Almost a thousand years ago, King Sitric Silkenbeard laid the foundations of what is now known as Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin. The legendary Strongbow (Richard de Clare) turned to wooden structure to stone and additions over the centuries brought it to the resplendent 19th century structure we visited.
There are many tales relating to Strongbow’s tomb, including removal and destruction, so the tomb we see today may be more in the spirit of Strongbow, however no less emitting of power and presence.
Christ Church is know today as a Church of Ireland House of Worship, however it started out as a very much Catholic place of prayer and reflection. In 1171, Henry II received Holy Communion – his first receiving of the Sacrement since the murder of Thomas á Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury accused of treason and murdered in his own House of God,
Saint Laurence O’Toole, Patron Saint of Dublin, started life as Kildare born Lorcán, who rose to prominence in Norman-Ireland, rising to Archbishop of Dublin by popular demand from the Viking settlers to the Normans and the people of Dublin. Oddly enough, it was his similarities to Thomas Beckett that put him on the path to sainthood and miracles were said to occur at his tomb. His heart now lies in state in the Cathedral.
It did not stay here permanently however, as it was stolen from Christ Church in 2012. It remained missing until an anonymous tip off in 2018 led Gardai to Phoenix Park and the recovery of the missing heart. It is believed after years of family illness and belief of being cursed, the thieves were only too willing to return the relic to its rightful place.
Of course of more interest, is the crypt! Far from being a location of reverence, over the years it was used for everything from business deals to a drinking den, it contains so many artefacts from Viking Dublin onwards. From original 17th century stocks to the mummified remains of the infamous cat and rat, there is so much to explore.
With such a chequered and often less than holy past, it is no surprise that Christ Church is decidedly haunted!
A medieval soldier became trapped, his cries for help unable to reach through the solid walls and doors. His demise was to die in the darkness and fear, as he slowly starved to death, becoming a feast for the rats. His bloodcurdling screams remain heard by worshippers for centuries.
18th century monks glide across the floors and pathways, grey habits fading into the grey stone of the cathedral. A women shrouded in a veil is said to float up from Darkey Kelly’s and into the Cathedral, kneeling in prayer in the pew and then disappearing in the shimmering multi-coloured lights of the stained glass windows.
So step inside, visit the past and who knows? Perhaps the past might visit you…
DARK EMERALD TALES 