Medieval Dublin: Dublin Castle to St Patrick's Cathedral: a walk in Dublin

A short walk across the old walled city: Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty in its grounds, Christ Church Cathedral, St Audoen's (the oldest parish church in Dublin still in use), then down to St Patrick's Cathedral, where Swift was dean, and Marsh's Library next door.

Best time: Weekday morning: St Audoen's (free, OPW) opens 09:30 from late March to 5 November 2026; Marsh's Library and the cathedrals charge admission (prices not verified).

The route, stop by stop

1
Dublin Castle
Government complex on the highest point of the old city; mostly rebuilt from the late 17th century. 30 min
From 1204 until 1922 the seat of English, then British rule in Ireland, built where the River Poddle met the Liffey at the 'Dubh Linn' (black pool) that gave the city its name…
2
Chester Beatty
Museum and library in the castle grounds, built on Alfred Chester Beatty's collections. 60 min
Alfred Chester Beatty's collection of manuscripts, prints and decorative arts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, including early biblical papyri and illuminated…
3
Christ Church Cathedral
Church of Ireland cathedral of Dublin and Glendalough; look for the crypt. 40 min
The older of Dublin's two medieval cathedrals, founded about 1030 under the Norse king Sitric. Its 12th-century crypt is one of the largest in Ireland and Britain and holds the…
4
Dublinia
Viking and medieval history museum in the cathedral's Synod Hall. Optional, 60 min
A hands-on museum of Viking and medieval Dublin in the Synod Hall of Christ Church: a Viking warship and house, a noisy medieval street, archaeology methods, and the climb up St…
5
St Audoen's Church
Church of Ireland parish church at Cornmarket in the medieval centre; OPW visitor centre, free, daily 09:30-17:30 (27 Mar-5 Nov 2026). 25 min
Dublin's only remaining medieval parish church, dedicated to St Ouen of Rouen, with the 15th-century tomb of Baron Portlester and an exhibition in the Guild Chapel of St Anne on…
6
St Patrick's Cathedral
National cathedral of the Church of Ireland; Jonathan Swift was its most famous dean. 45 min
Ireland's national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and its largest church, founded in 1191 beside the well where St Patrick is said to have baptised converts. Jonathan Swift…
7
Marsh's Library
Opened to the public in 1707 as Ireland's first public library; end of the walk. 30 min
Ireland's first public library, opened in 1707 beside St Patrick's Cathedral and barely changed since: dark-oak bookcases with 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, and the wire…

Walking directions

Medieval Dublin: Dublin Castle to St Patrick's Cathedral

The route, stop by stop

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