christ church tour dublin

Worship & Services

  • Live Video Stream
  • Canonical Residence

Music & Choirs Chrish Church Cathedral

Music & Choirs

  • The Cathedral Choirs
  • The Organ and Organists
  • Visiting Choirs
  • Youth Engagement & Learning

Monk Guides Christ Church Cathedral

Learning & Exploring

  • School Tours
  • Family Friendly Activities
  • New Ways To Learn
  • Our Labyrinth
  • Become a Friend

christ church tour dublin

Spirituality Programme

  • Psalm Studies
  • Pilgrim Guides
  • Retreat in the City
  • Cathedral Nights
  • Advent Sheep Trail
  • Live Outdoor Nativity
  • Creative Lent Programme

christ church tour dublin

Cathedral of Sanctuary

  • Refugee Week
  • ‘What’s the Story?’ Series
  • Birds with Wishes

Visitors Christ Church cathedral

  • Admission Tickets
  • Opening Hours

The Acts of the Apostles

  • Group Visits
  • Accessibility
  • Tourism Professionals

Christ Church Cathedral View from Platform

  • Corporate Events
  • Cathedral Hire

Crypt Hire Christ Church Cathedral

  • Performance Groups
  • Business Events
  • Upcoming Events
  • Previous Events

Stained glass west window

Visiting Christ Church Cathedral

Explore one of ireland’s most historic and sacred places – christ church cathedral..

Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, Christ Church was originally a Viking church and has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years. 

This working Anglican cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, evident from the moment you enter the magnificent Nave with its vaulted ceilings and medieval tiled floor.

Dig a little deeper to find the crypt, the city’s oldest working structure, or climb higher into our belfry and discover our world-famous bells.

Hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered around every corner: Strongbow’s final resting place, the heart of St. Laurence O’Toole, a rare copy of the Magna Carta  and our famous mummified cat and rat.

Come on a journey of discovery in the spiritual heart of Dublin city centre.

christ church tour dublin

Christ Church has a number of different tours available, including a self-guided tour with our audio guides or visitor leaflet.

Or join one of our experienced tour guides on a guided tour, where you can learn about the many stories of Christ Church Cathedral – and even ring the famous bells while visiting the belfry.

Please note, these tours are only available in English and are subject to availability. Please ask at our welcome desk on arrival for the daily tour schedule. Guided tours are  not  available to book online. 

christ church tour dublin

We look forward to welcoming you to Christ Church Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Dublin.

There are a range of ticket options available, including self-guided tours, combination tickets with Dublinia and group rates.

Audio Guide Tour Sample

christ church tour dublin

Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin.

We have information on how to get here by train, Dart, Luas and car.

christ church tour dublin

We warmly welcome group tours to experience our historic cathedral, as a fantastic way to spend a day out in Dublin.

Self-guided tours include admission to the crypt as well as the ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ exhibition.

christ church tour dublin

There is so much to discover at Christ Church, from its rich history and musical heritage to its deep spirituality and pattern of worship.

christ church tour dublin

Everyone is welcome at Christ Church Cathedral, however, as it is a medieval structure, there are some access limitations within the building.

christ church tour dublin

Visitors to Christ Church Cathedral are welcome to take photographs for personal use. However, photography or filming is not permitted during services.

No commercial photography or filming is permitted within the cathedral or cathedral grounds, unless written permission has been obtained in advance from the cathedral office.

christ church tour dublin

Christ Church Cathedral may be one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions but there is much more to see across the city. Check out our list of local things to see and do here and see VisitDublin for more great ideas.

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Christ Church Cathedral Dublin - Visitor Information

Christ church cathedral - plan your visit.

christ church cathedral

Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin, Christ Church is an iconic Dublin cathedral which has been central to Dublin for almost 1000 years. Located on Christ Church Place, this hilltop location and the cathedral's stunning architecture, make it one of the most photographed sites in Dublin. One of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, when you enter this stunning cathedral, you will be amazed by the beautiful interior and historic medieval crypt.

Explore the Crypt

image of christ church cathedral in dublin ireland

The medieval crypt is a fascinating part of this historic building where visitors can discover fascinating artefacts and memorials. Follow the steps that bring you beneath the cathedral and explore the medieval crypt, the largest in Ireland. The crypt dates to the early 12th century and is the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today. The crypt houses fascinating memorials, The Treasury, the cat and the rat, an audio visual presentation, and the cathedral shop.

