Belfast Cathedral, also known as the Church of Ireland Cathedral Church of St Anne, is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Belfast. Completed in 1904, the cathedral boasts stunning Italian Romanesque architecture with a striking central tower and a beautiful interior featuring ornate mosaics and stained glass windows. It serves as a significant place of worship and a venue for various events, attracting both locals and tourists. The surrounding Cathedral Quarter is vibrant, filled with art, culture, and dining options, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the city.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 1,695
- Tripadvisor 4.0 586
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central Location Situated in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, it's easily accessible and close to other attractions. The area is easily walkable and well-served by public transportation.
- Peaceful Atmosphere Visitors can find a serene and tranquil escape from the city's bustle. It’s a great place for quiet reflection and contemplation.
- Rich History and Culture The cathedral offers a glimpse into Belfast's history with informative displays and knowledgeable staff. Highlights include the Titanic Pall and various war memorials.
- Special Events and Performances The cathedral hosts a variety of concerts and events, enhancing the visitor experience. The acoustics are excellent, making it a great venue for musical performances.
- Stunning Architecture and Art The cathedral boasts impressive architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and intricate mosaics. The unique Spire of Hope adds a modern touch to the historic building.
Criticised
- Entrance Fee There is an admission fee to enter the main part of the cathedral for a self-guided tour. Some visitors may find the fee excessive, especially compared to other free attractions.
- Gift Shop Placement The presence of a souvenir shop inside the cathedral may detract from the sacred atmosphere. Some visitors may find it inappropriate for a place of worship.
- Modern Construction Although beautiful, the cathedral is relatively modern compared to other historical cathedrals. Those seeking ancient architecture may be underwhelmed.
- Spire of Hope Aesthetics The modern Spire of Hope may not appeal to everyone's taste. Some visitors feel it clashes with the cathedral's overall architectural style.
- Uncomfortable Seating at Events Some events use basic wooden chairs that can be uncomfortable for extended periods. Bringing a blanket is sometimes recommended due to the cathedral's temperature.
The longer read
Belfast Cathedral, also known as St. Anne's Cathedral, is centrally located and easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. The cathedral's architecture blends historical and modern elements, most notably the Spire of Hope, a 40-meter stainless steel structure added in 2007, which some find striking while others feel it detracts from the building's aesthetic. The building is built in the Romanesque Revival style. Constructed from 1899 and continuing over many years, the cathedral features notable stained glass windows and intricate mosaics, particularly those in the Baptistery depicting the Creation, crafted from 150,000 pieces of Italian glass by Gertrude and Margaret Martin. The interior also houses the Titanic Pall, a textile memorial with 1,517 hand-embroidered symbols commemorating the lives lost in the disaster.
Visitors appreciate the cathedral's peaceful atmosphere, offering a break from the city's bustle. Some reviewers describe the interior as beautiful and well-maintained. The staff is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, providing information and guidance to visitors. Many found the information pamphlets useful for self-guided tours. Some reviewers describe attending concerts and Evensong services, appreciating the acoustics and atmosphere for musical performances.
A common point of contention is the entry fee, which some reviewers find reasonable for the upkeep of the cathedral, while others consider it excessive, especially compared to other attractions in the area. The fee is around £3-5. Some reviewers also noted that entry is free for worship or lighting a candle. The presence of a gift shop inside the cathedral is viewed negatively by some. Reviewers suggest that the cathedral may appeal most to those interested in religious architecture, stained glass, and local history. Despite varying opinions on the entry fee and architectural additions, many reviewers recommend a visit to Belfast Cathedral for its historical and cultural significance.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9032 8332
- Website
- belfastcathedral.org
| Mon | 10:30 - 16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:30 - 16:00 |
| Wed | 10:30 - 16:00 |
| Thu | 10:30 - 16:00 |
| Fri | 10:30 - 16:00 |
| Sat | 10:30 - 16:00 |
| Sun | 12:30 - 15:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.6 across the 11 venues we hold for Cathedral Quarter, where the most-reviewed is Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre.
Still deciding?
- What are the opening hours for visitors at Belfast Cathedral?
- Which interior features such as mosaics and stained‑glass windows should tourists prioritize seeing at the cathedral?
- Are guided tours offered at the cathedral, and what topics or areas do they typically cover for visitors?
- What other attractions or cafés in the Cathedral Quarter can I visit on the same day as the cathedral?
- What regular concerts, choral performances, or special events take place in the cathedral that a visitor could attend?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.