CountyAntrimBELFASTBelfastCathedral(tourismnorthernireland©NITB)1 ©TourismNorthernIreland

Belfast Cathedral

Step off Belfasts busy streets into a timeless place of prayer to explore its history and enjoy quiet moments of reflection in this beautiful place.

Belfast, County Antrim

Opening times

Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Sunday 1pm t0 3pm.
Entry charge applies.

Address

Donegall Street
Belfast
County Antrim
BT1 2HB

This site in Donegall Street originally housed a smaller church in Classical style, a gift to the town of Belfast by its landlord Lord Donegall, which was consecrated in 1776 and called St Anne, after the mother of the Virgin Mary. Lord Donegalls wife was also called Anne, which probably determined the choice of name. The project to build a cathedral for Belfast was launched in 1895. Architects were appointed, both Belfast men, Thomas Drew, who provided the plans, and WH Lynn. The style chosen was Romanesque and the building would be basilican in form.

The foundation stone was laid on September 6th 1899. Building began around the old church, which continued to be used for services until the end of 1903. The first part of the building to be constructed, the nave, was consecrated on June 2nd 1904. For nearly 80 years the cruciform church was a work in progress, with sections completed bit by bit: crypt and foundations for a proposed crossing tower 1922-24; west front 1925-27; baptistery 1928; Chapel of the Holy Spirit 1932; apse and ambulatory 1959; transepts 1974 and 1981. A temporary brick chancel did duty until the east end was completed. The stainless steel Spire of Hope was lowered into place in 2007.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Train station within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Café within 500m

  • Café in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Church of Ireland

  • Cornerstone Grant, £14,960, 2021

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Patrick

Belfast, County Antrim

The first church was built on this site in 1815 and was the second Catholic church built since the Reformation in the city of Belfast.