 - CHURCHES CATHEDRALS AND HOLY PLACES
ARMAGH: St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
There are two cathedrals in Armagh named after St. Patrick, one Roman Catholic and the other Anglican. They are situated on opposing hills above the town. The more striking of the two is the twin-spired neo-gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral built in 1838 and completed in 1873, the famine having interrupted the building work. Inside it is more like a Byzantine church with every wall covered in mosaic. The Anglican Cathedral is older and dates back to medieval times. A plaque marks the spot where the bones of Brian Boru and his son are buried. 
CLARE: Kilfenora:
Due to curious quirk of history the Pope is Bishop of the diocese of Kilfenora. Just beside the Burren Centre is a 12th century cathedral, part of which is still in use. Kilfenora is best known for its Celtic High crosses. The best example is the Doorty Cross, which stands to the west of the front door of the church. The interpretation of the most evident of the carvings is that Christ is ordering two other figures to destroy the Devil who has taken the form of a bird of prey. The West Cross stands in a nearby field and probably marks the boundary of the church enclosure. It shows the figure of Christ standing above two rope-like strands.
CORK: St Finbarre’s Cathedral (Bishop Street):
This is a real gem of a cathedral in French Gothic style. Named after the 7th century saint who founded a monastic school on the site. The present building dates from the 18th century and contains some elements of a previous medieval church. William Burgess, the Victorian designer, won against 62 other entries in a competition to design the Cathedral. The same design had already won a competition for a new cathedral in Lille in France but it was considered too costly and subsequently turned down. Items of interest: the rose window, the underground organ, the cannon ball dating from 1689, the baptismal font in different coloured Irish marbles and the Italian mosaic floor in the Sanctuary.
DERRY: St. Columb’s Cathedral: (St.Columb’s Court):
St. Columb’s was the first cathedral to be founded in the British Isles following the Reformation. It was built between 1628 and 1633. It is built in a style known as ‘Planter’s Gothic’. The inside is dark and austere. A museum in the Chapter House displays items from the siege of 1689 including the 17th century keys and locks of the city gates. In the porch is a mortar shell, which was thrown into the city during the siege by the Jacobites. Attached to it were the terms of capitulation. The reply from the Protestants within was the now familiar phrase of ‘No Surrender’. Open: April-October, 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. November-March: 9am-4pm.
DOWN: Downpatrick Cathedral:
The old churchyard is reputed to be the burial place of St. Patrick. A granite slab marks the spot.
DUBLIN: Christ Church Cathedral (Christ Church Place):
The first church on this site was a wooden structure built in 1038 by the Vikings. In 1172, Strongbow, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Dublin commissioned a stone cathedral. By the 19th century this had fallen into a bad state of repair and was completely restored by George Street around 1870. The restoration was funded by Henry Roe, a whiskey distiller. The crypt dates from the 12th century. Of interest in the Cathedral is Strongbow’s tomb where deals were sealed in medieval times. It is thought that the tomb is not Strongbow’s but a replacement that was brought in when the original was damaged in 1562 when part of the wall collapsed. If you stand at the top of the Great Nave and look right you will notice the ‘Leaning Wall of Dublin’. The original 13th century wall leans out by about 50 cms (18 inches) due to subsidence. Other interesting items are the casket containing the heart of St. Laurence O’Toole in the Chapel of St. Laud, the original medieval floor tiles, also in the Chapel of St. Laud, a mummified cat and rat which were found in an organ pipe in the 19th century. Open: every day 10am-5pm, 6pm in summer. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (St. Patrick’s Close):
The Cathedral gets its name from the fact that St. Patrick is reputed to have baptised converts to Christianity at a nearby well in the 5th century. The well cover, a stone slab bearing a Celtic cross is to be found in the Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in 1172. Extensive restoration work had to be carried out in the 19th century. The restoration was funded by Sir Benjamin Guinness. Inside there are many memorial busts and monuments. Around the walls there are standards once carried by Irish soldiers who fought on the side of the British in various wars and campaigns. Also in the Cathedral is the tomb of Jonathan Swift who was Dean for 32 years from 1713. Open: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. March-October: Saturday and Sunday: 9am-6pm. November-February: Saturday 9am-5pm. November-February: Sunday 10am-3pm. Tel: 01 4539472. Whitefriars Street Carmelite Church(56 Aungier Street):
Its main claim to fame is that the remains of St. Valentine repose in a casket in the north-east corner of the church. The remains were previously buried in St. Hippolytus’ cemetery in Rome and were given as a gift to one of the priests who impressed Pope Gregory XVI with his sermons. Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-6pm. Tuesday: 8am-9pm. Saturday: 8am-630pm. Sunday: 8am-7.30pm.