The Christ Church Bells

The gothic nave of the Cathedral - with its magnificent stained glass and medieval floor tiles, is a highlight of the cathedral. Climb the 86 steps up to the Belfry for one of the most spectacular views of Dublin City and learn about the culture of the bell ringers. You might even get an opportunity to ring the bells!

See the mummified ‘Cat and Rat’

A mummified cat and rat are the most unusual inhabitants of the crypt, but also the most popular! According to cathedral lore, the cat chased the rat into a pipe of an organ and both became stuck. They are mentioned by James Joyce in Finnegans Wake and are known locally, with typical Dublin wit, as ‘Tom & Jerry.’

Christ Church Cathedral Tickets

Guarantee your admission for your preferred timeslot when you book online with Christ Church Cathedral . By purchasing a ticket, you are contributing towards the maintenance of Christ Church Cathedral and helping preserve it for future generations.

Tours of the Cathedral

Visitors to the cathedral can choose a self-guided option, or a guided tour. Guided tours take place regularly throughout the day. Ask at the front desk upon arrival for the time of the next tour. Self-guided tours include admission to the crypt and the ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ exhibition. Information leaflets are available in a range of languages.

Getting to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christ Church Place, Dublin 8. Attractions near the Cathedral include St. Patrick's Cathedral , Chester Beatty Library, Teeling Whiskey Distillery  , and Dublinia

By Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a designated tour stop at Christ Church Cathedral. Buy your ticket  here .  City Sightseeing Dublin , and Big Bus Tours Dublin also have stops close to the cathedral. 

From Trinity College Dublin, the Cathedral is 800m walking distance - this is a 10 minute walk approx. Temple Bar is just 5 minutes from the Cathedral (On the way, we suggest visiting the peaceful Dubh Linn Gardens on the grounds of Dublin Castle!) 

Dublin Bus have many routes passing by the Cathedral. Check Dublin Bus for more details.

There are many bike lanes around the city centre, and it is relatively easy to cycle to Christ Church Cathedral. If you're using a Dublin Bike, there is a bike stand at Christ Church Place. 

christ church tour dublin

  • Christ Church Cathedral

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Dublin Christ Church Cathedral entrance ticket and self-guided tour

Dublin Christ Church Cathedral entrance ticket and self-guided tour

Book your Dublin Christ Church Cathedral admission ticket and enjoy some time soaking up the history in one of Dublin's most magnificent cathedrals.

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The inside story

One of two medieval cathedrals within a stone’s throw of each, Christ Church Cathedral dates back to Dublin’s Viking times. Founded by the flamboyantly named King Sigtrygg Silkbeard, the cathedral is in what in the Middle Ages was the heart of Dublin – the centre has since moved eastwards. Buried inside this granite Gothic temple is Strongbow, the Norman warlord who began English involvement in Ireland, while the bridge linking the cathedral to the synod hall is one of Dublin’s most emblematic sights. Near the cathedral are the remains of the city walls and two churches dedicated to St Audoen – the newer one Catholic, the older one Anglican – as well as St Patrick’s Cathedral. This historic corner offers rare insights into Dublin’s past and is a must-visit.

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Christ Church Cathedral Dublin – tickets, timings, discounts, what to expect

Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

In 1038, the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard built Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin.

The feat of having a creator with one of the coolest names in recorded history was not enough, for in the following centuries, the Anglo-Normans commissioned multiple reconstructions and expansions of this renowned structure. 

This ancient structure, the modern-day guardian of the protestant faith, has now stood for a thousand years and is the oldest operational building in the historic city of Dublin.

The Christ Church Cathedral is renowned worldwide for its architecture, burial crypt, and exhibition consisting of a 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta. 

The church is one of Dublin’s many cultural treasures, with a bell tower that has kept the time every day across centuries.

This article tells you everything you must know before booking tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral.

Top Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Tickets

# Christ Church Cathedral tickets # Christ Church Cathedral and the Jameson Distillery combo tickets # All-inclusive pass

Table of contents

What to expect at christ church cathedral , where to book tickets , how do online tickets work , christ church cathedral ticket price, christ church cathedral tickets, christ church cathedral and the jameson distillery combo tickets, how to reach , christ church cathedral timings, how long does the tour take, best time to visit, faqs about christ church cathedral.

