St Columb's Cathedral

St Columb's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Derry that began construction in 1633 and was among the first Protestant cathedrals built on the islands after the Reformation. The building has a solid tower from its founding period, with a spire added later, and the interior contains decorative stained glass windows placed throughout the space.

Construction began in 1633 under William Parratt and marked a turning point as the first Anglican cathedral built after the Reformation in Britain and Ireland. The location and design of the building reflected the religious shift of that era.

The cathedral takes its name from Saint Columb, an Irish holy figure whose presence is still felt in the space today. Visitors walk through areas where worshippers have gathered for centuries, and the crafted details throughout show how the community has cared for the building over generations.

The cathedral is open Wednesday to Saturday during winter and Monday to Saturday in summer, with free entry for visitors. Since hours shift with the seasons, it helps to check the schedule before your visit to plan accordingly.

The cathedral bells were given by King Charles I in 1638 and remain the oldest complete set of bells still in use across Ireland. These bells ring regularly, connecting visitors to a sonic heritage stretching back to the 1600s.