GALWAY: Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas:
Officially opened and blessed in 1965, this massive church is constructed in Galway limestone. The floors are paved with green Connemara marble, the ceiling is fashioned in brown cedar.It was designed by architect John J. Robinson. Collegiate Church os St. Nicholas of Myra:(Church Lane):
This is one of Ireland’s oldest medieval parish churches, Portions of it date from 1320 when the church was founded. It was severely damaged during the Cromwellian campaign when soldiers used it to stable their horses. It is said that Christopher Columbus knelt here to pray before setting out to discover the New World. Kylemore Abbey: (N59, Clifden-Westport Road, 5kms east of Letterfrack).
The Abbey is presently an exclusive boarding school and convent of Benedictine nuns. Originally built in 1868 in neo-gothic style, by Mr. Mitchell Henry as a gift for his wife Margaret Vaughan. Mrs. Henry contacted a fever while travelling in Egypt in 1874. The tiny gothic church, which is a miniature copy of Norwich Cathedral, was built in her memory. Mr. Henry died in 1902 aged 76. During the First World War, the Benedictine nuns were forced to flee from their convent in Ypres, Belgium. They came to Kylemore Abbey in 1920. In the grounds of the Abbey there is a craft shop, coffee shop and restaurant. Much of the produce comes from the Abbey’s own farm. The visit to the Abbey consists of a short audio-visual presentation and a self-guiding leaflet, which explains the various items on display in the house. The setting, at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the north shore of Lough Pollacappel is second to none. Open April-October: 9.30am-6pm. November-March: 10am-4pm. (Tel: 095 41385/41146)
KERRY: Gallarus Oratory: (Between Dingle and Bellyferriter):
This early Christian church was built in either the 8th or 9th century. It is shaped like an upturned boat. It was built with dry stones without mortar, each stone overlapping slightly as the level rises. When they meet, a large flat stone is placed on top, the capstone. This gives a perfectly dry interior, which has withstood the elements for over 1200 years. The name Gallarus means ‘residence of the foreigner, and possibly refers to the many pilgrims who travelled to this area in early Christian and medieval times. Kilmalkedar Church (near Ballydavid):
Ruins of a 12th century church that was once part of a complex of religious buildings. In the grounds is an Ogham stone, pierced by a hole. According to a local legend those who climb in or out the window three times and run around the building will be guaranteed a place in Heaven. The Skelligs: (Near Valentia Island):
Skellig Michael or Great Skellig is an inhospital piece of rock rising out of the Atlantic Ocean. A stairway leads to an early Christian monastery. During the 6th century Saint Fionán founded his monastery here. There are two boat-shaped oratories, six corbelled stone beehive huts and stone built terraces. Why the monks choose such an inhospitable place is a mystery. They collected rainwater by channelling it through hand-cut ducts into five storage wells, which still function today. They managed to grow peas, beans, celery, onions, parsnips, carrots and medicinal plants. They traded birds’ eggs, feathers and seal meat with passing boats in return for animal skins and tools. Today, thousands of sea birds nest and breed on the high cliffs. They are the only residents. The Skellig Hereitage Centre (Portmagee – where the bridge meets the island. Tel: 066 9476306) tells the story of the Skelligs and will include a boat trip lasting 1—2 hours. Boats do not dock on islands. There are boat trips available that dock. These depart from Portmagee Pier at 11am and return around 4pm, April-September providing the sea is not too rough.
