Near the top of my vacation bucket list is a trip to Ireland. I would love to stay in a medieval castle (with modern amenities, of course), tour the countryside, dine in local pubs and visit Dublin’s Christ Church. The cathedral was founded probably sometime after King Sitric Silknebeard’s 1028 pilgrimage to Rome. (Side note: Isn’t that the coolest name, King Silkenbeard?)
Christ Church predates Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral by almost a century and Sainte Chappelle by 200 years. Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of what was once medieval Dublin. Unfortunately, the surrounding area lost its medieval charm to modern necessities, so the cathedral sits among government buildings. While it’s not quite the picturesque setting of old, I’m glad Dublin preserved this millennial masterpiece (let’s not quibble over 14 years)!
I wonder if locals miss the beauty as they commute every day…
Plan your visit to Christ Church
A visit to Christ Church is about more than stained glass windows, dusty history and ancient prayer services. Tripadvisor ranks Christ Church among the best places to see in Dublin.
- Explore the crypt below the Cathedral
- Visit the “cat and the rat,” mentioned in James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake,
- Experience Evensong, one of the finest choirs in Ireland,
- Dine in the Cathedral Cafe, located in the 12th century crypt (is that creepy or cool?).
For more information about Christ Church and related activities, visit the Cathedral website. Considering a day or weekend in Dublin? Here’s a list of other attractions nearby. Be sure to confirm all attractions before scheduling a trip since historical sites close for refurbishment from time to time.
I would like to thank Steffanie Lafors of A Photographic Memory for sharing her photos with me. I hope you enjoy this week’s look into Ireland as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all week long!
Come back tomorrow as we explore Ireland’s pubs! Sign up for posts by email and get each one delivered into your inbox. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Sharon says
Oh my…I soooo have that on my list too. I want to walk the land where my great-grandparents came from…the pictures are always so beautiful from there 🙂
Cody says
Amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. Hope we get there someday!
Leigh@oneandoneequalstwinfun says
We almost added Ireland to our itinerary this year. Still need to. The crypt sounds intriguing.
Leigh
Karen Dawkins says
The locals call the cat and the rat “Tom and Jerry.” Cracks me up! I’d love to renew my wedding vows in Ireland.
Point of View Travel says
If you need any tips, we renewed our vows in Ireland 2 years ago. It’s an incredible place to get married all over again. There are many Irish wedding traditions that can make a renewal fun and personal.
Karen Dawkins says
I had you in mind! 🙂
Ronae Jull says
Ahhhh just looking at these pictures I feel the chill wind and embrace the enormous peace I always feel in Ireland. I don’t know… maybe its the deep history, or the people, or the weather… probably a combination of all of the above that leaves visitors feeling like they get to take a morsel of peace home with them! So glad to connect with you from voiceBoks!
Karen Dawkins says
I’ve met many wonderful blogging friends through vB. Thanks for visiting. I hope you’ll be back soon.
Christy says
The building looks amazing and I hope that they keep it as a natural part of their historic culture. Thank you for sharing, a piece of Ireland’s history.