Joshua Bennett
St Patrick's is a Catholic parish in Belfast's city centre, serving the local community, workers in the cultural and social hub of the Cathedral Quarter, and students and staff of Ulster University Belfast Campus. St Patrick's was, for most of its existence, Belfast's Catholic Pro-Cathedral, and has played a significant role in the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor. The current church was opened in 1877, replacing an earlier, smaller building from 1815.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | St. Patrick's Parish |
| Location | Belfast's City Centre |
| Community Served | Local residents, workers in the Cathedral Quarter, students and staff of Ulster University Belfast Campus |
| Type of Church | Catholic |
| History | St. Patrick's has served the spiritual and pastoral needs of Belfast for over two centuries; it was Belfast's Catholic Pro-Cathedral for most of its existence |
| Building | The current church, a Victorian gem, was opened in 1877, replacing an earlier, smaller building from 1815 |
| Burial | One of the most important figures in 19th-century Belfast's history, Bishop Patrick Dorrian, is buried within its walls |
| Other Churches | St. Mary's Chapel Lane, the Mother Church of Belfast, built in 1784; St. Joseph's Church in the Sailortown district |
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What You'll Learn
St Patrick's Parish
The current church, a Victorian architectural gem, was opened in 1877 and is the fourth St Patrick's Church in Belfast. It was designed by Timothy Hevey, Belfast's leading Catholic architect at the time, and built by Collen Brothers of Portadown and Dublin. The church was constructed around the old church, which was then demolished. It was built to seat 2,000 people and is a Grade B+ listed building. The church features a 7-foot-tall statue of St Patrick above the door, carved by James Pearse, and a two-ton bell cast by Thomas Sheridan of Dublin.
The first church on the site was built in 1815 and was the second Catholic Church constructed in Belfast since the Reformation. It replaced a smaller building that was begun in 1812, the year Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. The present church was built to accommodate the growing Catholic population in Belfast after the Great Famine. The last Mass in the first church was celebrated on 1 August 1875.
Adjacent to the church is the refurbished St Patrick's School, constructed in 1828 by Timothy Hevey's father. It was the first Catholic school in Belfast and was built on land donated by the Marquess of Donegall. The school operated as a primary school until 1982 and later served as a parish community centre.
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![The History of the Town of Belfast, with an Accurate Account of Its Former and Present State : to Which Are Added a Statistical Survey of the Parish of Belfast and a 1823 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
St Patrick's Church
The current St Patrick's Church is the fourth church building to bear the name in Belfast. The first, reputedly founded by St Patrick himself, is located in the Shankill area of the city, which means 'Old Church' in the Irish language. Over the centuries, St Patrick's Church in Belfast has undergone several transformations. The construction of the current church began in the early 1870s to accommodate the growing Catholic population after the Great Famine. It was designed by the renowned architect Timothy Hevey in the Gothic Revival style and officially opened in 1877. The church features a towering steeple, a stunning Rose window, and a seven-foot-tall statue of St Patrick above the door.
The parish of St Patrick's Church is a welcoming and inclusive community centred on their faith in Jesus. It serves a diverse group of people, including local residents, workers in the cultural and social heartland of the Cathedral Quarter, and the students and staff of the nearby Ulster University Belfast Campus. The church invites visitors, new residents, and neighbours to join them for the celebration of the sacraments, quiet prayer, or simply to admire the beauty and history of the church. The parish also offers opportunities for service and community engagement beyond its walls.
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Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is a historic district in Belfast, centred around the magnificent St Anne's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St Anne. The Cathedral, which has stood for over a hundred years, features stunning architecture and artwork, and a 40-metre stainless steel "Spire of Hope", illuminated at night. It is the site of the annual Christmas 'Sit Out', where the Dean of Belfast spends a week accepting donations for local charities.
The surrounding cobblestone streets of the Cathedral Quarter are lined with beautiful buildings, pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting various arts and cultural venues, including the MAC, a hub for music, theatre, dance, and art. The area is also home to the Second Fiddle, a contemporary Irish music venue showcasing Irish culture and art, and the Dirty Onion, Belfast's oldest building, featuring traditional Irish music. The Cathedral Quarter hosts several annual festivals, including the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, the Festival of Fools, and Culture Night.
The Cathedral Quarter is served by St Patrick's Parish, a Catholic community that has existed for over two centuries. The parish caters to the residents, workers, and visitors of the area, as well as the Ulster University Belfast Campus. St Patrick's Church, a Victorian gem, is described as a place of tranquillity in the heart of the city.
The Cathedral Quarter is easily accessible, located within a 15-minute walk from the Titanic Quarter and well-connected by regular bus services. It offers a buzzing and creative atmosphere, with something for everyone, from traditional Irish pubs to trendy bars and restaurants.
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Ulster University Belfast Campus
St Patrick's Parish is a Catholic community in Belfast's city centre. It serves the students and staff of Ulster University's Belfast Campus, as well as local residents, city workers, and various institutions such as hospitals and schools. The parish has a dynamic and vibrant faith community, centred on Jesus and formed by prayer and the sacraments. The church itself is a Victorian architectural gem, offering a tranquil space for visitors, new residents, and parishioners to connect and celebrate their faith.
Ulster University's Belfast Campus is an innovative and modern educational hub, recognised as the UK and Ireland University of the Year in 2024. The campus prioritises sustainability and digital solutions, encouraging staff and students to reduce their carbon footprint. The campus is located in the heart of Belfast, amidst a rich arts, cultural, and heritage scene. It is easily accessible by public transport, car, and active travel options.
The campus boasts a range of facilities and design features, including LED lighting, floor-by-floor guides, and a focus on digital-first solutions. Students and staff require ID card access across the buildings and have access to technical support and various management systems. The university also offers a free app that connects the community to security services and provides instant boiling water in kitchens, eliminating the need for kettles.
Ulster University's Belfast Campus is more than just a place of education; it is a catalyst for connecting people, businesses, academics, and students. It fosters collaboration and engagement with the surrounding community, creating a network of opportunities for all. The campus is committed to serving the needs of its students and staff, offering comprehensive lists of services and useful contacts to ensure a supportive and enriching university experience.
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St Mary's Chapel Lane
The church has a rich history that dates back to the Reformation, when Catholic churches were confiscated from their worshippers. Despite these challenges, the completion of St Mary's Chapel Lane in 1784 marked a turning point, as it was the first Catholic Church to be constructed in Belfast during this period.
By 1812, the Catholic community in Belfast had grown in confidence, and they embarked on the construction of a second church on Donegall Street, which is now the current Presbytery. This building holds the distinction of being Belfast's oldest continuously inhabited house.
The parish takes pride in its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, extending a warm invitation to visitors, new residents, and neighbours alike. It encourages people from all walks of life to join in the celebration of the sacraments, engage in quiet prayer, or simply find solace in the peaceful surroundings of the church.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Patrick's Parish is located in Belfast's city centre. It has been serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of the people of Belfast for over two centuries.
St. Patrick's Church is a Victorian architectural gem, famously built "by the pennies of the poor". It is the fourth church by this name in Belfast.
The present St. Patrick's Church was opened in 1877. It replaced an earlier, much smaller building that was begun in 1812 and opened in 1815.
