DK Travel : Dublin : Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral

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The spectacularly imposing cathedral that we see today, towering over its surroundings, is largely a result of 19th-century restoration. Dublin’s first church, made of wood, was founded here in 1038 by Sitric Silkenbeard, the first Christian king of the Dublin Norsemen. In 1172, however, Norman Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, demolished the first church and commissioned his own stone version. The cathedral passed to the Protestant church during the Reformation and, together with St Patrick’s Cathedral, has remained dedicated to the Church of Ireland. Over the last few years the huge crypt has been restored, with new floors and lighting.

Top 10 Features

1. Great Nave

1. Great Nave

The 25-m (80-ft) high nave raises the spirits with its fine early Gothic arches. An example of the structural troubles that have beset the cathedral is visible on the north side, where the original 13th-century wall leans out by 50 cm (1.5 ft). This was a result of the collapse of the south wall in 1562.
2. Strongbow Monument

The tomb of the infamous Norman conqueror of Ireland is a 14th-century replica and the effigy is not considered to be Strongbow, although it is possible that the fragment beside the tomb may be part of the original. Strongbow’s remains are buried in the cathedral.
3. Medieval Lectern

Standing in the north transept, this fine brass lectern dates from as far back as the Middle Ages. Visitors can compare this original with the 19th-century copy positioned on the left-hand side of the nave in front of the pulpit.
4. Crypt

The vast crypt is unusual in that it runs the length of the building. Some pieces are original, but the mummified cat and rat have been moved upstairs.
5. Chapel of St Laud

This chapel, one of three extending off the choir, is named after the 5th-century Normandy Bishop of Coutances. The most interesting piece is the wall casket containing the heart of St Laurence O’Toole, patron saint of Dublin.
6. Romanesque Doorway

6. Romanesque Doorway

This doorway is a fine example of 12th-century Irish stonework. The carvings on the capitals depict a musical troupe.
7. Choir

Positioned strate- gically at the centre of the church, the Victorian wooden stalls are set out for the choir. The Archbishop’s Throne is set in pride of place, next to the stalls where the canons and choristers are seated.
8. Lord Mayor’s Pew

Generally known as the Civic Pew, but historically belonging to the Lord Mayor, it is kept in the north aisle, but is moved to the front of the nave when required for ceremonial use. Decorated with a carving of the city, there is also a slot for the civic mace.
9. Bridge to Synod Hall

This ornate Gothic bridge was added during the rebuilding of the cathedral in the 1870s. Synod Hall is home to Dublinia, a well-presented recreation of medieval Dublin (see Dublinia).
10. Lady Chapel

One of the other chapels opening off the central choir area is used to celebrate the daily Eucharist and provides a more intimate setting than the cathedral when numbers are small.

Practical Information

Concerts are regularly held both in the main body of the cathedral and in the sparkling new crypt, which is particularly atmospheric. Telephone for details. Christ Church Place 01-677 8099 www.cccdub.ie Open 10am–5pm daily Closed 26 Dec Last adm 30 mins before closing Partial dis. access Adm: cathedral, crypt & treasury €5.00 donation expected. No photography in treasury Dublinia: Synod Hall 01-679 4611 www.dublinia.ie Open Apr–Sep: 10am–5pm daily, Oct–Mar: 11am–4pm Mon–Sat, 10am–4:30pm Sun Dis. access Adm €5.75 (joint ticket for Dublinia and cathedral €8.75)