The two main cathedrals (Christ Church and St. Patrick's) of Dublin belong to the Protestant Church of Ireland, so St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral (meaning "acting cathedral" and known affectionately as "The Pro") is the closest the Catholics get to having their own.

History of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral

St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral was built between 1815 and 1825 on the site of a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary.

St. Mary's is not an official cathedral, even though it functions as one. Why? Back when Christ Church Cathedral was built, the pope consecrated it as the Catholic cathedral of Dublin. Although Christ Church has been Protestant for centuries, no pope has ever revoked its original designation. Since a city can only have one Catholic cathedral, St. Mary's cannot enjoy that status until Christ Church's is revoked.

What to See at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral

Tucked into a corner of a rather unimpressive back street, St. Mary's is in the heart of Dublin's north side and functions as the main Catholic parish church of the city center. The church is noted for its Palestrina Choir, which sings a Latin Mass every Sunday at 11am.

The cathedral is in the Neo-Classic Doric style, which provides a distinct contrast to the Gothic Revival look of most other churches of the period. The exterior portico is modeled on the Temple of Theseus in Athens, with six Doric columns, while the Renaissance-style interior is patterned after the Church of St. Philip de Reule of Paris.

Quick Facts on St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral

Site Information
Names:	St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral · The Pro
Categories:	cathedrals
Styles:	Neoclassical
Dedication:	Virgin Mary
Dates:	1815-25
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	53.350867° N, 6.258962° W
Address:	Cathedral and Marlborough Sts. Dublin, Ireland
Phone:	01/874-5441
Hours:	Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
Lodging:	View hotels near St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral - Official Website
2. Frommer's Ireland 2005

More Information

• Photos of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral - here on Sacred Destinations