Hearing The Heavens At Christ Church Cathedral
Ireland, since it gained independence, has always had a soft spot for the Catholic faith. As the country’s main religion, I grew up learning and adoring the Catholic faith, and one of Ireland’s beloved churches is Christ Church Cathedral.
While Christ Church Cathedral isn’t the hub of Catholic faith in Ireland, it’s one of the most well-known and beloved in the capital, as it’s one of only two medieval churches in the city, the other being St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Ireland’s love for the Catholic faith, then here’s our guide to everything you need to know when visiting Christ Church Cathedral. We’ll even share a few tips to make your visit that much more special and memorable.
What is Christ Church Cathedral Known for?
Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and is one of two medieval cathedrals in Ireland’s capital. It is the eldest of the two cathedrals, the other being St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Best Time to Go to Christ Church Cathedral
While you are allowed to visit the cathedral if you’re only looking to pray, they don’t allow you to explore it freely outside of paying admission fees. We’d highly suggest that you head over to the cathedral early in the morning when it opens its doors for visitors.
Things to Know About Christ Church Cathedral
Address: Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christchurch Place, Wood Quay, Dublin, D08 TF98, Ireland. It’s close to cultural and heritage sites such as Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin City Hall, and Temple Bar.
Operating Hours: Christ Church Cathedral is open to the public seven days a week. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, and from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Sundays.
Parking: The cathedral doesn’t offer parking to its visitors. We highly recommend opting for paid car parks instead, such as Q-Park Christ Church.
Contact Information: You can reach the officials at Christ Church Cathedral by calling the mobile number +353 1 677 8099 or by emailing them at [email protected].
Pets: The Christ Church Cathedral doesn’t allow pets inside its premises. They do, however, allow service animals inside if they have proper documentation.
Accessibility at Christ Church Cathedral
Accessible Audio Guide: Christ Church Cathedral offers accessible audio guides that are available with Irish Sign Language, accompanied by audio descriptions that can be obtained through their welcome desk.
Tactile Exhibits: A bronze sculpture of the cathedral is available for exploration by individuals with mobility issues or visual impairments, as it’s wheelchair accessible and features tactile and braille designs.
Wheelchair Accessible: While some exhibits at Christ Church Cathedral can only be accessed via stairs, the main church itself, along with the Listening Bench in the crypt, is wheelchair accessible via a ramp.
How to Get to Christ Church Cathedral
Car: Christ Church Cathedral is accessible via Christ Church Place. It can be reached easily from Lord Edward Street, Fishamble Street, Castle Street, Winetavern Street, or High Street.
Dublin Bus: Christ Church Cathedral is located near Dublin City Centre. As such, there are several bus routes that travel nearby. Here are the specific routes and bus stops for your convenience.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 13 | Lord Edward Street | Monday to Friday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 27 | Lord Edward Street | Monday to Friday:5:15 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 49 | Lord Edward Street | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday:6:45 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:10:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 56A | Werburgh Street | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:9:45 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 77A | Lord Edward Street | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:20 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 123 | Lord Edward Street | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:7:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:20 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 150 | Werburgh Street | Monday to Friday:6:35 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:45 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 151 | Werburgh Street | Monday to Friday:6:30 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday:7:10 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:30 AM – 11:20 PM |
Bike: It’s quite easy to head to Christ Church Cathedral by bike. However, there is no bike parking at the cathedral. We recommend looking for car parks in the area, as many offer bike parking as well, such as Q-Park Christ Church.
Luas Tram System: The closest Luas line to Christ Church Cathedral is the Red Line, with the Four Courts Stop being the nearest stop, approximately a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
DART Rail System: You can also head to Christ Church through the Dart rail system if you get off at Tara Street Dart Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the station to the cathedral.
Taxi: It’s quite easy to head to Christ Church Cathedral by taxi, as it’s one of the most visited cultural sites in Dublin. This may be an expensive option, especially if you’re coming from outside the central area of Dublin.
How Much is a Ticket to Christ Church Cathedral
There are a total of 5 different tours available at Christ Church Cathedral. Only two of these tours are paid, while the rest are free and require booking online to join.
| CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL | |||||
| Ticket Type | Self-Guided Tour | Bell-Ringing Demonstration | Crypt to Crypt Walking Tour | Norman Foundation Tour | Monks Tour |
| Adult | €11.50 | €11.50 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Senior | €9.50 | €9.50 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Student | €9.50 | €9.50 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Child (under 12) | €3.50 | €3.50 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Family (2 Adults and 12 Children) | €26 | €26 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Toddler | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Types Of Tours At Christ Church Cathedral
There is a total of 5 different tours at Christ Church Cathedral. These tours range from self-guided to guided, and some even include opportunities to wear costumes. Here’s a brief breakdown of each one, along with their availability.