The architectural style of Christ Church Cathedral is a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements. 

You will be left to marvel at the stunning Roman arches and stonewalls, which seamlessly transition to Gothic spires, ribbed vaults, and sumptuous stained glass windows.

Kneel at the feet of the powerful sculpture of homeless Jesus curled on a bench in the compound, recognizable only by the marks on his feet.

Step into the remarkable medieval crypt, which is believed to be the oldest surviving structure of the church. 

Bathe into the historical lore of an underground vault that has been used for centuries for multiple services such as burial ceremonies, prayer meetings, and treasury headquarters, among other things.

The prime attraction over the years has strangely been a mummified pair of “Tom and Jerry.” 

Legend has it that a cat chased a rat into the organ pipes, resulting in their joint preservation. 

The crypt is the largest of its kind in Ireland and the British Isles.

Spiral into the rich history of the space and open yourself to spiritual wisdom by tracing the steps of Middle Age pilgrims and gazing at the magnificent vaulted church ceiling. 

Delve deeper into the history and significance of the cathedral in the church museum with further insights. 

The museum displays a collection of artifacts, including the 12th-century “Christ Church Miter,” silverware across centuries, and the original copy of Ireland’s Magna Carta from the 15th century.

If you time your visits, you can witness the church choir and its rich musical tradition.

Another notable attraction at the Christ Church Cathedral Dublin is the tomb of Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow, who was a prominent figure in the Norman invasion of Ireland. The tomb is adorned with an effigy.

This iconic landmark in Dublin is a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s vibrant history, cultural traditions, and religious significance.

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The tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral can be booked online or at the attraction.

However, we recommend that you book online to save time and money.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.

Go to the online ticketing portal for Christ Church Dublin ,

select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

The Christ Church cathedral ticket prices are distributed across five tiers.

The ticketed entry for adults between 18 to 64 years is set at €12.

The entry for youths between 13 to 17 years will cost them €10.

The entry for children between two and 12 years of age will cost  €4

Infants under the age of one are not charged anything.

Senior citizens above 65 can also gain access at the same price as that applicable for youths: €9.

Christ Church Cathedral tickets

The tickets to the Cathedral of Christ Church in Dublin will grant you access to one of the most revered and well-preserved portals to the complex history of faith and culture in the tumultuous state of Ireland.

You will gift yourself a self-guided tour through the annals of the past in a structure that is one of the pinnacles of human architectural efforts, shaped across centuries, blending all styles from Roman to Gothic along the way.

The leaflets at the church entrance and audio tours in the museum paint a breathtaking, living, breathing tale of human conflicts and faith. 

Looking at the classical, ancient artifacts and tombs gives a dawning sensation of a connection to a continuous effort alive throughout the history of humankind itself.

Make sure you collect souvenirs from the sweet little gift shop!

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (17-64 years): €1 2 Youth Ticket (13-17 years): € 10 Child Ticket (0-12 years): €4 Senior Ticket (65 and above): € 10 Infant Ticket (0-1 years): Free

Combo tickets

You cannot possibly fully immerse yourself in the grand tales of Dublin’s art, religion, architecture, commerce, and culture without taking a dip into the near-mythological culture of Irish whiskey. 

After all, the word “whiskey” is derived from the Irish word “uisce beatha” itself, which means the ‘water of life’!

So, to reinforce your swim into ancient history at the Christ Church Cathedral, a famous distillery nearby comes alive!

Christ Church Cathedral and the Jameson Distillery combo tickets

At just €38, you can gift yourself a combo trip to the Christ Church cathedral and the Jameson Distillery, home to the world-renowned Irish Whiskey.

In addition to your tour through the Christ Church Cathedral, this combo pass will provide you with a tour through the story, process, and taste of Jameson.

After tasting three whiskies from the formidable Jameson whiskey portfolio, you also get a complimentary drink at the JJ bar! A win-win situation, if there ever was one!

