St Patrick's Church, Edinburgh: A Historic Catholic Sanctuary in the Old Town
Historic Catholic church in Edinburgh’s Old Town, blending neoclassical beauty with deep Irish immigrant roots and peaceful city centre sanctuary.
St Patrick's Church in Edinburgh's Old Town is a historic Catholic church originally built between 1771 and 1774 as an Episcopalian chapel. It became a Catholic church in 1856 to serve the Irish immigrant community. The church features a neoclassical facade added in 1929 with statues of St Patrick and St Brigid, and contains memorial chapels honoring parishioners lost in World War I. It remains an active place of worship and a peaceful city centre oasis.
A brief summary to St. Patrick
- 5, 40 S Gray's Cl, High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ, GB
- +441315561973
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings to experience the church’s tranquil atmosphere and admire its neoclassical facade in soft natural light.
- Explore the memorial chapels inside, especially the World War I mortuary chapel, for a poignant glimpse into the parish’s history.
- Look for the restored fragments of Alexander Runciman’s original murals, a rare example of pre-Reformation religious art in Scotland.
- Attend a service to experience the church’s vibrant community and hear its rich liturgical traditions in action.
- Take time to appreciate the statues of St Patrick and St Brigid on the 1929 facade, symbolic of the church’s Irish heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take Lothian Buses routes 3, 35, or 36 from Edinburgh city centre, with a journey time of approximately 10–15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and single tickets cost around £1.80. The stop is near South Gray's Close, a short walk to the church. Note that buses may be crowded during peak hours.
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Walking
From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it is a 20–25 minute walk through the Old Town on mostly paved streets, with some cobblestones near the Cowgate area. The route is accessible but may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to uneven surfaces.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Edinburgh takes about 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £5–£8. Drop-off is possible near the church entrance on South Gray's Close. Availability is good throughout the day.
St. Patrick location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St. Patrick
Origins and Architectural Beginnings
St Patrick's Church was originally constructed between 1771 and 1774 as an Episcopalian chapel, designed by architect John Baxter. It was known locally as the “English Chapel” due to its Episcopalian roots, distinct from the predominant Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The building was funded by public subscription, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting the community’s commitment. Inside, the original altar was situated in an oval apse on the eastern side, adorned with a major religious painting, the Ascension, by Alexander Runciman, one of Scotland’s earliest significant public religious artworks since the Reformation.Transition to a Catholic Church and Community Significance
In 1856, the chapel was purchased by Bishop James Gillis for £4,000 to serve Edinburgh’s growing Irish Catholic immigrant population concentrated in the Cowgate area, known as ‘Little Ireland.’ This marked its transformation into St Patrick’s Catholic Church. The congregation, despite widespread poverty, raised half the funds themselves, underscoring the church’s importance as a spiritual and cultural hub. The church was officially opened as a Catholic place of worship on 3 August 1856, with a large congregation present.20th Century Enhancements and Memorials
Throughout the early 20th century, St Patrick’s underwent several significant additions. In 1921, a mortuary chapel was erected to commemorate the 320 parish men who died in World War I, serving as a poignant memorial. Between 1924 and 1925, two chapels—the Lady Chapel and the Sacred Heart Chapel—were constructed, enriching the church’s spiritual spaces. The most visually striking enhancement came in 1929 with the addition of a neoclassical facade designed by Reginald Fairlie. This grand frontage includes statues of St Patrick and St Brigid in niches above the entrance and an impressive terrace and steps, giving the church its current iconic appearance.Artistic Heritage and Restoration Efforts
The church’s interior once featured prominent murals by Alexander Runciman, which were painted over when the building was taken over by the Presbyterian congregation in 1818. Recent efforts have focused on uncovering and restoring these historic artworks to their former glory, highlighting the church’s layered religious and artistic heritage. The altar was relocated from the eastern apse to the northern side in the late 19th century to accommodate a growing congregation, reflecting the church’s evolving liturgical needs.Role in Edinburgh’s Urban and Cultural Landscape
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town near the historic Cowgate, St Patrick’s Church stands as a significant landmark. Its tower is a notable feature of the city skyline, and the church continues to serve a flourishing congregation. Beyond its religious function, it offers a tranquil refuge amidst the bustling city centre, providing a peaceful oasis for reflection and spiritual solace. The church’s connection to the Irish community and its architectural prominence contribute to its cultural importance.Legacy and Continuing Importance
St Patrick’s remains an active parish church within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. It is recognized as a Category B listed building, preserving its architectural and historical significance. The church’s story—from its 18th-century Episcopalian origins through its Catholic transformation and 20th-century enhancements—reflects the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s religious and social history. It continues to welcome worshippers and visitors alike, embodying a living heritage in the city’s Old Town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Old College, The University of Edinburgh
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Museum Context
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The High Street Wellhead
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Adam Smith Statue
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Mercat Cross
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North Bridge
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JK Rowling’s Handprints
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Edinburgh City Chambers
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Museum of Childhood
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Scottish Storytelling Centre
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John Knox House
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Wee Ecosse - visites guidées en français à Edimbourg
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Discover Edinburgh’s rich history and culture through engaging French-language guided walking tours in the heart of the Old Town.
St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
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Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall, now a museum of historic instruments and intimate live music in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The Chocolatarium
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Edinburgh’s interactive chocolate micro-factory where you craft, taste, and discover over 40 artisan chocolates in a historic Old Town setting.
Auld Reekie Tours
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Explore Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults and graveyards with award-winning, immersive guided tours blending history, mystery, and spine-tingling tales.
Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft Ltd
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South Bridge Vaults
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Explore Edinburgh’s eerie 18th-century South Bridge Vaults, where history, mystery, and the city’s dark past converge beneath the streets.
Little Fish Tours
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South Bridge
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Royal Mile Tavern
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Mercat Tours
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The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches
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Essential places to dine
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Monteiths
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Wedgwood The Restaurant
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La Garrigue
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The Piper's Rest
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La Locanda Edinburgh
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Tolbooth Tavern
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Ecco Vino
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Angels with Bagpipes
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The Devil's Advocate
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Discover the culinary delights at The Devil's Advocate – Edinburgh’s premier gastropub offering locally sourced dishes and an extensive drinks menu.
The Cellar Door
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The Outsider Restaurant
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Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Howies Restaurant
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Ondine Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Real Scot Shop
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Ragamuffin
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The Wee Gift Shop
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scottish experience cashmere place
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The Scotland Shop
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Galaxy
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The Enchanted Galaxy
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Crest Of Edinburgh
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Prestige Scotland Kilt Maker & Souvenir Shop
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Fringe Shop
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Pie In The Sky Ltd
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The Wyrd Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Whiski Bar & Restaurant
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Whistlebinkies
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The Cocktail Geeks
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Copper Still
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Captain's Bar
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The Three Sisters
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Deacon Brodies Tavern
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Cask
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Ballie Ballerson
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
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Cabaret Voltaire
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La Belle Angele
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The Mash House
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Sneaky Pete's
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Legends
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The Bongo Club
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The Liquid Room
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Opal Lounge
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The Shack Retro Bar & Club
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Lulu Bar and Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Neoclassical
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
