Our pilgrimage begins in the heart of Ireland - Dublin, home to two of the country's most important cathedrals. The first stop is Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, an impressive monument of medieval architecture. This church, founded in 1030, impresses with its majestic Gothic style and rich history. The interior of the cathedral hides many treasures, including a crypt that is one of the largest in Ireland and Britain. Here visitors can admire unique artifacts, such as a mummified cat and rat, found in the cathedral's organ. The entrance fee is about €11.5 per person (as of 2023), which may seem a bit high, but it's worth remembering that the price includes a free audiobook available in several languages, including Polish.

Just a few minutes' walk from Christ Church Cathedral is another gem of Dublin's sacred architecture - St. Patrick's Cathedral. This largest cathedral in Ireland, built in 1220, is the national church of Ireland and the place where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts. The cathedral impresses not only with its monumental architecture, but also with its rich interior, including beautiful stained glass windows and floors. An entrance ticket costs about 9 euros (as of 2023), making it a slightly cheaper option than Christ Church Cathedral. Note the park surrounding the cathedral, which is an oasis of calm in the heart of a busy city.

Comparing the two cathedrals, it's worth noting that while Christ Cathedral is older and offers a more elaborate crypt, St. Patrick's Cathedral boasts more space and a wider range of cultural events. Both churches, however, are an integral part of Dublin's history and are a must-see for any lover of religious architecture.

For those looking for a slightly less well-known but equally fascinating site, we recommend visiting Newman University Church. This relatively young church, built in the 1850s, stands out from other Dublin churches for its neo-Romanesque style. Although smaller than cathedrals, this church impresses with its rich architectural details and beautiful interior. Particularly noteworthy are the colorful mosaics and sculptures that adorn the church's interior. Newman University Church, while not as well-known as the main cathedrals, offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere and an opportunity for contemplation away from the crowds of tourists.

Leaving Dublin, our pilgrimage moves to the picturesque countryside of the Irish countryside, where true gems of sacred architecture await us. The first stop is St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny, one of the oldest churches in Ireland. Dating back to the 13th century, this cathedral impresses with its austere Gothic architecture and impressive tower that is more than a thousand years old. For a small fee of €5.5 (as of 2023), you can climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the entire city and the surrounding green hills. The interior of the cathedral hides many fascinating features, including medieval tombstones and beautiful stained glass windows. Note the cemetery surrounding the cathedral, which in itself is a valuable source of information about the region's history.

Our next destination is Clonfert Cathedral, Church of Ireland - a small but extremely charming cathedral in County Galway. What sets this church apart is its richly decorated Romanesque portal, considered one of the most beautiful examples of this style in Ireland. The cathedral, although smaller than the other sites we visited, has a remarkable atmosphere and is a great example of how even small places of worship can hide great treasures of art and architecture. Admission to the cathedral is free, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.

Our journey continues to the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, also known as the Basilica of the Queen of Ireland. This site has special significance for Catholics, as it is associated with an apparition of Our Lady that took place in 1879. The basilica, built in a modern style, can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest Marian shrines in Europe. The shrine complex includes not only the basilica, but also an apparition chapel and a museum. Admission to the shrine is free, making it a popular destination for pilgrims from around the world.

Comparing the three sites, we can see how diverse the religious architecture is in Ireland. St. Canice's Cathedral represents Classical Gothic, Clonfert Cathedral impresses with its Romanesque details, and the Basilica at Knock is an example of modern sacred architecture. Each of these sites offers a different experience: from historical reverie in Kilkenny, to admiring the craftsmanship of medieval craftsmen in Clonfert, to a spiritual experience in Knock.

The accessibility of these places is worth noting. While St. Canice's Cathedral and the Basilica in Knock are easily accessible and designed to accommodate large numbers of visitors, Clonfert Cathedral requires a bit more planning as it is located in a less populated area. However, it is this distance from the main tourist routes that allows it to retain its unique, tranquil atmosphere.

On the final leg of our pilgrimage, we will discover lesser-known but equally fascinating places of worship in Ireland, each telling a unique story and offering an unforgettable experience. We will begin with Holy Trinity Cathedral in Downpatrick, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. This cathedral, built in the 12th century, is believed to be the burial place of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Although the building itself is not as imposing as Dublin's cathedrals, its importance to Irish Christianity is invaluable. Admission to the cathedral is free, allowing any visitor a moment of reflection at the saint's tomb.

Next, we move on to the Killeavy Old Churches, a unique complex of two connected churches dating from the 6th to the 17th century. This site, though in ruins, is a fascinating example of early Irish Christian architecture. Visitors can admire the remains of ancient walls, Celtic crosses and the atmosphere of tranquility that surrounds this historic site. Admission to the complex is free, making it attractive to those interested in archaeology and the early history of Christianity in Ireland.

Our next destination is the abandoned Dunlewey Church, located in the picturesque scenery of the Donegal Mountains. This 19th-century church, although no longer serving a religious function, is stunning in its location and atmosphere of mystery. The ruins of the church, surrounded by wildlife, are a popular photographic motif and are proof of how architecture can harmoniously coexist with nature.

Finally, we will visit Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford, one of the oldest cathedrals in Ireland, dating back to the 11th century. The current building, dating from the 18th century, is a fine example of Gregorian architecture. The cathedral is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and rich history, including the legend of the wedding of Strongbow and Aoife, which took place there in 1170.

Comparing these lesser-known places of worship, we can see how diverse their histories and architectural styles are. Downpatrick Cathedral offers a deep spiritual experience of the figure of St. Patrick, while Killeavy Old Churches allow you to travel back in time to the beginnings of Christianity in Ireland. The abandoned Dunlewey Church, on the other hand, shows how nature takes over the works of human hands over time, creating remarkable, romantic ruins. Waterford Cathedral, meanwhile, represents a later period in the history of Irish religious architecture, combining medieval and modern elements.

It is worth noting that all of these sites, with the exception of Waterford Cathedral, offer free admission, making them attractive options for travelers on a tight budget. At the same time, each requires a bit more effort to get to, which may be attractive to those seeking a less crowded and more authentic experience.

To sum up our pilgrimage through Ireland's churches and cathedrals, we can say that the country offers an incredibly rich and varied palette of experiences for lovers of sacred architecture. From the imposing cathedrals of Dublin and the picturesque temples of the provinces to hidden gems and mysterious ruins, each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere. Whether you are a person of faith, a history enthusiast or simply a lover of beautiful architecture, Ireland's churches and cathedrals are sure to leave you with unforgettable impressions and make you reflect on the rich history and spirituality of the Green Isle.