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
Quick Description: 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)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Date Posted: 7/21/2008 6:26:32 PM
Waymark Code: WM48HE
Views: 100
Long Description: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.