Christ Church Cathedral

About the museum

Christ Church Cathedral stands on a site that has held a church since about 1030, when the first bishop of Dublin and the Norse king of the city are said to have founded a church here. In the twelfth century it was brought into the Irish church and Archbishop Laurence O'Toole reorganised it as a cathedral priory. After the Anglo-Norman conquest the early church was rebuilt in stone in the Romanesque and then the Gothic style, and parts of that medieval building survive today.

The cathedral has been a stage for national events: Richard II received the homage of Irish kings here in 1395, a pretender to the English throne was crowned here in 1487, and William III gave thanks here after the Battle of the Boyne. The roof of the nave collapsed in 1562, and a lean of about 46 cm in the north wall dates from that time. In the seventeenth century the huge crypt was used as a market and even as a drinking place. In 1742 the choirs of both Dublin cathedrals sang at the first performance of Handel's Messiah nearby.

The building as seen today is largely the result of a major restoration between 1871 and 1878, paid for by the Dublin distiller Henry Roe. The twelfth-century crypt, the biggest in Ireland, was restored from 1997 and now holds the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition of manuscripts, church silver and other objects, including the royal plate given by William III. Visitors can also see the tomb associated with Strongbow, the heart of St Laurence O'Toole and the mummified cat and rat, and climb the belfry on a guided tour to see the bells.

Highlights

• Crypt, the oldest structure still in use in Dublin, with the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition
• Tomb associated with Strongbow and the heart reliquary of St Laurence O'Toole
• The mummified cat and rat and a rare copy of Magna Carta
• Guided belfry tour with the chance to ring a bell
• Self-guided audio tour in several languages, including Irish Sign Language and audio description

Permanent exhibition

• Treasures of Christ Church – An exhibition in the medieval crypt of manuscripts, church silver and other objects covering nearly a thousand years of worship, including the royal plate given by William III in 1697.

Operated by

Christ Church Cathedral

Admission & discounts

Prices are those charged at the cathedral; booking online is cheaper. Admission covers the nave, the crypt with the exhibition and the self-guided audio tour. A Dublin Pass from Go City gives free entry, and the DoDublin Days Out Card gives 40% off (this card must be booked in advance by email). Entry to services and private prayer is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The nave is reached by a ramp at the southwest door, but there are steps and uneven floors elsewhere. The crypt is reached by 17 internal steps; wheelchair users can enter through the St John's Lane door, which involves a detour of about 500 metres partly over cobbles, and staff will help. The belfry is not accessible (86 spiral steps; visitors must be 12 or over). Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge (booking advised), ear defenders can be borrowed, and there is a hearing loop. A tactile bronze model of the medieval cathedral stands outside, braille numbers mark the audio posts and a touch tour is planned for 2026. The crypt has four unisex toilets, but no accessible toilet yet; the nearest ones are in the Leonardo Hotel across the road, and a new one is planned for 2027. Disabled visitors and one carer receive free tickets.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The crypt has a dress-up area with child and adult costumes, and an illustrated activity leaflet and children's leaflets are available. Belfry tours, with bell ringing, are for ages 12 and over. A baby-changing facility is planned for 2027, and breastfeeding is allowed but there is no dedicated space.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

There is a gift shop in the cathedral and an online shop. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the cathedral or crypt, and there are no storage facilities. Cafés and restaurants are nearby in the Liberties.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 525 guests.

The nave can be hired for corporate events (up to 525 seated theatre style, 400 standing) and the crypt (up to 250 standing, 120 banquet-style). Wedding services are limited to people with a direct link to the cathedral and wedding receptions are no longer held.

Plan your visit