SAINT PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL

St. Patrick's Cathedral was founded in 1191 and is one of the symbols of the Irish capital. It was extensively restored in the 19th century, changing its original appearance. On the left, as you enter, you will notice the polychrome stone monument erected in honor of the Boyle family by Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, in the 17th century. This monument rises to the height of the stained glass window and is decorated with paintings and sculptures of family members. In the center, the little boy on the ground is Robert Boyle, son of Richard, who will become a famous physicist. There are also two beautiful stones carved with crosses that have the symbolic distinction of having been found near the sacred spring of St. Patrick. In the north transept is Swift's Corner, which contains the library of the man who was dean of the cathedral from 1715 to 1743, with the complete works of the writer; behind the glass case is his death mask. On the right, we can see his chair and his writing table. The stalls, before the choir, are crowned with helmets or flags (knights' banners) and swords: the cross and the banner..

Finally, the visit ends with the tombs (two shiny copper slabs) of Swift and his beloved, Esther Johnson, nicknamed Stella. The permanent exhibition Living Stones celebrates the place of the cathedral in the life of the Irish city, its history and its role since its construction. A must-see!