St Mary's Cathedral
About
St Mary's Cathedral, the Church of Ireland cathedral on King's Island, was founded in 1168 and is the oldest building in Limerick still in continuous daily use, and one of the oldest in the country. Inside are medieval misericords carved in black oak, centuries of monuments and a working, atmospheric interior a few minutes' walk from King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. It is ticketed and open Monday to Saturday, and together with the castle and the Treaty Stone it makes up the medieval core of the city that can be seen comfortably in a morning.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Founded in 1168, Limerick's oldest building in continuous daily use
- ✓Medieval black-oak misericords, rare in Ireland
- ✓Centuries of monuments and a working cathedral interior
- ✓A few minutes from King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone
Tips
- →Ticketed; open roughly Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 16:00, so check before a Sunday visit.
- →Look for the medieval misericords, among the finest surviving in Ireland.
- →Combine with King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone for the medieval core.
Best Season
More Heritage Activities
King John's Castle
An 800-year Norman fortress on the Shannon with a strong interactive exhibition. The centrepiece of medieval Limerick.
The Treaty Stone
The city's emblem on Clancy Strand: the limestone block linked to the 1691 Treaty of Limerick, opposite the castle. Free.