Christ Church Cathedral
Christchurch Place, Dublin, Dublin
Established as a small Viking church in the 11th century, this magnificent cathedral was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century under orders from Norman knight, Strongbow, whose tomb is now held here. In the late 19th century, it was given a neo-Gothic makeover, though original elements including the 12th-century crypt remain.
Christ Church Cathedral is one of two medieval cathedrals in Dublin, the other being nearby St. Patrick’s. Take a self-guided tour of the cavernous nave and the 12th-century crypt, home to manuscripts and historical items—most famously the mummified remains of a cat and rat mid-chase, recovered from the pipes of the cathedral’s organ. For an extra cost, you can join a guided tour of Christ Church. Guided tours include access to the belfry.
Many sightseeing tours of Dublin pass by the iconic cathedral, and some walking tours also include access to the cathedral’s interior. Some Dublin sightseeing passes also include free entry to Christ Church. The cathedral also hosts various events throughout the year, including music concerts and lectures.
- Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most popular attractions, and lines are not uncommon; book a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
- Children under 12 are not allowed in the belfry, which is visited as part of guided tours.
- The climb to the top of the belfry is via 80-plus steep and narrow steps, and is not suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
- Visitors can attend evensong services, which are usually held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and on Sunday afternoons.
Christ Church Cathedral is in Dublin city center, just a short stroll from other popular attractions such as Dublin Castle and Temple Bar. Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at the cathedral. The nearest Luas tram stop is St. Stephen’s Green (green line), about a 15-minute walk away. Several Dublin Bus services all stop nearby.
Christ Church Cathedral is open year round. Guided tours take place thrice daily Monday-Saturday between November and March, and more frequently between April and October. There are no guided tours on Sundays.
Walk south from Christ Church for less than 10 minutes and you’ll reach Dublin’s other medieval behemoth: St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s is more than 800 years old and serves as the final resting place for Gulliver’s Travels author and former dean of the cathedral, Jonathan Swift.
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