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History · Leinster, Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin's oldest cathedral, built over the traditional tomb of Strongbow

  • EraViking–Medieval
  • Admission€12 adult, concessions available (~$13.20); combined ticket with Dublinia via the connecting bridge
  • HoursMon–Sat from 09:30, closing 19:00 (Apr–Sep), 18:00 (Mar & Nov), or 17:00 (Dec–Feb); Sun 12:30–14:30 only due to services
Christ Church Cathedral

Founded around 1030 by Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard and rebuilt in stone from 1173 under the Anglo-Norman lord Strongbow, Christ Church stands on the ridge above the original Viking settlement. Its 12th-century crypt, the largest surviving medieval crypt in Ireland or Britain, holds a tomb effigy traditionally linked to Strongbow, mummified cats and rats found in the cathedral's pipe organ, and a treasury of cathedral silver.

Practical information for Christ Church Cathedral
Admission €12 adult, concessions available (~$13.20); combined ticket with Dublinia via the connecting bridge
Hours Mon–Sat from 09:30, closing 19:00 (Apr–Sep), 18:00 (Mar & Nov), or 17:00 (Dec–Feb); Sun 12:30–14:30 only due to services
Address Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, D08 TF98, Ireland

Why it matters

Dublin's first cathedral; site of Silken Thomas's 1534 rebellion proclamation; underwent major Victorian restoration in the 1870s funded by whiskey distiller Henry Roe

Site facts

Built
c. 1030 (Viking foundation); rebuilt in stone 1173–1240

Weather through the year in Ireland

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Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding

Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.

Location

Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, D08 TF98, Ireland

53.3431, -6.2714 View on map

Highlights

  • 12th-century crypt, the oldest surviving structure in Dublin
  • Tomb effigy traditionally identified as Strongbow's
  • Connecting bridge directly into the Dublinia museum