Self-Guided Tour
| Self-Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Tour Duration | About 45 minutes |
The Self-Guided Tour is the primary experience you’ll have at Christ Church Cathedral. In this tour, you’ll be allowed to explore the Anglican cathedral in its entire architectural beauty at your own leisure for a small admission fee.
The admission fee also includes an exploration of the cathedral and crypt, accompanied by an audio guide. These audio guides are available in 7 languages. You will be limited to exploring the cathedral in between services on Sundays.
Bell-Ringing Demonstration
| Bell-Ringing Demonstration | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Number of Slots | 24 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 30 Minutes |
This demonstration is an accompanying experience to the Self-Guided Tour. However, you’ll have to book this tour online. In this tour, you’ll be guided by a bell-ringer, and you’ll go up 86 steps to be taught about the history of the Christ Church bells.
That’s not all, as you’ll each be given a chance to ring the bell after a demonstration by the bell-ringer. This is a paid tour; however, it’s free, as you technically only pay for normal cathedral admission.
Crypt to Crypt Walking Tour
| Crypt to Crypt Walking Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Number of Slots | 25 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 20 Minutes |
This is a separate tour from the Self-Guided Tour, as you’ll be taken into the crypts with the lovely tour guide Tom O’Sullivan. Unlike the Self-Guided Tour, you’ll be taken into parts of the crypts that aren’t typically accessible without a guide.
We highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes for this tour, as it involves a lot of walking, which can cause sore feet. This tour can only be accessed by booking online, as there is a limited number of slots available each day.
Please note that this is a free tour.
Norman Foundations Tour
| Norman Foundations Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Number of Slots | 25 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The Norman Foundations Tour will take you across the entire cathedral, as French tour guide Charline Zachariades shares the hidden Norman history of one of Ireland’s beloved cathedrals.
This tour needs to be pre-booked through their website, as there are limited slots available per day. We’d also like to add that despite the French tour guide, this tour will be in English and is completely free.
Monks Tour
| Monks Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Number of Slots | 20 Child Slots + 1 Adult Each |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The Monks’ Tour is a tour dedicated to helping children explore Christ Church Cathedral. Here, they’ll be given a tour of the cathedral, as well as a tour of the creepy and decrepit crypt.
This tour is free for all participants, but you must book it online. There is, however, one caveat: each child must be accompanied by an adult to experience the tour. Don’t worry, as both the adult and the child are free.
Where to Eat When Visiting Christ Church Cathedral
We’d fully expect that after exploring the cathedral for an hour or so that you’d find yourself getting hungry from all the walking. Here are some restaurants and pubs that would be perfect to visit if you’re ever feeling peckish.
The Bull & Castle
Media Credit: The Bull & Castle Instagram
Website: https://www.thebuckleycollection.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBullandCastlebyF.X.Buckley/
Address: 5-7 Lord Edward St, Dublin 2, D02 P634, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 475 1122
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Bull & Castle is a fine restaurant that overlooks the Christ Church Cathedral. If you’re heading here, we highly recommend trying their steak, specifically the rib eye, as it’s tender, juicy, and the marbling is fantastic for its price point.
Old Mill Restaurant
Website: https://oldmillrestaurant.ie
Address: 14, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 V970, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 671 9266
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Old Mill is in Temple Bar and is beloved by tourists and locals alike for its filling traditional Irish dishes. If you’re heading here, we recommend sampling their mixed bean and vegetable stew, as it’s hearty, even though it’s mostly just vegetables.
Toscana City Centre Italian Restaurant
Media Credit: Toscana City Centre Italian Restaurant Instagram
Website: https://toscanarestaurant.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToscanaDublin
Address: 3 Cork Hill, Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 DR53, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 670 9785
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Toscana is an Italian restaurant that has been serving Dublin for decades, offering fresh produce from their own farm. When dining here, we’d recommend their vegetarian risotto as it’s some of the creamiest risotto we’ve had in Dublin.
