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As one could expect, Dublin is positively brimming with churches – from quaint corner chapels, to imposing and sprawling cathedrals. If you enjoy visiting churches, then Dublin is definitely the right place for you to go on a little pilgrimage.
A good place to start is Christ Church Cathedral which, having been built by the Vikings in 1038, is the only cathedral in Ireland or Britain that can boast a Norse foundation. The cathedral was rebuilt in Norman times and its façade was extensively remodelled in the 1870s. Its medieval floor tiles lead to the famous 15th Century brass lectern and impressive Strongbow monument. The crypt at Christ Church Cathedral contains many historic artefacts and is the oldest structure in Dublin. The cathedral is open for visitors every day and charges an admission fee.
Another cathedral worth visiting is St Patrick’s Cathedral where St Patrick himself is said to have baptised converts in the churchyard. Built by the Normans and restored in the 19th Century, this cathedral also contains many noteworthy features. Not least among those are the grave of the famous author Jonathan Swift – who had also served as the cathedral’s dean – and the white marble bust of the blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan, the last of the great Irish bards. St Patrick’s Cathedral is also open daily and charges an admission fee. If you’re a church connoisseur, you will no doubt realise that many fascinating specimens are waiting in Dublin for you to discover.
On the other hand, if you feel like a little break but don’t wish to stray away from the pilgrimage theme, you could always pop by St Mary’s Church on Mary Street. Dating back to 1627, this church was closed in 1986. Since then, the church has been reopened as a pub and restaurant – simply known as ‘The Church’.
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