Christ Church Cathedral

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.