The Shack Restaurant
Media Credit: The Shack Restaurant Instagram, The Shack Restaurant Facebook
Website: https://www.shackrestaurant.ie
Address: 24 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N297, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 0043
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The Shack is where you head to when seeking hearty Irish meals, as it boasts a rustic atmosphere that evokes Dublin’s heritage. Their Beef Ireland is a hearty Irish stew that is both filling and served with Irish Dumplings.
Cafe Topolis
Media Credit: Cafe Topolis Instagram
Website: https://www.cafetopolis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafetopolis96
Address: 37 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin Southside, Co. Dublin, D02 NY92, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 670 4961
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
For over two decades, Cafe Topolis has been serving Dublin with some of the best Italian cuisine.
The highlight of this cafe is their wood-fired pizza, as you can definitely tell the difference with the smoked flavour that’s simply irreplaceable. We really recommend trying this one—you won’t regret it!
Where to Stay When Going to Christ Church Cathedral
There are several hostels and hotels near Christ Church Cathedral, as it’s conveniently located close to Dublin City Centre. Here are a few places that we’d highly recommend.
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
Media Credit: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch Instagram
Website: https://www.leonardo-hotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeonardoHotelsUKIRE/
Address: Christchurch Pl, Dublin, D08 REK7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 454 0000
Price Range: Starts at €160
Leonardo Hotel at Christchurch is a no-nonsense hotel that offers comfort and reliability to its guests.
It’s situated just beside the Christ Church Cathedral, making it extremely accessible. But what’s even nicer is its easy access to different forms of public transport, allowing you to explore Dublin with ease.
Harding Hotel
Media Credit: Harding Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.hardinghotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardinghotelchristchurch
Address: Fishamble St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 6500
Price Range: Starts at €151
The Harding Hotel is unlike other hotels, as the rooms try to replicate that of small apartments, which adds a familiar hominess to them that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
But you know what we like the most? It’s just across the street from Christ Church Cathedral. So, no matter how late you get back, it’s not a hassle at all.
Hampton By Hilton
Media Credit: Hampton By Hilton Dublin Instagram
Website: https://www.hilton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamptonByHiltonDublinCityCentre
Address: 25 Chancery St, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 KX21, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 658 2355
Price Range: Starts at €129
Hampton by Hilton is for those who like to explore the world, as Hilton hotels are no strangers to travellers who love to explore. We love the beds here because they’re so soft and always clean.
Also, if you’re a Hilton Honours member, you’ll enjoy special perks that provide a smooth and special experience during your stay. A friend of ours always takes advantage of this offer.
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
Media Credit: Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin Instagram
Website: https://www.hyatt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyatt
Address: Dean St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 W3X7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 708 1999
Price Range: Starts at €255
If you’re looking for a 4-star hotel experience, then you should head to the Hyatt. The Hyatt is located on Dean Street and is a short walk away from Christ Church Cathedral.
They have exceptional staff who are some of the nicest people we’ve come across. The 232 contemporary rooms and suites are clean. Guests here will even have the chance to learn about the whiskey legacy and enjoy tastings.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Media Credit: Radisson Blu Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadissonHotels/
Address: Golden Lane, Dublin 8, D08 VRR7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 898 2900
Price Range: Starts at €181
The Radisson Blu Royal is a modern hotel that showcases the world-class standards of modernity. We love the Radisson because of its vibrant and spacious rooms. It also offers several unique amenities that you won’t find in other hotels at this price.
We also love The Chancery Grill for its bold Irish flavours. You can’t miss the smoked salmon. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.
Tips When Visiting Christ Church Cathedral
We’ve gathered a number of tips from visiting Christ Church Cathedral over the years. We’ve also gotten a few tips from fellow tourists and locals that will surely make your experience that much more memorable and fulfilling.
| Book A Guided Tour The guided tours are free and simply require you to pay the basic admission fee. If you want an in-depth understanding of the entire cathedral, then we highly recommend trying to snag a ticket. Visit The Dublinia The Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral sometimes offer joint tours for both tourist sites. If you’re already considering visiting either one, be sure to ask beforehand if they are currently offering a joint tour, so you can save a few euros. Go To ServiceChrist Church Cathedral is home to both the Catholic and the Anglican faith. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in both Irish religions, then you should attend one of the services on Sunday to get the full experience of visiting. Avail Their Audio GuidesThere are audio guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese. If you would like an accompanying voice while navigating the cathedral’s sacred halls and crypts, please request one at the reception. |