Of Dublin's two city centre cathedrals - both Church of Ireland - Christ Church is older, with an early manuscript dating it back to 1030. Founded on the former site of a Viking church, construction began under the orders of the wonderfully-named Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard.

Along with St Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church served as the seat for the city's five Bishops and subsequent Archbishops, the second of which - Laurence O’Toole - became Dublin's patron saint. O'Toole and Norman conquerer Strongbow remodeled the cathedral in 1172.

From the 12th Century Norman Conquest until Irish Independence in 1922, Christ Church reflected its English rulers' fluctuation between the Catholic and Protestant faiths. In one pivotal period, King James restored Catholicism and attended Mass in 1689. A year later the protestant King William gave thanks for his Battle of the Boyne victory and presented Christ Church with a set of gold communion plates.

During the 16th and 17th Centuries, the cathedral was used as a market, meeting place and even a pub. Virtually rebuilt in the 1870s, Christ Church today stands as a monument to the history and heritage of Ireland, and continues as a working church with daily services, and renowned bell ringing during Sun service 10:00 & 14:30 and Fri practice 19:00 - 21:00.

Inside, take time to explore its many treasures and curiosities including Strongbow's tomb, the large medieval crypt with its mummified cat and rat, and Dublin's own leaning wall - out of perpendicular by half a metre. There is also a cafe in the 12th Century crypt.

The cathedral is linked by a stone bridge to the former Synod House which now houses the Dublinia & The Viking World museum. Discounted tickets are available if you visit both the museum and cathedral.