Sacred Heart Church is the most prominent building in the town of Roscommon. It is made entirely of local stone. Construction began in 1903 and was completed in 1925.
The spire of the church rises 25 m and seems even taller as the building stands atop a small hill. The front is adorned by a small, sunken grotto.
Above the front entrance, there is an extraordinary mosaic that includes the images of two bishops responsible for the construction of the church. It was designed and executed by an Italian group called Salviate.
Inside, there is a replica of the famous Cross of Cong that dates back to 1123.

Clonmel is the county town of Tipperary in southeastern Ireland and is widely known as a popular centre for shopping. It is also the largest town in Ireland that is not a port or harbour.
Clonmel is first mentioned in Irish historical records in 1185 as a manor ruled by Lord William Fitzadlem de Burgo.
The town was fortified in 1319, using money authorized by Edward II. In 1650, Cromwell’s forces tried in vain for nearly three weeks to gain entry into Clonmel before finally succeeding.
The town contains some architecturally interesting buildings, including:
• St. Mary’s Church of Ireland – a 13th century structure named in honour of Our Lady of Clonmel.
• The 1674 Courthouse Building
• The Franciscan Friary
• Town Hall
Many of the lovely older buildings around town are former churches that have been altered for use as theatres, galleries and for other public purposes. The County Museum and St. Patrick’s Church are also popular attractions for visitors to Clonmel. The latter features an interesting old stone cross next to the medieval church building, as well as a thriving spring known as St. Patrick’s Well.

Originally the site of a Celtic monastery or hermitage, Holy Cross Abbey was established in 1169 according to the Cistercian Rule by King Donal O’Brien. The Cistercian Tradition, first brought from France to Ireland by St. Malachy, had spread rapidly upon its arrival in Ireland, and the original Holy Cross monks came here following the establishment of Monasteranenagh in County Limerick.
The Cistercians operated under a silent, self-contained rule, so the monastery was planned to include everything needed to sustain life, including plenty of land to grow crops and raise livestock.
The abbey building itself was shaped in a square, and included the church, sacristy, kitchen, refectory and chapter house. There was plenty of room to accommodate stores of food and other supplies.
Survival was difficult for the monks at Holy Cross for the first few hundred years. Then in 1414, the community was patronised by James Butler, the fourth Earl of Ormonde. He provided protection and saw to the rebuilding and renovation of much of the abbey, including the church, cloister and the infirmary, along with the addition of the Abbot’s house.
Holy Cross Abbey originally escaped closure when King Henry VIII decreed suppression of all monasteries over a certain size in 1539. In preparation for what the monks knew lie ahead, the abbot, William Dwyer, resigned and was replaced by Philip Purcell, a layman. The Cistercians lived in and around the community, avoiding persecution and keeping the abbey open for pilgrims who had come to worship the relics of the cross.
Persecution drove them into hiding for a period of time, during which the abbey deteriorated. The order decreased in number, and the last Cistercian to reside at Holy Cross was Father Edmund Cormack, who died in 1735.
Holy Cross Abbey was given over to state control and preserved by the Irish Church Act along with 137 other buildings, and declared a national monument in 1880.
In 1976, the Church Act was amended to allow Holy Cross Abbey to be renovated and again used as a local house of worship.
The church was built in the cruciform shape originally used by the Cistercians, with vaulted arches and columns. Stonework completed with chisel and mallet on the pillars was personalized by the masons, who carved their own chosen design on the pillar.
The huge window above the altar faces east, dramatically catching the morning sun. The sedilia, located in the chancel at Holy Cross, is well known throughout Europe. This structure contains the seats used by the celebrants of Mass, and is 17 feet high with a canopy and pillars. It is decorated with five shields, one between each set of arches. The first contains a cross, the second, also largest, shows a 1405 version of the English coat of arms, the third the arms of the Ormonde family, the fourth the Desmond Geraldines, and the fifth is blank.
The Cistercian monks occupied this prosperous community until the 17th century.
The Abbey is home to a relic of the true cross, owned by its founding king. It also contains a complete set of Stations of the Cross erected in honor of Padre Pio.
Today, Holy Cross Abbey is an active worship site, with novenas, weddings and monthly services dedicated to St. Padre Pio.

