Raise the Roof with Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Stroll through The Liberties so you can enjoy the sights and architecture that stay true to its history and the overall feel of the community. Standing tall after nearly 800 years, the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was built on the site supposedly used by Saint Patrick’s himself. Since then, it has it gone through the works. The cathedral has faced the trials and tribulations of time, and all the great events that come with Irish history.

In 1316, a brutal storm knocked down the spire of the cathedral, followed by an accidental fire in 1362. Both events did considerable damage to the roof and had put it under distress. In 1370, the nave roof and the tower were repaired, although it would then collapse.

When the 19th century came around, the cathedral was in need of some serious tender, loving care. The once proud standing cathedral was now barely standing at all. Cue Benjamin Lee Guinness. The 19th century saw the beginning of the Guinness restoration, in which Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was restored and repaired between 1960 and 1965.

Unfortunately, it didn’t stop there. Ever since, there has been a lot of repairs made to the cathedral. Rotting wood and serious decay have called for measures to be put in place in the hopes of preventing the structure from collapsing. And in 2017, it’s no different.

This coming December, until the 6th of January, the Cathedral is holding a Christmas Tree Festival in the effort to raise money to replace the nave roof.  It has been just over 140 years since the roof was last replaced, and although with age comes beauty, everyone needs a little help every now and then.

It costs €7,000 to open the Cathedral everyday. This means that it’s costing €5 a minute. The cathedral urges the supportive community and neighbours to help preserve this landmark, considering there is no Mister Benjamin Lee Guinness knocking about to save the day.

The Christmas Tree Festival will run from December 1st to January 6th. The festival will encourage local businesses and companies to donate decorated trees for families and couples to come along and enjoy. The Christmas Tree Festival will be a ticketed event, but The Christmas Festival Family Nights from the 20th to the 22nd of December will be free. Come along and rejoice in the Christmas spirit of compassion, giving thanks and having fun while helping out a historical building.