St. Colman's Cathedral

St. Colman\'s Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
St. Colman\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and religious aspects
St. Colman\'s Cathedral which includes heritage elements, religious elements and heritage architecture
St. Colman\'s Cathedral featuring heritage elements, religious aspects and heritage architecture
St. Colman\'s Cathedral which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Admire the dramatic neo-Gothic façade, listen to the chimes of a huge carillon and spot a series of intricate carvings at this 19th-century hillside cathedral.

St. Colman’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and important religious landmark that rises above the streets of Cobh. This impressive monument dates back to 1868 and took about 47 years to complete. Visit St. Colman’s Cathedral today to appreciate its exquisite architecture, hear its 49-bell carillon and enjoy views over Cork Harbour.

Stand at the entrance to the cathedral and gaze in awe at the façade’s neo-Gothic designs. Look up at the soaring spires and spot gruesome-looking gargoyles. Note the sculptures of saints crowning the doorways and the elaborately decorated windows. The cathedral’s grandeur is the work of the famed church architects Edward Welby Pugin and George Ashlin.

Time your visit to arrive on the hour and listen as the chimes of the cathedral’s bells ring out across the city. The group of 49 bells makes up the largest carillon in both Ireland and Great Britain. Free carillon recitals take place on Sundays from May to September.

Step inside to discover rows of elegant arches spilling down to the main altar. Retrace Ireland’s ecclesiastical history via the detailed carvings. They depict everything from the era of St. Patrick to present-day religion.

Back outside, see wonderful views of Cork Harbour from the cathedral’s grounds. Cobh was the departure point for many Irish residents who emigrated to Australia and the United States in the 1800s. Consequently, the cathedral would have been one of the emigrants’ last sightings of their homeland before embarking on a new life.

The cathedral is open daily and has free admission. It’s an active place of worship so dress modestly and respect those worshipping.

Located in the heart of Cobh, St. Colman’s Cathedral is just a short walk from other major city attractions. Use the free parking available at the rear of the building. Learn about the city’s maritime history at the nearby Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh Museum and Titanic Experience Cobh.

Plan a trip to see St. Colman's Cathedral

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The Metropole Hotel

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Things to do near St. Colman's Cathedral

When visiting St. Colman's Cathedral in Cobh, County Cork, tourists can enjoy activities such as sailing and walking around the picturesque surroundings. Additionally, the cathedral offers educational trips that provide insights into its rich history and stunning architecture, making it a perfect destination for those keen to learn while exploring this magnificent site.

Shopping

While visiting St. Colman's Cathedral, enjoy the nearby English Market, only 5.6km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, explore the Mahon Point Shopping Centre, situated 3.1km away, featuring a mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Raffeen Creek Golf Club, located 1.9km from St. Colman's Cathedral, where you can embrace the outdoors in a stunning setting. Alternatively, visit Fernhill Golf and Country Club, 2.5km away, or Douglas Golf Club, 3.7km away, for more excellent golfing experiences.

Adventure

The Ballycotton Cliff Walk, located 6.8km from St. Colman's Cathedral, offers breathtaking coastal views and invigorating hiking trails. For water enthusiasts, Swell Surf School, 3.7km away, provides thrilling surfing lessons. Don’t miss the Kartworld Adventure Centre, also 6.8km distant, for an exhilarating karting experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife near St. Colman's Cathedral features the Everyman Palace Theatre, offering diverse performances steeped in culture and romance. For a fun-filled evening, the Leisureplex arcade provides adventure for all ages, while the Cork Arts Theatre showcases captivating shows that blend family entertainment with artistic flair.

Find the best attractions near St. Colman's Cathedral

While visiting St. Colman's Cathedral in Cobh, County Cork, explore nearby attractions such as historic castles and the scenic harbour. The area offers a blend of cultural experiences, romantic spots, and chances to relax by the beach. Don't miss the local Catholic church, Friends of St. Colman, and other historical civic buildings that enhance your visit and provide insight into the rich heritage of the region.

  • Blackrock Castle: Located 3.7km from St. Colman's Cathedral, Blackrock Castle offers a captivating blend of history and romance. Its picturesque architecture and scenic riverside setting make it a delightful spot for exploration and photography.
  • Phillips 66 Whitegate Refinery: Situated 1.9km away, this factory showcases a unique aspect of local industry. The friendly atmosphere invites visitors to appreciate the workings of this refinery while enjoying the surrounding relaxing vibes of the area.
  • Turners Cross: A stadium located 5.0km from the cathedral, Turners Cross is a hub of sporting activity. Experience the excitement of local matches and soak in the vibrant sports culture that thrives here.

Best time to go to St. Colman's Cathedral

The best time to visit St. Colman's Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Colman's Cathedral

To save money on your trip to St. Colman's Cathedral, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and check their last-minute deals for potential discounts. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through package deals. Lastly, explore the area on foot, as Cobh is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to enjoy free attractions like the stunning cathedral itself without spending a penny.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Colman's Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around St. Colman's Cathedral about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Colman's Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Colman's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel stay near St. Colman's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.