KILDARE: St. Patrick’s College: (Maynooth Village)
Maynooth College was founded in 1795 as a seminary by the British authorities who were alarmed at the idea of Irish priests being trained in France where they were likely to be influenced by ideas of revolution and republicanism. It gained university status in 1910 and in 1968 the doors were opened to women. While it is still a seminary it also provides university education for young Irish men and women. A small visitor centre shows a video on the history of the College. The museum houses a collection of sacred vessels and vestments and some scientific inventions. Of particular interest are the vestments and sacred vessels presented to the College by Sissi, Empress Eliabeth of Austria, in the 19th century. There is an excellent guided tour (Tel: 01 7083576). Open: May-September: Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm. Saturday-Sunday: 2pm-6pm. Moone High Cross: (South of Timolin:
The Moone High Cross is situated in an old churchyard about one kilometre from the village of Moone. It is one of the best preserved of the Irish High crosses. It dates from the 9th century and has magnificent carved panels, which display biblical scenes including the Flight into Egypt, the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes etc. St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower:
St. Brigid’s feast day is the 1st February. In preparation for the feast day primary school children make the St. Brigid’s Cross, which is a four-pointed cross woven from reeds. They are hung in houses and barns to ward off misfortune. In the 5th century St. Brigid founded a religious centre on the site of the present cathedral. Monks and nuns lived under the same roof but were separated by screens in church. A perpetual fire tended only by virgins over the age of 30, burned in a fire pit up to the 16th century. The fire pit is still visible in the grounds, today. The round tower also in the grounds probably dates from the 10th century is Ireland’s second highest, standing at 31.5 metres. The cathedral should be open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday but this does not always follow.
KILKENNY: St. Canice’s Cathedral (Irishtown):
The city is named after St. Canice, whose Irish name is Chainnigh and gives Kilkenny the Irish name of Cill Chainnigh which means the Church of Canice. The Cathedral is a magnificent 13th century Anglican Cathedral, with 16th and 17th century carved tombstones and a 100 ft (30.5m) round tower which is open to visitors. The architectural style is early Englih Gothic. The Cathedral has experienced its times of difficulty and neglect most notably during the Oliver Cromwell campaign in Ireland, when churches were used to stable horses and monuments were defaced. The Kyteler slab is the most interesting and the oldest inscribed slab in the Cathedral. The name on the slab, Jose de Keteller is thought to have been the father of Dame Alice Kyteler, who was accused of being a witch in the 14th century. She was convicted and escaped but her maid, Petronella was not so lucky as she was burned at the stake in place of Dame Alice.
LIMERICK: St. Flannan’s Cathedral (Killaloe):
This small cathedral was founded in 1182. It has a richly carved Romanesque doorway. There is also an ancient Ogham Stone called Thorgrim’s Stone, which has an inscription in both Nordic runes and Ogham. The church itself is rather bare and plain. St. Mary’s Cathedral: (Bridge Street, Limerick):
This is a 12th century Cathedral and is the oldest structure in the city. It was founded in 1172 by Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster. Of interest in the Cathedral are the 15th century misericords carved imaginatively in oak. These are unique in Ireland. The term ‘misericord’ means ‘mercy’ in Latin. Each ‘misericord’ has a slight lip, which would have provided some support when the seat was tipped up during lengthy periods of standing. On the undersides of the seats there are magnificent ornamental carvings. Another thing of note in the Cathedral is the leper’s squint, a small opening where those suffering from contagious illnesses could hear and see what was going on inside as they were not allowed in. Open daily 9am-5pm. Services: 9am daily. Sunday 11am and 7pm. Holy Communion: 10.30 Thursday. Tel: 061 416238.
LOUTH: Mellifont Abbey: (Collon).
