St. Brigid’s Cathedral

St. Brigid’s Cathedral is located on the original grounds of St. Brigid’s wooden church. Between 1223 and 1230 the present Cathedral was built. It was semi-ruinous by the year 1500, derelict by 1649, partially rebuilt in 1686 and finally restored to its present form from 1875 – 1896. Its environs include a Round Tower and a high cross. Major Restoration works took place in 1996.

Opening hours:

May – September

Mon. – Sat. 10am – 1pm &  2pm – 5pm

Sunday 2pm – 5pm

Please note the Cathedral closes October – April

Groups wishing to access the Cathedral outside of these times, please contact us at Kildare Town Heritage Centre for information.

Mary Rickerby, Verger of St. Brigid's Cathedral Kildare

Some examples of stone sculptures inside St. Brigid’s Cathedral:

skull and crossbones symbolising that ‘in the midst of life we are in death’

an unusual ‘indulgenced’ carving

Síle-na-gCíoch on the Wellesley altar tomb

stone sculpture photos – H. Jackson  February 2010