Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral in Cork – Ireland

Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral is one of the major religious edifices in Ireland. It used to be the Diocese of Cork’s cathedral, but is now one of the cathedrals of the Cork Dioceses.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The cathedral is in the middle of Cork City. From Belfast, you can take a bus or taxi direct to the city. You may also rent a car and drive over to the place.

What to See There

The cathedral’s interior is notable for its many art pieces and architecture. A booklet is provided so you can better understand the displays. One of the most beautiful is the pulpit.

Decorated with different colors, it has representations of Saint Peter and the four evangelists. The walkway behind the channel is decorated by coats-of-arms and plaques. The stained glass windows show the New Testament stories.

The style is reminiscent of multi-spired Early French Gothic. Aside from the mosaic pavements, there are also intricate scriptural carvings and decors. There is also a beautiful rose window.

The grounds outside the cathedral have a few tombstones. But it is also a garden with plenty of flowers. Not far off are the houses at Dean Street. These were the homes of the people who manned the cathedral.

History

The area where Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral was built has been considered sacred since the 17th century. A medieval cathedral was constructed prior to the present one during the 18th century. However, there is very little trace of it.

The present cathedral was damaged by the Cork siege in the 1690. The Neo-Classical cathedral built in 1735 was destroyed so the current structure could be built. However, the gate from the 1735 edifice was kept. It is still used today. Planning for the cathedral began in 1862 led by William Burges. Actual work began in 1865.

Cost

The admission fee is 3 Euros for adults. Individuals under 18 will have to pay 1.50 Euros. Students over 18 years of age with an ID are charged 1.50 Euros.

Other Info

There is an exhibit featuring a 24 lb cannonball. This was fired from the Elisabeth Fort to the cathedral’s east. This occurred during the 1689 Cork siege. It was stuck in the cathedral’s spire and unearthed in 1865.

The Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday 9:30-17:30 and Sunday 12:30 – 17:00 during the summer. During the winter it is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 – 12:45 and 14:00 – 17:00.