Ticket Price: €39

Save time and money! Dublin is one of the most famous cities in the world, with a rich history, unbeatable music, a flourishing art scene, and age-old stories and events of drink and merry. At just €74, you can buy an all-inclusive pass with access to 40+ attractions in Dublin, including bus tours, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, and so much more.

The Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin.

Address : Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland. Get Directions.

The Dublin Christ Church Cathedral is dotted with several transit options and is well-connected with multiple bus and train lines.

The bus stations Winetavern Street and Lord Edward Street both lie nearby, only a two-minute walk away.

Two more bus stops, Patrick Street and Dublin City South, Werberg Street ,  are a three-minute walk away.

The Civic office bus stop and the Four Courts bus stop also take just about four minutes on foot to reach.

Bus lines that serve areas near Christ church cathedral are 13,145,27,39,70 and 83.

The Jervis light rail station is only seven minutes from the Christchurch Cathedral.

Put your starting point here to navigate to the Christ Church cathedral.

The area is also well connected by the taxi service.

There are plenty of parking options near the cathedral. 

The usual timings for the Christ Church Cathedral Dublin are as follows.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9.30 pm to 7 pm
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 9.30 pm to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 12.30 to 3 pm and 4.30 pm to 7 pm.

We advise you to check the online booking site for availability regarding your day of the visit, as the cathedral timings are subject to change due to weather, seasons, and events. 

Entry is restricted 45 minutes before closing time.

The choir usually performs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

A visit to a Christ church cathedral usually takes around 45 minutes to stroll through the church and exhibition rooms.

There is no time slot restraint, so you take your time to soak in the knowledge and the atmosphere at the timeless church building, its architecture, and the audio guides provided in the crypt. 

Best time to visit Christ Church Cathedral

The best time to visit the church is in the evening, an hour before the choral service, so that you can add the heavenly choir songs to your memorable experience.

Sundays are also a great time to visit, as you can witness the community and faith come together. 

However, if you like to explore historical monuments in a leisurely and peaceful way, you should avoid the rush on Sundays and public holidays!

The weather in Dublin is prone to drizzling quite often, so it is best to look at the weather forecasts before planning a visit.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Christ Church Cathedral.

Tickets for the Christ Church Cathedral are available online or at the attraction. 

There is no restriction on faith or lifestyle. All visitors are welcome.

Personal photos and videos are allowed, but professional or commercial videography or photography is forbidden.

The structure was designed in ancient times.  People with handicaps might find certain areas not accessible.

The choir usually performs at the end of the day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Sources # Christchurchcathedral.ie # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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Vaibhav Raj

Vaibhav Raj is a hyper-dramatic cinema romantic, and it is his life's mission to touch all the memorable landscapes that his favorite movies breathe in, be it a meeting in Montauk from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a walk along Before Sunrise's Vienna, a hideout in In Bruges' Bruges, or frolicking across the lush Swiss landscapes of Yash Chopra. Favourite Cities: Barcelona, Kyoto, and Bruges.

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Christ Church Cathedral

Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin, and renowned for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles, Christ Church Cathedral is home to the famous 12th Century crypt, one of the oldest and largest in Britain and Ireland.

  • Discover one of Ireland's most stunning cathedrals
  • Go underground the the medieval crypt.
  • See the Treasures of Christ Church Cathedral exhibition

Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

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DODUBLIN DAYS OUT CARD & CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Visit Christ Church Cathedral, along with five other great Dublin attractions with the DoDublin Days Out Ticket !

inside Christchurch Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral Crypt

The medieval crypt is a fascinating part of this historic building where visitors can discover fascinating artefacts and memorials. The famous mummified Cat & Rat is an unusual exhibit, and was even mentioned in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake.

Christchurch Cathedral

Treasures of Christ Church Exhibition

The restored 12th century crypt, one of the largest in Ireland or the UK, is home to the fantastic Treasures of Christ Church exhibition, which also showcases an audio visual of the cathedral's history by Louis Marcus. The exhibition features manuscripts and artefacts that give the visitor insight into the almost one thousand years of worship in the cathedral and nearby churches.

Among the rare church silver is the stunning royal plate given by King William III in 1697 as a thanksgiving for his victory at the battle of the Boyne. Also on display are the conserved tabernacle and the candlesticks used in 1689 under James II when the Latin rites were restored for a three-month period.

The Treasury also plays host to a rare 14th Century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae which is the centrepiece of an exhibition.

Christchurch Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral Tickets

Guarantee your admission for your preferred timeslot when you book online with DoDublin.ie.

Getting to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christ Church Place, Dublin 8. Attractions close to Christ Church Cathedral include St. Patrick's Cathedral , Chester Beatty Librar y, and Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a stop right outside Christ Church Cathedral. Buy your ticket here . City Sightseeing Dublin, and Big Bus Tours Dublin also have stops closeby.

From Trinity College Dublin, the Cathedral is 800m walking distance - this is a 10 minute walk approx. (On the way, we suggest visiting the peaceful Dubh Linn Gardens on the grounds of Dublin Castle!)

Dublin Bus have many routes passing by the Cathedral. Check Dublin Bus  for more details.

Getting to the Cathedral by bike is relatively easy. If you're using a Dublin Bike , there are stands at Francis St. and Christ Church Place.

Buy Christ Church Cathedral Tickets

Group of Visitors enjoying an interactive Notorious Irish Exhibition at Epic Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral is one of two medieval cathedrals in Dublin. The other one is the St Patricks Cathedral. Of the two churches, the Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest. A church was originally built in the current location in 1038. That church was destroyed by Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow, who later ordered the construction of a new church on the same spot. That was the foundation of the church as we see it today, which was laid in 1170. The church has been renovated several times, and the last time they did some major work on the church was in the 19th century.

The cathedral features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Romanesque elements. The impressive structure includes a cathedral nave, choir, and numerous chapels. It has also held great importance throughout history, being a location for worship, a site for coronations, and a venue for various ceremonies throughout its existence.

If you visit the church, it is also possible to visit the cathedral’s crypt, which is one of the largest in Britain and Ireland. The crypt contains historical artifacts and serves as the final resting place for many notable figures. Among the many artifacts stored in the church, the “Book of Kells” is the most famous of them all.

The cathedral is located in the very center of Dublin, which means it is very easy to visit it as a tourist. If you want to enter the church as a tourist, there is an entrance fee. Below you can see some examples of entrance fees.

Address: 8 High St Dublin 8, Co. Dublin Telephone: +353 1 677 8099

What are the opening times of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin?

The church is open from 9.00 until 17.30 from Monday to Saturday. The church is open to visitors between 12:30 to 15:00 on Sundays.

Christ Church Cathedral entrance fees

  • €11.50 Adult
  • €10.00 Senior/Student
  • €4.00 Child (Under 12)
  • €27.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)

This is the price to enter on a self-guided tour, but you do get an audio guide that will help you understand what you see as you walk around inside the cathedral.

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  • Plan your visit

Christ Church Cathedral Combined Visit

Things to do in dublin.

  • Living History & Daily Tours
  • Gift Shop & Coffee Shop

Cross over the famous Neo-Gothic archway from Dublinia to the Cathedral and journey through 1000 years of worship and history.

Christ Church Cathedral highlights include the medieval crypt, which extends under the entire cathedral. Enjoy the amazing architectural features and stone carving from the 12th century, and the leaning wall of Dublin complete your visit .

A discounted combined ticket for Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral may only be purchased at Dublinia’s welcome desk on arrival. This combined ticket can not be bought online.

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The Irish Road Trip

The Dublinia Museum: Where You’ll Get A Window Into Medieval Dublin (Guide)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

The Dublinia Museum: Where You’ll Get A Window Into Medieval Dublin (Guide)

If you’re looking for things to do in Dublin in the rain, get yourself on the Dublinia tour.

From creating the first Irish trade routes to building arguably the country’s most famous cathedral, the Vikings had quite the impact in Ireland.

Especially when you consider the relatively short space of time they were in power. It’s within the walls of Dublinia that you’ll discover what they achieved during this time.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Dublinia Museum, from opening hours and the tours to what to expect from a visit.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting the Dublinia Museum

Dublinia museum dublin

Photo via Google Maps

Although a visit to the Dublinia Museum is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Dublinia can be found on Christchurch Place, just south of the Liffey in central Dublin . The handsome St Michael’s Tower (part of the Dublinia complex) is easy to spot and lies next door to another famous Dublin landmark, Christ Church Cathedral .

2. Opening hours

Dublinia is open daily from e 10:00 until the last admission at 17.00.

3. Admission

  • Adult: €15.00
  • Student/Senior: €13.50
  • Child (3-12 years): €7.50
  • Family – 2 Adults & 2 Children (3-12 years): €37.00

Found just behind the Jurys Inn, Q-Park Christ Church on Werburgh Street is the nearest car park. Dublinia provides a special discount for parking at Q-Park. ‘Q-Park Discount Tickets’ are available for visitors to collect from the Dublinia Shop before returning to the car park.

5. Part of the Dublin Pass

Exploring Dublin over 1 or 2 days? If you buy a Dublin Pass for €70 you can save from €23.50 to €62.50 on Dublin’s top attractions, like the EPIC Museum, the Guinness Storehouse, 14 Henrietta Street, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. and more (info here ).

About the Dublinia Museum

Dublinia tour

Photos via Dublinia on Facebook

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were staring at a slightly unsized clone of Christ Church Cathedral.

And you wouldn’t be too far off! Connected to the cathedral by a fully integrated stone bridge, the Dublinia exhibition is actually housed in a former synod hall that was previously used for hosting general synods and diocesan synods for Dublin, Glendalough and Kildare.

The recognisable spire of St Michael’s Tower is the last remnant of what was St Michael’s Church, a church destroyed by George Edward Street during his restoration of Christ Church Cathedral .

Before it was turned into Dublinia in 1993, the synod hall had a brief but much more extravagant life as a nightclub in the 1980s! The switch to Ireland’s Viking story has proved a good decision however, with Failte Ireland recording visitor numbers of over 200,000 admissions to Dublinia during 2018.

What you’ll experience on the Dublinia tour

medieval dublin

The Dublinia tour is arguably one of the best things to do in Dublin . And the reviews on both Google and Tripadvisor are outstanding.

Here’s a bit of what you can expect on the Dublinia tour, from the ‘Living History’ and the window into medieval Dublin to the  very  unusual artefacts and more.

1. Living history

dublinia tour

Photo left by Lukas Fendek (Shutterstock). Photo right via Dublinia on Facebook

Dublinia isn’t just any old museum with corridors and corridors of endless silent paintings and artefacts (never a great idea with restless kids). Keeping things informative for adults and exciting for children, Dublinia is a legitimate living museum and does a cracking job of bringing history to life for those who visit.

Dressed in Viking and Medieval costume and armed with some unusual items, Dublinia’s Living History guides are always on-hand to explain all sorts of interesting facts about Viking weapons, the history of the barber surgeon, medieval medicine and herbs and even showing you how to play a game called Hnefatafl (or Viking chess!)

2. Viking life

what did the celts look like

Photo by Gorodenkoff (Shutterstock)

Want to know how much room you would have had on a Viking warship? Or what trying on their iconic clothes might have been like?

All will be revealed at a museum that gives an extraordinary interactive insight into their ancient lifestyle and is brought to life by Dublinia’s awesome living historians.

In fact, you can sit around a crackling fire and listen to fascinating Viking sagas retold by a (highly convincing!) elder. Also, new to Dublinia, find out what really happened during the Battle for Clontarf and the eventual decline of Viking power in Dublin.

3. Medieval Dublin

Dublinia

Photo by WayneDuguay (Shutterstock)

The end of the Vikings, however, gave way to a new era in Ireland and Dublinia offers a well-executed (no pun intended!) window into the turbulent life of medieval Dublin. At Dublinia’s Medieval Dublin exhibition, you’ll be able to take in all the sights, sounds and smells of Dublin when it really was a dirty old town!

Learn how Dublin dealt with crime, punishment, death and disease while grimacing at the grisly toothache remedies of 700 years ago. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy all sorts of spicy aromas and much more in the medieval fair, while learning how to play medieval games, visiting a rich merchant’s kitchen and walking along a bustling medieval street.

4. Views from the Medieval tower

Dublinia opening hours

St Michael’s Tower isn’t just the handsome 17th-century centrepiece of Dublinia, it also doubles up as a deadly vantage point where you’ll be afforded some sweeping views across Dublin. You’ll need to work for it though! If you want to enjoy those vistas across the capital, you’ll have to navigate a steep snaking 96-step climb to the top (needless to say, don’t try this in high heels…)

Once you’ve made it upstairs though, the views will be well worth your travails. If it’s a clear day you’ll be able to spot plenty of Dublin’s most famous landmarks as well enjoying views across the Liffey and towards the hazy outline of the Dublin Mountains .

