Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Ireland, Ireland

A magnificent cathedral that houses Jonathan Swift's remains (he wrote Gulliver's Travels). It is the only remaining cathedral in Ireland with a daily sung services. A small entrance fee is charged for tourists and all money raised goes back to paying for the upkeep of the building.

This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the famous round tower, standing 112 feet high with a base measuring 52 feet in circumference. Visitors: There is a car park at the Visitor Centre. It is recommended to see the informational video at the Visitor Centre before starting your explorations.

Mussenden Temple is one of the most iconic buildings in Northern Ireland, and is situated within the grounds of Downhill Demesne, a once magnificent manor house owned by the Earl Bishop of Derry, Frederick Hervey. The site is always open, but please see our National Trust website for details of when the facilities are open.

Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin's oldest buildings, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Famous for its breathtaking beauty, magnificent architectural features and wonderful floor tiles, Christ Church is also popular as a venue and is host to many high profile concerts throughout the year. It is home to the tomb of Strongbow, leader of the Normans, who captured Dublin in 1170. The Medieval Crypt, the largest in Ireland, extends under the entire Cathedral and contains the mummified Cat and Rat, trapped in the organ in the 1860s. Opening Hours: March and October Monday-Saturday: 9.30-18.00 Sunday: 12.30-14.30 /16.30-18.00 April –September Monday-Saturday: 9.30-19.00 Sunday: 12.30 – 14.30 /16.30 – 19.00 November –February Monday-Saturday: 9.30-17.00 Sunday 12.30-14.30 Please note there may be some restricted access due to services and events.

Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin's most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl's of Leitrim. Since Victorian times visitors have descended the vault steps to see the mummies and Bram Stoker, creator of the "Dracula" stories is believed to have visited the vaults in the company of his family. In one vault can be seen the remains of the "Crusader" though in fact he is only 650 years dead. The early visitors to the vaults were responsible for many of the myths and legends surrounding the bodies, though modern scientific investigations have cast doubts on many of these stories. Nevertheless, a visit to the Crypts to see the historic mummies is a remarkable experience.