St. Patrick's Church in Cork was designed by architect George Richard Pain and construction began in 1832. The first Mass was celebrated in 1836, and the church was finally completed in 1895. Pain was a prominent Irish architect of the 19th century, and he is also known for designing Dromoland Castle and Strancally Castle.

The church is a fine example of Georgian Revival architecture, with a neoclassical style. It is constructed of ashlar limestone, and its façade features a pedimented Corinthian hexastyle portico on a high base, surmounted by a cruciform tempietto upholding a rotunda encircled by figures. The interior of the church is spacious and ornate, with a vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows.