Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin's oldest cathedral, founded around 1030, famous for its vast medieval crypt and a mummified cat-and-rat known as 'Tom and Jerry'.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Christ Church Cathedral worth it?
Christ Church Cathedral deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
An atmospheric Norman-medieval interior with one of the largest cathedral crypts in Britain and Ireland, where the quirky mummified cat-and-rat are a memorable oddity.
- 02
The honest catch: heavily restored in the Victorian era so parts feel less ancient than billed, and like St Patrick's it charges admission for what is also a working church.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Christ Church Cathedral earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Christ Church Cathedral.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Christ Church Cathedral is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Christ Church Cathedral is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You want context, not just the photograph
Christ Church Cathedral offers some depth & learning, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- €8–€11
- Timing
- Mornings; visiting is limited during services.
- Booking
- Combined ticket with Dublinia (linked by bridge) saves money.
- Allow
- 45 min–1 hour
- Accessibility
- Step-free main level; the crypt is reachable by lift.