St Catherine's Church, Dublin

St Catherine's Church is a Roman Catholic church on Meath Street featuring a granite facade with Doric semi-columns that follow classical Palladian design principles. The building combines straightforward architectural elements with solid proportions that shape the interior experience.

The church was originally built in 1185 and later rebuilt between 1760 and 1769 by architect John Smyth. This reconstruction shaped the building's appearance that visitors see today.

The church holds a place in Irish literary history through James Joyce's short story "The Sisters," which makes it a meaningful stop for literature enthusiasts. Visitors can sense this connection to Irish writing while walking through the space and its surroundings.

Visitors should know that the adjacent cemetery is now a public park and remains accessible without formal restrictions. The grounds are easy to reach on foot and offer a quiet space in the middle of the city.

The adjacent cemetery grounds preserve memorials to people who took part in the 1803 Rising, connecting the site directly to a pivotal moment in Irish history. These graves tell the stories of individuals who lived and fought during that time.

Location: Dublin

Inception: 12 century

Website: http://corechurch.ie

GPS coordinates: 53.34300,-6.28120

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01