5. Walking tours

Dublinia walking tours

Did you know that Dublinia even offers its own walking tours? Lasting 90 minutes and accessible to all ages, the tour gives a fantastic overview of Dublin’s Viking and Medieval origins. Along the way, you’ll take in Dubhlinn, St.Audeons Church, the city walls on Cook St, and the tragic history of Wood Quay.

While the walking tour is included in the price of admission to Dublinia, you’ll still need to confirm your place which you can do by contacting [email protected] or calling 01-6794611. Just present a copy of your ticket (printed or on your phone) to your tour guide on arrival and you’ll be grand.

Expect some very unique viking artefacts

viking dublin

If you’re into your Vikings, it’s fair to say you get some serious bang for your buck at Dublinia! Featuring everything from a leper’s skull to a Viking comb, they’ve left no stone unturned here when it comes to curious artefacts. There are a couple here though that are worth the admission alone.

First of all check out Gunnar, a Viking skeleton found on an excavation site at the offices of Dunnes Stores (of all places!) on George’s Street. Though he dates from around the 9th century, you wouldn’t have wanted to mess with him as it’s thought that he grew up skinning animals in northern Norway before becoming part of an elite warrior force in Dublin.

Affectionately known as Maggie, you can also see the remains of a woman who had a particularly tough life in Medieval Dublin. With her bones showing signs of wear and tear and only 5 teeth remaining, she was found with a rope around her neck (likely how she came to her unfortunate end).

Things to do near Dublinia

One of the beauties of the Dublinia tour is that, when you’re finished, you’re a stone’s throw from plenty to see and do.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Dublinia Museum (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Cathedrals galore

what to see nearby

Photo by littlenySTOC (Shutterstock)

Quite literally a stone’s throw away, Dublinia is handily situated next door to the mighty Christ Church Cathedral . Check out its 1000-year history and spectacular crypt if you have the time. And if you still haven’t had your cathedral fill, the sublime St Patrick’s Cathedral (and nearby Marsh’s Library ) is less than a 10-minute walk south down Patrick Street.

2. Ancient pubs and fine food

oldest dublin pub

Photos via the Brazen Head on Facebook

Amazingly, it’s possible to continue your Medieval journey while sitting back with a lovely creamy pint and some fine food! Just a 5-minute walk north from Dublinia is the Brazen Head , by some distance the oldest pub in Dublin with its claims of origin dating to 1198. See our guide to the oldest pubs in Dublin for more.

3. Endless other attractions

Portobello

Photo by Lukas Fendek (Shutterstock)

Thanks to its handy central location, there’s a ton of other spots you can visit when you’re finished at Dublinia. A short walk down Castle Street and Cork Hill will find you within spitting distance of Temple Bar’s bright lights. If you fancy a slightly longer walk then the Guinness Storehouse is around 15 minutes away, while the Jameson Distillery on Bow St is also 15 minutes but you’ll need to head north over the Liffey.

FAQs about the Dublinia tour

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where do you get the Dublinia tickets?’ to ‘What is there to see nearby?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is the Dublinia Museum worth visiting?

Yes! The Dublinia tour is an excellent insight into Medieval Dublin, and the tour is brilliantly put together.

Where do you get the Dublinia tour tickets?

You can book tickets for the Dublinia Museum online on their official website. You can also buy them there, but preference is given to online bookings.

What are the Dublinia opening hours?

The Dublinia opening hours are: 10:00 until the last admission at 16.30 between Thursday and Sunday. It’s closed from Saturday to Wednesday (hours may change).

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    Admission includes a self-guided tour of the cathedral & crypt, and an audio guide. Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, Christ Church was originally a Viking church and has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years.

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    Along the way, you'll take in Dubhlinn, St.Audeons Church, the city walls on Cook St, and the tragic history of Wood Quay. While the walking tour is included in the price of admission to Dublinia, you'll still need to confirm your place which you can do by contacting [email protected] or calling 01-6794611.