Ireland’s Christian faith was established in the fourth century with the arrival of Patrick the missionary from Rome.  Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, converting and instructing believers in the Christian faith.  Pagan chieftains and their tribes became Christian converts. There are monastic sites, high crosses and round towers which remain today, giving us a glimpse into how Christian communities worshipped and announced their religious fervour.

In the seventh and eighth centuries Irish monks created ornate illustrated books of the Gospel which have survived invasion and later religious oppression. The Book of Kells is on display in Trinity College Library, Dublin. 

For centuries after Patrick, Irish saints, scholars and missionaries left Ireland to evangelise Europe. Saint Columcille, Saint Columban, Saint Aidan and Saint Gall were missionaries in Europe.  Their names are connected to churches and religious sites in Ireland, Britain, France and Switzerland.

Today there are many places in Ireland associated with Patrick and other early Irish saints.  Armagh, Downpatrick, Dublin and Mayo have significant religious sites devoted to Saint Patrick  which are visited by pilgrims and tourists each year.

We include in this section some resources on religious sites which explain Ireland's Christian heritage. 

Religious destinations by train

Tourism offices and local councils publish information leaflets about historical and religious attractions in Ireland. Find out more about visiting religious sites in Ireland.

Read more about cultural tours which include visits to religious sites in Ireland.

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