Cathedral

The National Monuments Service's description

Diocese of Cork created in 1111 at Synod of Rathbreasail, after which church of Fin Barre became the cathedral; earliest direct reference to cathedral in 1199 (Bradley et al. 1985, 52-3). According to Galloway (1992, 58) 'nothing is known for certain of the medieval cathedral of Cork ...during the 17th century it was constantly repaired and patched'; a tower was added in late 17th century (demolished 1865). Church demolished in 1735 and rebuilt by 1738. Present cathedral built in 1867-70 in French Gothic style by William Burges. Kept at cathedral are six Romanesque voussours decorated with human heads of early 12th century, possibly from Gill Abbey(CO074-036---) or earlier cathedral (Bradley and King 1985); also square limestone font (medieval?) and monuments to Bishop Lyons (1597) (Bradley et al. ibid).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009