Christianity has been the largest religion in Ireland since the 5th century. After a pagan past of Antiquity, missionaries converted the Irish tribes to Christianity in quick order. This produced a great number of saints in the Early Middle Ages, as well as a faith interwoven with Irish identity for centuries since − though less so in recent times.
Saint Patrick, a Romano-Briton Christian missionary, generally recognised as the primary patron saint of Ireland. Brigid of Kildare the {missionary} matron saint of Ireland and arguably the primary matron saint of Ireland and Columba are also popular patron saints.
A page from the Book of Kells that opens the Gospel of John.
The Dublin area saw many churches like Saint Stephen's, built in the Georgian style during the 18th century.
St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. Seat of the Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.
Religion in the Republic of Ireland
The predominant religion in the Republic of Ireland is Christianity, with the largest denomination being the Catholic Church. The Constitution of Ireland says that the state may not endorse any particular religion and guarantees freedom of religion.
Church of the Sacred Heart in Dunlewey in County Donegal
The Christianisation of Ireland is associated with the 5th-century activities of St. Patrick.
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (part of the Anglican Communion).
Saint Patrick, shown here preaching to kings, was a Romano-Briton Christian missionary and is the most generally recognised patron saint of Ireland.
