Dominating the skyline on all approaches to the city of Londonderry is Saint Columb's Cathedral, which has stood on its prominent site inside the famous walls of Derry since 1633.
The Cathedral is dedicated to the name of Saint Columba (Columb) who established a Christian settlement here in the sixth century. The Cathedral was built of stone from local quarries and skilled stone cutters and masons had to be procured. The old pillars and arches bear testimony to sound judgement and first-rate craftsmanship.
During the last 30 years of civil unrest, the Cathedral has become a focus for inter-community activities. With the prospect of more peaceful times in Northern Ireland, we hope to build on the image of the Cathedral as a tourist attraction, which even now has on average over 25,000 a year. According to figures published by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Cathedral is actually the second most popular destination in the country.
As you enter the Cathedral and proceed up the Nave you can see the splendid ceiling put on in 1887. The corbels represent the various heads of Bishops and Deans over the years