PHOTOS: An inside look at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

An outside view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. HANNAH KICHLINE

Regardless of one’s own religious affiliations, it is hard to argue that places of worship are some of the world’s epicenters of architectural beauty and innovation.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland is a prominent example. It is part living cathedral, holding daily masses, and part history museum. There are battle flags on display dating back to the 14th century, as well as castes of important figures in Irish history and sculptures that remind viewers of the starkness of war.

The vaulted ceiling of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. HANNAH KICHLINE

Battle flags hang in the halls of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. HANNAH KICHLINE

**A stained-glass window inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.** HANNAH KICHLINE

Prominent figures in Irish Catholic history are entombed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. HANNAH KICHLINE

**Informational plaque inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.** HANNAH KICHLINE

The Door of Reconciliation (right) was created in the 15th century when warring clans agreed to stop fighting. One group was trapped inside their hold and would not risk coming out to negotiate peace, so they removed a slat from the door and reached through, allowing them to shake hands with their enemies. Exposing their arm at all was a great risk, leading to the expression of “chancing one’s arm,” the Irish equivalent to the American saying, “to stick one’s neck out.”

This tour of Ireland also included visits to world-famous landmarks such as Blarney Castle and the stunning Cliffs of Moher.