St Patrick's Cathedral, St Patrick's Street, Dublin

Saint Patrick's Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life throughout its long history (it was founded in 1191).

The site of the Cathedral was traditionally associated with St. Patrick, and old stones preserved in the nave show evidence of an earlier church on the site. In 1213 the church was raised to Cathedral status, and was almost totally re-built in the years following. The Lady Chapel at the east end of the choir was built at this time, though it may not have formed part of the original design.

In 1316, the spire was blown down and the church was damaged by fire when the citizens burned the suburbs on the approach of Edward Bruce. After the fire, the north-western part of the nave and the four western bays of the north aisle were rebuilt by Archbishop Thomas Minot, who also built the great tower at the western end of the north wall. The stone vault of the nave collapsed in 1544.

After the Reformation the Cathedral was reduced to the status of a parish church, but regained its Cathedral status in 1555. Large portions of the present church are, however, the result of rebuilding carried out by Sir Benjamin Guinness from 1864 onwards.

The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick's from 1713 - 1747.

Handel's Messiah received its first performance here in 1742 sung by the combined choir of Saint Patrick's and Christ Church.

Music has played an integral part in the life of Saint Patrick's since its foundation and it is the only cathedral in these islands to sing two services everyday.

According to legend, it is built on the site of a well where St Patrick baptized converts to Christianity in the fifth century.

St Patrick's Cathedral received a grant of €3,276 in 2002 to restore the Robing Room.