02.08.2017
Exciting Heritage Week Planned at Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral has unveiled its programme for Heritage Week 2017 and they are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors. There is a full itinerary with something for everyone to enjoy from August 19 to 27 with a special Crypt Open Afternoon taking place on Tuesday August 22.
Throughout Heritage Week there will be reduced price for admission for families with €5 off the family ticket price (please quote ‘’Heritage Week” when purchasing tickets).
Also running all week with be a children’s nature themed treasure trail. Children will be challenged to find the answers to fun questions about animals and nature at Christ Church Cathedral as they explore the cathedral with their special Heritage Week Treasure Trail. Prizes will be available from the welcome desk for anyone under 12 who gets all the answers right.
There are a number of special events during the week which are free with normal cathedral admission. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis on the day.
On Saturday August 19 at 2pm the cathedral’s organ scholar, Caroline Richards, will give a recital featuring a selection of music on the cathedral’s fine organ.
From Monday to Friday at 1.15 pm there will be a ‘Ring the Bells’ guided tour of the cathedral and belfry with a chance to ring the famous Christ Church Bells. This is for over 12s only.
On Monday August 21 there will be an opportunity to ‘Discover the Monuments of Christ Church Cathedral’ with cathedral archivist Stuart Kinsella.
On Wednesday August 23 at 1.15 pm you can step through 1,000 years of history with the ‘1017 to 2017 Walking Tour‘ of the cathedral and its neighbourhood in the company of historian Mike O’Neill. This includes access to nearby St Werburgh’s Church.
On Saturday August 26 at 2pm there will be a talk entitled ‘Monastic Landscapes and Biodiversity’ by landscape architect Haley Farrell. This is free but normal cathedral admission applies.
The Crypt Open Afternoon takes place on Tuesday August 22 from 1pm to 6pm providing the chance to explore the cathedral’s famous crypt, the largest in Ireland. There will be a full line up of fun events to celebrate its forthcoming refurbishment. There will be free entrance to the crypt only via the St John’s Lane entrance.
The crypt is the oldest structure still in use in Dublin. Over its history of almost 1,000 years it has served as a burial place, a reliquary, a wine warehouse and a market with three taverns.
The open afternoon includes a free Monks Tour of the cathedral a 12pm. Aimed at 7 to 10 year olds (although this is flexible), children can dress up in a monk’s robe and learn how the monks lived at Christ Church. The tour is free but places are limed and must be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-monks-tour-of-christ-church-cathedral-tickets-36272121893
During the open afternoon children can explore the Crypt and complete the special archaeological and historical crypt trail learning about the different ways the crypt has featured in the history of Dublin.
There will be a Nature Journal Workshop with illustrator Melissa Doran from 2pm to 4pm. Melissa will help children discover the wildlife around Christ Church Cathedral and teach them to document the world around them in their own fun and creative way. This workshop is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds and is limited to 10 places. Booking is essential at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-journal-workshop-for-8-12-year- olds–tickets–36265338604
Finally, during the Crypt Open Afternoon, Canon Roy Byrne will lead two fascinating tours, at 2.30 pm and 4pm entitled ‘Dublin’s Subterranean Treasury‘ focusing on the many wonderful artefacts on display in the crypt. Tours are available on a first come, first served basis.