Christchurch Cathedral

Continuously steeped in history, Henry VIII appointed Robert Castle the first dean in 1541. However in 1562 the nave roof vaulting collapsed necessitating 'emergency’ repairs which lasted until the mid 19th century. King James attended mass here before being famously defeated by King William of Orange (Billy) at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 who presented a set of priceless silver gilt communion plate to the cathedral in recognition of his victory. Which is now on display in the Crypt below Christchurch Cathedral (which is the largest in Britain and Ireland and the oldest building in Dublin)as part of the Millenium Treasures Exhibition.

Priceless silver artefacts are on display alongside interesting headstones and the famous mummifed 'cat and mouse' who got 'caught' once upon a time in an organ pipe. And, in celebration of the recent royal weddings, there are two costumes on loan from the very popular Tudors televison series, by Oscar winning designer Joan Bergin. The Stuart coat of arms (behind them) having been removed there for safekeeping when the Tholstel (then city hall) was demolished in 1806. There is also a gift shop and a newly opened coffee shop in the Crypt which is kind of novel and interesting?

Christchurch Cathedral is still in everyday use as a place of worship with a free choral evensong on wedenesdays and thursdays at 18.00pm. A definitive landmark on Dublin's skyline it is very special to Dubliners, whose bells have rung in countless New Years. It is open all year round, details of opening hours and addmission prices can be found at the website link below.

10 Other Things to Do and See in the area are....

1 Visit the Dublinia Viking Exhibition across the road.

2 Have a pint in the Brazen Head Pub or the Lord Edward Tavern

3 Stroll through The Liberties and enjoy the banter of the street traders.

4 Pull your own pint in the Guinness Storehouse

5 See the oldest flats in Dublin the Iveagh Mansions.

6 Have a rest for yourself in the quiet St Patricks Cathedral park.

7 Steep yourself in antiquity in Marshs Library.

8 Or the Iveagh Gardens another idyllic park off Harcourt St.

9 Say a prayer to St Valentine in Whitefriar St Church.

10 Visit Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library .

For more Things to See and Do in Dublin please click here.

For more information on Christchurch Cathedral please click here.