Founded around 1030 by the Viking king Sitric, Christ Church is Dublin's oldest cathedral and holds the tomb of Strongbow, the Norman knight linked to the 1170 invasion of Ireland. Its vast medieval crypt, one of the largest in Britain or Ireland, displays original 12th-century stonework alongside a mummified cat and rat found inside an organ pipe.
| Admission | €7 adult, €5 concession, €3 child (~$7.70 / ~$5.50 / ~$3.30) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Sat 09:00–18:00 (Jul–Aug until 19:00), Sun 12:30–14:30 (visitors); hours vary around services |
| Typical visit | 45–75 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; free organ recitals on select Sundays at 18:00 |
| Getting there | Bus 49, 54A, 56A; Luas Red Line to Four Courts (10-min walk); 5-min walk from Dublin Castle |
| Address | Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, D08 FH57, Ireland |
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, D08 FH57, Ireland
53.3436, -6.2697 View on map
Highlights
- Strongbow's tomb, associated with the Norman invasion of Ireland
- Medieval crypt with 12th-century stonework
- The mummified cat and rat display, nicknamed 'Tom and Jerry'
- Covered bridge connecting the cathedral to the medieval Dublinia museum
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Dublinia next door, connected by a covered bridge, which covers Dublin's Viking and medieval history for families
- Sunday visiting hours are restricted around services, so weekday mornings give the fullest access