Christ Church Cathedral Dublin - Visitor Information

Christ Church Cathedral - Plan Your Visit

christ church cathedral

Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin, Christ Church is an iconic Dublin cathedral which has been central to Dublin for almost 1000 years. Located on Christ Church Place, this hilltop location and the cathedral's stunning architecture, make it one of the most photographed sites in Dublin. One of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, when you enter this stunning cathedral, you will be amazed by the beautiful interior and historic medieval crypt.

Explore the Crypt

image of christ church cathedral in dublin ireland

The medieval crypt is a fascinating part of this historic building where visitors can discover fascinating artefacts and memorials. Follow the steps that bring you beneath the cathedral and explore the medieval crypt, the largest in Ireland. The crypt dates to the early 12th century and is the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today. The crypt houses fascinating memorials, The Treasury, the cat and the rat, an audio visual presentation, and the cathedral shop.

The Christ Church Bells

The gothic nave of the Cathedral - with its magnificent stained glass and medieval floor tiles, is a highlight of the cathedral. Climb the 86 steps up to the Belfry for one of the most spectacular views of Dublin City and learn about the culture of the bell ringers. You might even get an opportunity to ring the bells!

See the mummified ‘Cat and Rat’

A mummified cat and rat are the most unusual inhabitants of the crypt, but also the most popular! According to cathedral lore, the cat chased the rat into a pipe of an organ and both became stuck. They are mentioned by James Joyce in Finnegans Wake and are known locally, with typical Dublin wit, as ‘Tom & Jerry.’

Christ Church Cathedral Tickets

 

Guarantee your admission for your preferred timeslot when you book online with Christ Church Cathedral. By purchasing a ticket, you are contributing towards the maintenance of Christ Church Cathedral and helping preserve it for future generations.

Tours of the Cathedral

Visitors to the cathedral can choose a self-guided option, or a guided tour. Guided tours take place regularly throughout the day. Ask at the front desk upon arrival for the time of the next tour. Self-guided tours include admission to the crypt and the ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ exhibition. Information leaflets are available in a range of languages.

Getting to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christ Church Place, Dublin 8. Attractions near the Cathedral include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Chester Beatty Library, Teeling Whiskey Distillery , and Dublinia

By Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

 

The DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a designated tour stop at Christ Church Cathedral. Buy your ticket hereCity Sightseeing Dublin, and Big Bus Tours Dublin also have stops close to the cathedral. 

By Foot

 

From Trinity College Dublin, the Cathedral is 800m walking distance - this is a 10 minute walk approx. Temple Bar is just 5 minutes from the Cathedral (On the way, we suggest visiting the peaceful Dubh Linn Gardens on the grounds of Dublin Castle!) 

By Bus

 

Dublin Bus have many routes passing by the Cathedral. Check Dublin Bus for more details.

By Bicycle

There are many bike lanes around the city centre, and it is relatively easy to cycle to Christ Church Cathedral. If you're using a Dublin Bike, there is a bike stand at Christ Church Place.