Christ Church Cathedral: Entry Ticket & Medieval Crypt

Founded around 1028 AD by Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard, Christ Church Cathedral (formally the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) is Dublin's oldest working building. It has been the spiritual heart of the city for nearly 1,000 years and boasts the largest medieval crypt in Ireland and Britain.

Entry tickets start at €12.00 and include full admission to the cathedral nave, the 12th-century underground medieval crypt, the 'Treasures of Christ Church' exhibition, and a free printed guide leaflet in 10 languages.

Stretching 63.4 meters beneath the cathedral, the 12th-century crypt is Dublin's oldest surviving structure. It houses the 'Treasures of Christ Church' exhibition (including royal silver gifted by King William III in 1697), Ireland's earliest copy of the Magna Carta, historic 1670 stocks, costumes from 'The Tudors' TV series, and the famous mummified cat and rat.

Christ Church Cathedral is generally open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM (18:30) and Sunday from 12:30 PM to 06:30 PM (hours may vary seasonally or during cathedral services). Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.

St. Laurence O'Toole (Lorcán Ua Tuathail) was the 12th-century Archbishop of Dublin and is the patron saint of Dublin. His preserved heart relic is displayed inside a heart-shaped iron cage in St. Laud's Chapel within the cathedral.

Strongbow (Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke) was a famous Anglo-Norman lord who led the capture of Dublin in 1170. His striking medieval effigy tomb is prominently displayed in the cathedral's main nave.

Affectionately dubbed 'Tom and Jerry' by locals, this cat and rat were discovered stuck inside a cathedral organ pipe in the 1850s after a chase. The dry air inside the pipe naturally mummified them, and they were even mentioned by James Joyce in 'Finnegans Wake'.

Most visitors spend between 40 and 60 minutes exploring the nave, side chapels, the 'Treasures of Christ Church' exhibition, and the medieval crypt at their own pace.

Christ Church Cathedral (founded c. 1028) is older, features Ireland's largest underground medieval crypt, and serves as the diocesan cathedral of Dublin and Glendalough. St. Patrick's Cathedral (founded 1191, a 10-minute walk south) is Ireland's largest church and serves as the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland.

The cathedral is located at Christchurch Place, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 (D08 TF98), right at the top of Dame Street/Lord Edward Street. It sits directly beside the Dublinia Viking museum and is just a 5-minute walk from Temple Bar and Dublin Castle.

Yes! Audio guides are available to rent at the entrance desk (subject to availability) in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish, alongside free printed leaflets in 10 languages.

No printing is necessary. Simply show your digital smartphone ticket at the cathedral entrance desk.

The main nave of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible via ramp access. However, please note that the 12th-century medieval crypt is accessed via stairs and has historic uneven stone floors.

Yes, non-flash photography for personal use is welcomed inside both the cathedral nave and the medieval crypt.

Yes! The renowned Christ Church Cathedral Choir (founded in 1493) sings regularly at Choral Evensong and Sunday services during term time.

Yes, you can cancel for a 100% full refund or reschedule your visit date free of charge until 23:59 on the day before your scheduled visit.