Those beautiful Irish churches

Ireland can be said to be an ancient place of origin of Christianity. Here, there is St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was built as early as 450 years ago, one of the largest and youngest stone churches in Europe, the Gothic Belfast Cathedral, the most famous and popular church in Belfast, and so on. These churches are not only ancient and beautiful buildings, but also bearers and witnesses of history. These churches and monasteries are generally located in the most beautiful scenery between mountains and waters. The natural scenery and ancient architecture complement each other, forming beautiful pictures. Stepping into the church, understanding the culture of religion, you can feel the grandeur of the architecture, the charm of religion, and the art. Under the stained glass windows, the sunlight turns into patterns, illuminating the church, as if within reach. Traveling to Ireland, churches are a good choice for travel destinations. Below are introduced the five most beautiful churches in Ireland (including monasteries), to explore the traces of history that have been erased, and to seek a common language between nature and culture, starting a spiritual journey.

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin is not far from Christ Church Cathedral. It is said that St. Patrick, the saint who spread Catholicism to Ireland, baptized two apprentices at an ancient well here and converted them to Catholicism. The church was originally built in AD 450 and was subsequently expanded until the 14th century. Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels,' once served as the dean here. Due to the many notable figures buried here, this cathedral holds a status in Ireland comparable to that of Westminster Abbey in England. St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin is one of the largest churches in Ireland, with a tower standing 43 meters high, making it the tallest church in Ireland.

Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Galway, Ireland. It is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in Galway. The cathedral was built on the site of the old city prison, with construction starting in 1958 and consecration in 1965. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas. The organ inside Galway Cathedral was made in 1966 and was restored in 2006. It plays a significant role during major festivals.
Kylemore Abbey is located on the west coast of Ireland. The main building is a Gothic castle built in the 19th century, and it also includes a six-acre Victorian garden. Kylemore derives from the Irish 'Coille Móire,' meaning 'big forest.' The original owner of the castle was Mitchell Henry, a businessman from Manchester, England. Henry chose to build his castle here because his wife was from the west coast of Ireland. The castle was completed in 1871, but unfortunately, Henry's wife passed away three years after its completion. Overcome with grief and loneliness, Henry returned to England. The castle's doors remained tightly locked for 17 years. In 1920, the castle was purchased by Benedictine nuns from Belgium. The castle was renamed Kylemore Abbey and became the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland.
Belfast Cathedral, also known as St. Anne's Cathedral, is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Serving two parishes, it was founded in 1899 and completed in 1904. It is the most famous and popular church in Belfast. St. Anne's Cathedral is not only a place for prayer and worship but also a renowned tourist attraction. Every visitor is moved by its solemnity and beauty. As a place of worship for Christians, St. Anne's Cathedral has been serving the citizens for over a hundred years and has undoubtedly become an indispensable part of their lives. This magnificent cathedral has become a must-visit attraction when touring Belfast. Its history, size, architectural style, mosaic craftsmanship, and stone carvings are all unique and astonishing.
The Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, also known as 'Cork Cathedral', 'St Mary's Cathedral', and 'North Cathedral', is located in Cork City, Ireland. It is a Roman Catholic church and serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross. The Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne is grand and imposing. It was consecrated in 1808, and a bicentennial celebration was held in 2008, making it one of the oldest religious buildings in Cork City. The cathedral was destroyed by a fire in 1820, after which restoration work began. In 1964, the cathedral was expanded, its interior was rearranged, and a sanctuary was added. In 1996, the cathedral underwent renovation, with the roof and Gothic ceiling being restored, giving it a renewed appearance to welcome visitors and worshippers in its most beautiful form.