on the underside of folding seats that allow worshipers to lean. They date back to around 1500 and bear beautiful carvings. You can also see ‘the leper’s squint’ which is a small opening that, in Medieval times, allowed people with leprosy to hear mass. There’s also a pre-Reformation high altar in The Lady Chapel which was stolen by Cromwell’s troops and recovered.
Candlelight concerts at Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Could this incredible cathedral be any more spectacular? Wait until you’ve seen its ancient walls illuminated by thousands of flickering candles at a Candlelight concert. You can hear tributes to your favourite artists, from classical composers to modern pop stars reimagined by talented classical musicians.
What else can you do at Saint Mary’s Cathedral?
What are the opening hours?
Generally, from Monday to Saturday the cathedral is open from 11:00 to 16:00 (with last entry at 15:45). Sundays it is closed and Bank Holidays bring forward the closing time to 15:00. However, whatever the doubt, their timetables are usually posted on their website.
Can you attend services?
Yes, it is still open to the public to attend daily services, according to the Anglican tradition.
Has the cathedral seen much conflict?
It appears so. Having been built in 1168, the site has been witness of many an incident. Once a viking house, and then converted into a royal palace, the cathedral has been through invasions, sieges, battles and wars in its 850 year history.
How to get to St Mary’s Cathedral Limerick
Thanks to its central location, the venue is easily accessible on foot, a stone’s throw away from the Hunt Musuem, or a 15 minute walk from the Milk Mark Market. For those coming from farther away, public transport (bus or train) is a convenient option. Driving is also possible, with parking lots available nearby. Though, as in most city centres, finding spaces may turn into a difficult task.
Nearby venues
While St. Mary’s Cathedral is a prominent venue, Limerick also offers a number of other excellent performance spaces that enrich its cultural scene. The University Concert Hall (UCH) is a modern facility renowned for its superb acoustics and diverse programme of high-calibre performances. Closer to the city centre and on a more intimate scale, the Lime Tree Theatre presents a vibrant mix of theatre, music, comedy, and dance. These venues showcase local talent with care and attention to detail. For example, Candlelight concerts (held primarily at St. Mary’s Cathedral) offer a flickering elegance in their classical reinterpretations of beloved artists and iconic soundtracks.