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Church · Cobh, Cork
St Colman's Cathedral
Neogothic Catholic cathedral built between 1868 and 1915 on the hillside of Cobh overlooking the harbour, with a spire of about 90 metres and a carillon of 49 bells.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St Colman's Cathedral
The Cathedral of St Colman was built between 1868 and 1915 on the hillside of Cobh, facing Cork harbour. The design, by architects Edward Pugin and George Ashlin, follows the French neogothic style, in grey granite with limestone details. Construction took 47 years and was largely funded by contributions from Irish emigrants in the United States and Australia.
The tower spire is about 90 metres high and can be seen from across the harbour region, including from ships entering the bay. The tower houses a carillon of 49 bells, installed in 1916, which often plays in concerts on summer Sundays.
The interior features marble columns, stained glass, a large rose window above the entrance and mosaics on the floor. The marble reliefs that line the nave tell the story of the Church in Ireland. The altar faces the harbour, and from the steps in front of the cathedral you can see the bay, Spike Island and the surrounding isles.
Just below the cathedral, the West View street steps down with a row of houses painted in different colours, with the cathedral behind; the view is known as the "deck of cards", because it resembles a deck of cards leaning against each other. The cathedral functions as a church, with daily masses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes for the West View.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the light hits the façade and the harbour. On summer Sundays the carillon often plays in concert; check the schedule. Avoid Mass times for your visit.
How to get there
It is on Cathedral Place, on the hillside above Cobh's waterfront, a 10‑minute walk from the train station, with a steep climb.
Tip
After the visit, walk down the West View and look back halfway down the slope to see the colourful houses with the cathedral in the background. From the cathedral steps, look for Spike Island in the middle of the harbour.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St Colman's Cathedral
How long did the construction take?
About 47 years, from 1868 to 1915, funded largely by contributions from Irish emigrants.
Does the carillon always play?
The bells ring on the hour and for Mass, and the carillon usually gives concerts on summer Sundays. Check the schedule.
Where is the view of the colorful houses?
At West View, the slope just below the cathedral, with the houses arranged in steps and the cathedral in the background.