Volunteering & Placements
Our volunteers and work experience students are an essential part of our community. They undertake a variety of roles and play a vital part in the successful running of the building.
There is a role for everyone at the Cathedral. Some of our volunteers and work experience students conduct guided tours, while others ring our bells, and we appreciate the input made by all.
Volunteer & Work Experience Roles
Our Guides are asked to facilitate learning about the Cathedral’s life and history to those that visit during tourist opening hours. This can manifest itself in a number of ways. Firstly, the Guides act as a formal information point for the visitors. Secondly, the Guides help with the distribution of interpretation, such as leaflets, audio guides or any other resources. Finally, the Guides are responsible for directly engaging with our visitors through the provision of daily guided tours. This interaction is of vital importance in helping our visitors to engage with the content of the Cathedral. Guides receive training from the Education Officer and are also expected, on an on-going basis, to learn about the life and history of the Cathedral. Cathedral Guides are generally asked to commit to one morning or afternoon per week. Volunteers receive training on guiding tours, no previous experience is necessary.
Bell ringing has been going on at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for around 700 years, and today this proud tradition continues. Bell ringing is a traditional art and an invaluable contribution to church life. The bells call out to our community to announce that worship is beginning at Saint Patricks’ and to invite them to join. The Saint Patrick’s Society of Amateur Change Ringers is a sociable group where you make friends from many walks of life, locally and globally.
The Education Department facilitates learning in, and about, the Cathedral through the provision of tours, talks and workshops. Education Facilitators help to deliver education sessions to visiting schools and community groups. In the summer months, Facilitators are asked to help with the delivery of events to family audiences and may also be asked to help with the development of educational resources. Education Groups visit on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.
It is of vital importance that everyone who enters the Cathedral (regardless of purpose) receives a warm and engaging welcome. Our visitors do not distinguish between people who work in the building (volunteers/staff) and therefore it is the responsibility of all who work in the building to contribute to this important job. The Cathedral’s welcome team assists at the Welcome Desk and ensures that all of our visitors feel welcome and are given all the information they need to ensure an enjoyable visit. Volunteers, who are part of the welcome team, are expected to greet visitors to the Cathedral, give them appropriate interpretation including a leaflet, audio guide or children’s worksheet.
The Church Stewards welcome those who have come to the Cathedral to worship. They usher people to their seats and ensure that they have an order of service. Church Stewards are asked to welcome those who visit the Cathedral to attend one of the daily services. Stewards are also asked to ensure that those who attend services in the Cathedral conform to our rules concerning issues such as photography.Become a Volunteer
Are you interested in volunteering or undertaking a work experience placement at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral?
You can register online now by clicking here.
Terms & Conditions
Volunteers must be fluent English speakers. They must be able to communicate clearly with our visitors. They must have an interest in learning and sharing information about the Cathedral. Training is provided for all roles. Safe Recruitment protocols are required.
Safe Recruitment
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is committed to ensuring it provides a safe, caring, and supportive environment for all.
As part of this, all successful candidates for employment and volunteering opportunities will be required to undergo comprehensive safer recruitment protocols before commencing their role. These may include – but are not limited to – Garda Vetting, international police criminal records checks, reference checks, and safeguarding training.
For more information about safeguarding at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, visit the Safeguarding page.
Volunteer Coordinator
Mr Clark Brydon
Education & Safeguarding Officer
If you have any questions, please click on Clark’s information below to contact.
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