The ruins of the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh. The most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo, which dates from 1200. There is an interesting exhibition in The Visitor Centre. Open: May-mid June, daily: 10am-5pm. Mid- June-Mid-September, daily: 9.30am-6.30pm. Mid-September-October, daily: 10am-5pm. Tel: 041 26459. Monasterboice(10 kms(6miles) north-west of Drogheda:
The remains of a monastic settlement founded by St. Buite in the 5th century. Little is known of the saint. Monasterboice is best known for its two High Crosses; Muiredach’s Cross and the West Cross. Muidedach’s Cross is near the entrance and dates from the 10th century. The panels feature scenes from the Bible and were used as a means of instruction for people who could not read. On the east face from top to bottom you can see the Last Judgment, the devil is on the right of Christ, clutching a pitchfork urging the damned souls into Hell while the righteous are on the left being welcomed into Heaven. The first panel depicts the Adoration of the Magi, followed by Moses smiting the rock to get water for the Israelites, next you have David fighting with Goliath, and the final panel shows the Fall of Man with Adam and Eve beneath the apple tree on the left and Cain killing Abel beside them. During high season (July and August) there are guides who will help with the interpretation of the site.
MAYO: Ballintubber Abbey:
Known as the Abbey that refused to die, Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O’Conor near the site of the Church built by St. Patrick in the 5th century. Although suppressed during the Reformation and desecrated by Cromwell’s soldiers, the people of Ballintubber continued to attend Mass in the roofless Abbey. Even during Penal times, Mass was still said here. It now has the unique status of being Ireland’s only Abbey, which has been in continuous use for over 780 years. The inside is simple and elegant with whitewashed walls and a uniquely spiritual atmosphere. There is a video display and interpretative centre. The guides are amusing and informative. The grounds are landscaped to portray spiritual themes. The old pilgrim road, Tochar Phadraig, runs from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick, a distance of 22 miles. Guided walks can be arranged. Open all year round. Tel: 094 30934. Croagh Patrick(765 metres/2,510 feet)(Murrisk from Westport):
The holy mountain named after Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. It was here that St. Patrick fasted and prayed for the Irish and from here, according to legend, that he banished all the snakes from Ireland. On the last Sunday in July, Reek Sunday, pilgrims climb to its summit. Many pilgrims still do the climb barefoot. On reaching the top, Mass is said in the chapel. From the top there are wonderful views over clew Bay. Knock:
This has been a Marian shrine for over one hundred years. Fifteen people were witnesses to an apparition of Our Lady, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph on 21 August 1879. Since then Knock has been a place of pilgrimage being visited by over a million and a half people annually. Despite local commercialisation, the Basilica is a prayerful and spiritual oasis. The background to the story of the Knock Apparitions is told in the Folk Museum to the south of the Basilica. Lifestyle, traditions and customs of the people at that time are depicted. The displays cover fishing, farming, education, housing, clothing and transport along with the religious customs. Museum is open: May/June/September/October 10m-6pm. July and August: 10am-7pm. Tel: 094 88100.
MEATH: Hill of Slane: (1 km to the north of Slane):
According to legend St. Patrick lit a paschal fire on this hill, contravening a decree issued by the High King of Ireland. The aim of the paschal fire was to proclaim Christianity throughout the land. Although the king was angry he took the advice of his druids and met Patrick who explained the mystery of the Holy Trinity using a three leafed shamrock. The king made peace with Patrick and allowed him to continue his missionary work although he himself refused to convert to Christianity. Hill of Tara: (Near Kilmessan village, Co. Meath):
The ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Tara is a site of mythical importance as it was the political and spiritual centre of Celtic Ireland. A small Interpretative Centre gives a short audio-visual film. To the naked eye Tara is merely a grassy mound but with the expert guides the place really comes to life. They will point out the Royal Enclosure, the Mound of the Hostages, the Rath of the Synods and the ‘Stone of Destiny’, the inauguration stone of the High Kings of Tara. Open: May-September: 9.30am-6.30pm. Tel: 046 25903.
