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Dublin Cathdrals

If I only have time to visit one cathedral in Dublin for a tour, and Evensong, which would you recommend:

Christ Church or St. Patrick’s ?

Posted by
6431 posts

I took a tour and attended evensong at St. Patrick's, a very good experience that includes Jonathan Swift's tomb and death mask. I also visited Christ Church, with a very interesting crypt. I don't recall whether a tour was available but I didn't take one, or attend evensong. So I can't make a direct comparison. If you can visit only one, I suggest that you base the choice on location. Or how interested or uninterested you are in Swift.

Posted by
30 posts

I’ve been to both, but did not attend a service or take a guided tour. I found both churches very interesting to visit. Maybe choose one for the tour and service and simply see the other one self-guided if you have time?

Posted by
1189 posts

Hi from Wisconsin,
I was in Ireland once with my two brothers. We went separate ways one night. I, of course hit an out of the way pub. My younger brother, four years older than myself, went to a workers' union meeting, and my older brother, 14 years my senior, went to St. Patricks for evensong. We have debated ever since, who had the better evening.

Pub aside, Evensong at St. Patricks sounds good to me.

wayne iNWI

Posted by
470 posts

I attended at Evensong performance at Christ Church in 2002. It was a superb experience! I was glad I went.

I have also visited St. Patrick's, but did not attend an Evensong performance.

Whichever Evensong you choose, it likely will be a great experience.

Both churches are worth visiting even if you attend the Evensong at only one of them.