Churches, Abbeys and Monasteries

Located in the heart of Waterford City, Christ Church stands at the site of an 11th-century Viking church, where English knight Strongbow and Irish Princess Aoife married in 1170. Later, in the 13th century, the Normans took over Waterford and built a Gothic cathedral, which remained until the community decided to construct Christ Church in 1773.

In addition to its rich ecclesiastical history, Christ Church also boasts architectural importance. It was designed by highly regarded architect John Roberts and is the only neo-classical Georgian cathedral in Ireland. Its highlights include the stucco plaster ceiling, an elaborate stained glass window and a pillar that remains from the medieval cathedral.

Christ Church is open to the public from March to October, though special events take place throughout the year.