OFFALY: Clonmacnoise (7 kms (4 miles) from Shannonbridge):
The monastic site of Clonmacnois was founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century. It thrived during Ireland’s Golden Age from the 7th to the 12th centuries. Pope John Paul II said Mass here during his visit in 1979. The site, overlooking the River Shannon, has two round towers, the remains of several churches and early graves. The doorway of the Cathedral has an unusual feature. A person standing at one side can whisper something to a friend at the other side and they will hear it. It is said that this was a leper’s confessional. They could tell their sins without coming in contact with the priest. Guided tours are informative and interesting. The Visitors’ Centre has a small museum containing early grave slabs and the originals of three High Crosses, which were brought inside to avoid weathering. There is an interesting audio-visual presentation. Open: June-Mid-September: 9am-7pm daily. Mid-September-October/Mid-March-May: 10am-6pm. November-Mid-March: 10am-5pm. Tel: 0905 74195.
SLIGO: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery:
The largest megalithic cemetery in Europe with over 60 tombs. The oldest of the tombs predates Newgrange by 700 years, which makes it over 4,000 years old. Many of the stones were removed over the years and used in buildings. Some are on private land. It does take a great leap of the imagination to try and envisage what this cemetery would have looked like in Neolithic times. Guided tours are available and worthwhile. Open: May-September: 9.30am-6.30pm everyday. Tel: 071 61534.
TIPPERARY: Rock of Cashel:
An impressive limestone outcrop that rises majestically above the Tipperary plain. It was the seat of the Munster kings from the 4th to the 12th century. It was handed over to the church in 1101 and was a religious centre until besieged by the Cromwellian army in 1647. Brian Ború was crowned king of Munster here. Huge stone walls encircle the site which contains, a 28 metre round tower, the ruins of a cathedral, a 12th century Hiberno-Romanesque chapel and the Hall of the Vicars’ Choral built in the 15th century for the choristers. A small museum contains the original St. Patrick’s Cross, rare silverware and some stone carvings. The Rock can become very crowded at high season. Looks very impressive from the Dublin Road at night when it is floodlit. Open: mid-June-mid-September 9am-730pm daily, mid-September-mid-March, 9.30am-4.30pm, mid-March-mid-June, 9.30am-5.30pm. (Tel: 062 61437).
WATERFORD: Christ Church Cathedral (Cathedral Square).
A neo-classical Georgian building. The only neo-classical Georgian cathedral in Europe. There has been a Cathedral on the site since 1096. The tomb of James Rice is a macabre reminder of what happens to the body after death. He died in 1469 and the tomb shows him in a state of decay with worms crawling in and out of his body. At certain times during the year there is an audio presentation of the Cathedral’s history. It lasts 45 minutes. It can be heard: June-August: Monday-Saturday: 10.30am and 2.15pm. 3.30 and 4pm. Sunday: 2.30 and 4pm.April, May, September and October: Monday-Friday: 10.30am, 2.15pm and 4pm.
WICKLOW: Glendalough Monastic Site Visitors’ Centre:
The Monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. From early Christian times monastic sites welcomed visitors. All those entering within the monastic enclosure were guaranteed sanctuary. The stone buildings on the site date from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The enclosure contains a perfect example of an Irish round tower, the ruins of a cathedral, an Irish high cross and a tiny oratory, with a pitched stone roof. Glendalough, which means, the valley of the two lakes, is in a magical setting. It is not hard to imagine why this setting would have attracted holy men, wanting to lead an ascetic life, close to nature. Guided tours are available from the Visitors’ Centre, which also has a small museum. The excellent 20-minute audio-visual presentation tells of the influence of Irish missionaries during the Dark Ages when Ireland earned the title of the island of saints and scholars. Open: all year round 9.30am-6pm. Closed 23-31 December. Tel: 0404 45325.
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