Cathedral

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

The cathedral in Cork City was originally the church of St. Fin Barre, which became the cathedral when the Diocese of Cork was established in 1111 at the Synod of Rathbreasail; the earliest direct reference to it as a cathedral dates to 1199. It is significant as the mother church of the Diocese of Cork and reflects the early medieval ecclesiastical organization in Ireland.