St Patricks Cathedral, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. It stands as one of the town's most historic landmarks. The cathedral's history dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by Bertram de Verdun, a Norman nobleman. The cathedral features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Romanesque elements, reflecting the various periods of its construction and renovation. One of the notable features of Dundalk Cathedral is its bell tower, which stands tall and can be seen from a distance. The tower houses several bells that have been part of the cathedral for centuries. Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several restorations to preserve its historical significance and structural integrity. These efforts have helped maintain the cathedral's beauty and importance as a religious and cultural site. Throughout its history, Dundalk Cathedral has served as a place of worship for the local community and has played a significant role in the religious life of the region. Today, visitors can explore the cathedral's interior, admire its architecture, and learn about its rich history through guided tours and informational displays.
The cathedral occasionally hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, attracting both locals and tourists interested in history, art, and music. The cathedral is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by greenery and other historical buildings, making it a peaceful place to visit and reflect. The local community plays an active role in preserving and promoting the cathedral's heritage, ensuring that it remains a cherished landmark for future generations.

St Patricks Cathedral History
On a Sunday morning in late summer of 1748, the officer commanding the Dundalk garrison was returning from an early morning canter,when he noticed at St. Helena's Quay, a crowd of people assembled in and around an old shed. On enquiry he was told that they were Catholics attending Mass. Despite the fact that it was a penal offence, the officer was so impressed by the people's fidelity to their religion that he persuaded the first Earl of Clanbrassil to grant the Catholics of the town a site for a permanent church.
The first St. Patrick's was built in 1750 in Chapel St. This church served the needs of the people for almost a century. From 1843 it was used as a school and became the property of the Irish Christian Brothers from 1867. Fr. Matthew McCann (P.P. 1817-1836) acquired the present site for St Patrick's in 1834. He was succeeded as parish priest by Fr John Coyne (PP 1836-1848). During his time as parish priest the new St Patrick's was completed. The cost of this beautiful church was €25,000 and it took 12 years to build.
It was not completed until the end of 1847, but was in use from 1842. Fr. Coyne is buried before the high altar. A mural tablet to his memory was erected beside the Sacred Heart side altar. He was succeeded as parish priest by Fr Michael Kieran (PP 1848- 1869). He became Dean of the Archdiocese in 1857 and Archbishop of Armagh in 1866 and made Dundalk his mensal parish. He was the last parish priest of Dundalk and since then the parish has been run by an Administrator.
The high altar and reredos of Caen stone were designed by McCarthy, who was a pupil of the famous Victorian architect Pugin, while the side altars, representing "The Agony" and "The Dead Christ" were executed by the well known sculptor Sir Thomas Farrell. The reredos consists of 4 panels of finely sculptured groups representing "The Nativity", "The Adoration of the Magi", "The Presentation in the Temple" and "The Flight into Egypt". In 1850 Dean Kieran erected the screen which fronts the church. It was built by Robinson & Kelly of Belfast at a cost of £596.
St Patrick's is built of Newry granite and was designed in the style of King's College chapel, Cambridge. Its style is pointed Gothic. Inside, St Patrick's measures 144 ft. x 72 ft (44m x 22m). It has one long nave and 2 aisles, finely chiselled granite pillars and a "ribbed vaulting" type of roof which was inspired by English  Monastic architecture. Exeter Cathedral is thought to have provided the inspiration for the interior of St Patrick's.
On the 1st January 1842 St Patrick's was opened for divine worship and Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator of  Irish Catholics attended Mass in St Patrick's on that day.
St Patrick's was solemnly consecrated by Archbishop Dixon on Sunday, 30th September 1855.
On Friday 3rd September 1858, St Patrick's welcomed another famous visitor, Cardinal Wiseman of Westminster. High Mass at noon was celebrated by Archbishop Dixon at which the Cardinal presided and preached the sermon. The Cardinal was accompanied by Sir George Boyer, M.P. for the area, who was a convert to Catholicism, and who gave many gifts to St. Patrick's including the statue of Our Lady which came from Asia Minor, a Monstrance and also vestments made from the coronation robe of the Czar of Russia. www.stpatricksdundalk.com/sermons