TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Good catch. I guess that, unlike the UK, Ireland does not require that Tour Guides study and pass tests on Irish History.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Ah, a bit of tour guide blarney if you ask me . . .

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Simple. The forbid it. NO exceptions. And if you are caught you will be shown the door - good enough reason for me. Just because you have dismissed the safety hazard aspects doesn't mean that everyone will exercise the same care you might. Besides, it's their house, their rules. Sounds like you have no experience at that venue, and the hordes of people that go through there - about 5,000,000 every year.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

Correct, I have no experience at that venue, but I have taken plenty of photos at venues where tripods are allowed with a media pass; that includes museums, art galleries, churches/cathedrals, and even caves. Most often these permissions have to be negotiated/approved weeks in advance, while others can be granted on-site with presentation of credentials and purpose of the visit. In some instances I have been escorted through the venue with a guide, while at others I have been given a prominent badge to indicate I am not just an average tourist disobeying the photography rules.

As a travel photographer I try to plan key visits in advance, but some locations arise spontaneously. In the latter cases I usually arrive with the camera already mounted on the folded tripod, and if there are no signs prohibiting tripods I proceed carefully, politely, and discreetly. Sometimes I have simply been requested not to use the tripod (either immediately or after a few shots when I get noticed), while other times I have been required to leave the tripod -- and sometimes even the camera -- with security at the entrance.

In all cases I politely comply with the rules, and that includes not taking photos at all if posted as such (unlike many cell phone snappers!!!).

BTW, if you want to really get the attention of folks around you, try using your folded/extended tripod as a selfie stick. A word of caution -- a DSLR rig held some 7 feet out on a hefty tripod can be hard on the arms.

coullone Loc: Paynesville, Victoria, Australia

It is very definitely worth a visit, I happened on a wedding of two young Japanese and took a few photos as they were so happy it was infectious and stayed to take a few more photos of the oust side. Had an appointment so could only spend a few moments there but will go back next time in Melbourne.

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

One more tip to share. The outdoor views are very cramped, and it is difficult to get a good photo of the front facade because the Cathedral is so tall. You will need a wide angle lens and will probably want to adjust the perspective afterward in post processing. You will be able to get some good photos if you are prepared for this. Enjoy your trip. JimR

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

The amount of perspective correction needed for St. Patrick's Cathedral is a lot, so when you take your photo make sure there is a lot of open space above the spires (correcting perspective from looking up uses up a lot of that space--it also, regrettably--makes the spires look taller and more slender).