Page 86 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

84  DUBLIN AREA B Y AREA

7 Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral was established by the
Hiberno-Norse king of Dublin, Sitric “Silkbeard”, . Medieval Lectern
and the first bishop of Dublin, Dunan. It was This beautiful brass
lectern in the crypt’s
rebuilt by the Anglo-Norman archbishop, treasury was hand-
John Cumin in 1186. It is the cathedral for the wrought during the
Church of Ireland (Anglican) diocese of Dublin Middle Ages. A
matching lectern stands
and Glendalough. By the 19th century it was in on the north side of the
a bad state of repair, but was remodelled by nave, in front of the pulpit.
architect George Street in the 1870s. The vast
12th-century crypt was restored in 2000.

Great Nave
The 25-m (68-ft) high nave has some
fine early Gothic arches. On the north
side, the original 13th-century wall
leans out by as much as 50 cm (18 in)
due to the weight of the roof.

KEY
1 The bridge to the Synod Hall was
added when the cathedral was
being rebuilt in the 1870s.
2 Crypt
3 Medieval stone carvings are on
display in the north transept. Dating Entrance
from about 1200, these exquisite
Romanesque capitals feature a troupe . Strongbow
of musicians and two human faces Monument
enveloped by legendary griffons. The large effigy in
4 The Lady Chapel is used to chain armour is
celebrate the daily Eucharist. probably not
5 Stairs to crypt Strongbow. However,
his remains are buried
6 The foundations of the in the cathedral and
original Chapter House date the curious half-figure
back to the early 13th century. may be part of his
original tomb.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp296–7 and pp308–311

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