Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is a cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It is nearly 1,000 years old and has gone through many changes during the centuries. The temple as it exists today is heavily Victorianised due to the extensive restorations and renovations carried out by the architect George Edmund Street (between 1871 and 1878) at the expense of a Dublin whiskey distiller, Henry Roe, who gave £230,000 (€35m today!) to save the cathedral.
The disestablishment of the Church of Ireland in 1871 saw a further constitutional change and financial disendowment at the cathedral. With members of the laity now responsible for the building’s maintenance it became essential to provide for lay participation in its governance. A cathedral board of laymen (as was the case then) and clergy was formed in addition to the solely clerical chapter.
You can visit the cathedral easily from Dublin Citi Hotel as it is within 5 minutes walking distance, but be sure to check the monthly changing opening hours. Usually, it opens at 9:30 a.m. (12:30 a.m. on Sundays) till 5 p.m. There are guided and non-guided tours available.
The History of Christ Church Cathedral
The earliest manuscript dates Christ Church Cathedral to its present location around 1030. Dúnán, the first bishop of Dublin and Sitriuc, Norse king of Dublin, founded the original Viking church, which was probably subject to the archbishop of Canterbury.
By 1152 it was incorporated into the Irish church and within a decade the famous archbishop Laurence O’Toole had been appointed.
This future patron saint of Dublin began a reform of the cathedral’s constitution along European lines and introduced the canons regular of Saint Augustine forming a cathedral priory, which was to survive until the Reformation following the liturgical use of Sarum (Salisbury) in England.
Admission
Self-guided
- Adult: €7.00
- Seniors/Students: €5.50
- Children: €2.50
- Family: €17.00
- Groups €5.00 pp
Guided
- Adult: €11.00
- Seniors/Students: €9.50
- Children: €6.50
- Family: €29.00
Guided Tours of the Cathedral
Guided tours of the cathedral are led by an English-speaking guide and are perfect for those who want to learn as much as they can about our beautiful and historic building. Last approximately 45 minutes and include the nave, crypt and a visit to our belfry, where you can try your hand at ringing the famous Christ Church bells. Please note only children aged 12 years and over may access the belfry.