
The Cat and the Rat of Christ Church Cathedral - Dublin, Ireland
Posted by:
cldisme
N 53° 20.578 W 006° 16.291
29U E 681635 N 5913894
A unique event at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin is used as a simile in James Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake."
(WARNING: Photos contain mummified animals)
Waymark Code: WM48HE
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Date Posted: 07/21/2008
Views: 143
While visiting the Crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, you will come across a unique artifact in the church's history. The mummified remains of a cat and a rat are on display. The theory is the cat chased the mouse into an organ pipe and both became stuck.
The existence of the mummified remains of the duo struck a chord with James Joyce and he made reference to them in his, also unique, novel "Finnegan's Wake."
The sign at Christ Church Cathedral reads:
THE CAT & THE RAT
The one, presumably chasing the other, became trapped in an organ pipe in the 1850s and were mummified. They are referred to in James Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake" where someone is described as being "...As stuck as that cat to that mouse in that tube of that Christchurch organ..."
Visiting Christ Church Cathedral can be done from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (or 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. during the months of June, July and August) for a fee of €6.00 for Adults and €4.00 for Children. NOTE: Visiting can be restricted during service times.
Type: Roadside Oddities
 Referenced in (list books, websites and other media): James Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake"
 Website Reference: [Web Link]
 Additional Coordinates: Not Listed

|