St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick
St. Mary's Cathedral is Limerick's Church of Ireland cathedral and the oldest building in the city still in continuous daily use, founded in 1168 by Domhnall Mór Ua Briain, King of Munster, on the site of his former palace. The cathedral blends Romanesque and Gothic elements built up over more than 850 years, and its most distinctive feature is a set of carved medieval misericords (folding seats) in the choir, dating to the 15th century and considered among the finest surviving examples in Ireland, decorated with a mix of religious and playful, sometimes strange animal carvings. The building has survived sieges, including the Williamite Wars that battered much of the surrounding city, and its black stone tower remains one of the recognizable landmarks of Limerick's King's Island area near King John's Castle. Visits usually include a look at the misericords, the nave, and often a climb of the tower for city views, weather and staffing permitting.
St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick FAQs
They're carved wooden folding seats in the choir dating to the 15th century, decorated with detailed and sometimes unusual animal and figure carvings, and considered among the finest surviving examples in Ireland.
There's typically a small suggested donation or admission fee to help maintain the building; check current arrangements before visiting.
It was founded in 1168, making it the oldest building in Limerick still in continuous daily use.
Tower access is sometimes available, generally on a limited or guided basis; check locally as it can depend on staffing and weather.
Yes, it's a short walk away on the same King's Island area of the city.
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