This farming town sits at the edge of the Golden Vale, a fertile farming plain that covers much of County Tipperary. The name of the town, as well as that of the county, comes from the Celtic ‘Tiobraid Arann’, which means ‘the well of Era’, or the River Ara. Tipperary Town is located on the banks of the River Ara, close to the hills surrounding the Glen of Aherlow, where beautiful climbing trails can be found.
The dairy farming town features an historic old Butter Market and many restored buildings located in the section called New Tipperary. This area was rebuilt by locals at the time of Ireland’s Land War in 1890-91.
Also located in Tipperary— the grave of Robert Emmett’s grandfather at the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church, Dalton’s Heritage House, and a statue of Charles Kickham. He was a 19th century novelist who wrote about forced emigration and how it adversely affected Tipperary in his book, The Homes of Tipperary.
St. Michael’s Church features a haunting stained glass window that pictures a World War I soldier killed during the fighting.
Genealogy buffs should visit the headquarters of Clann na hEirann, a premier research organization that gathers information on various surnames from all over Ireland.

This centre dedicated to the history and culture of southern County Tipperary is located in a restored Protestant church. The site was formerly occupied by Carrick Mor church, prior to the Reformation.
The town itself was originally called Carrig Mac Griffin, and was actually located on an island until the small rivers surrounding it were diverted, leaving the town only bounded by the Suir. Its records date back to 1247, when it was occupied by the Bottiler family, whose name later became Butler. The family was responsible for most of the large buildings located in the town, and later, in the 1600s, they initiated the wool industry here.
The following centuries witnessed the development of leather tanning, dairy and manufacturing industries, and the Heritage Centre displays relics of these phases of Carrick on Suir history. It also features a plate collection from Butler church and a Tourist Information Centre.
The adjoining churchyard contains many older graves, including the monument to Thomas Butler, the illegitimate son of the 10th Earl of Ormond of the same name. Also buried here is Dorothea Herbert, daughter of a rector, who wrote Retrospections. She lived from 1170-1829.

Mullingar is County Westmeath’s largest and most important town. The area is historically famous as a centre for beef production and trade, much of it supplied by the many cattle farms in the surrounding countryside.
The Irish expression “beef to the ankle, like a Mullingar heifer,” a polite reference to an overweight woman, originated here. The town is located along the Royal Canal, between Lough Ennel and Lough Owel.
Mullingar is an ideal base from which to visit the lush countryside of County Meath, and contains some interesting buildings, including the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King, a Renaissance style church that features beautiful mosaics of St. Anne and St. Patrick created by Boris Anrep, a prominent Russian artist. Most of the buildings in this charming town date back to the 19th century.

Pewter craft has been in existence for more than 800 years in Ireland, and it is still practiced at Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre.
In the earliest times, pewter was popular for use in making candlesticks, cups, plates and other tableware. It was originally used mostly by the rich, popular at castles and in homes of the powerful. As the craft spread, fine pewter was used by more common folk and in taverns and pubs.
At Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre, visitors can tour the facility and visit the workshop where fine pewter creations are still molded and hand finished. Bronze items are also made, and gifts for every occasion are available in both pewter and bronze.

This ancient town is steeped in old Irish folklore, including the story of the Children of Lir. It is said that they lived as swans on nearby Lough Derravaraugh for nearly 300 years of the 900-year sentence imposed by their wicked stepmother, until a holy man changed them back at some point during the lifetime of St. Patrick.
The village also features the Church of Taughmon, a stone church from the 14th century with a nearby ringfort.
Crookedwood House was formerly a rectory, now a comfortable restaurant with guest rooms and a breathtaking view of the lake, noted for its delicious and unusual culinary creations.

Renovated in 1976, the church at Multyfarnham Franciscan Friary encompasses portions of an original 15th century structure, such as the tower and nave. In 1827, the church was rebuilt around these older portions. This friary represents the only building of the monastery to survive, as the chancel and domestic outbuildings have all disappeared.
The Franciscans started their community here in 1236, and the friary became a widely respected learning centre. Persecution made survival difficult, but the Franciscans stayed on and built the church, where they remained until the 1830s.
T
he Friary church today is a special place, situated in the pastoral midlands. It has a beautiful garden with outdoor statues of the Stations of the Cross. Stained glass art created by Richard King commemorates the legendary Children of Lir, portrayed by four swans wearing necklaces. They are said to have spent 300 years as swans on nearby Lough Derravaragh. When they were finally made human again by St. Mochaomhog, they showed their age and did not survive for very long. They did, however, have enough time for the saint to baptize them into the Christian faith.

This ecclesiastical site near Athlone was founded in the mid fifth century by St. Rioch. Of all the original buildings, only the ruins of two churches still exist.
In the northern church, the nave, transept and sacristy survive. The sacristy was added onto the church, probably during the 15th century, along with the transept and a few sound examples of medieval windows. A primitive and irregular wall surrounds the ruins of this structure.
The church located to the south is of nave and chancel design and exhibits round and pointed doors and windows.
Inishbofin monastery was attacked repeatedly over the centuries by a variety of enemies, including the Vikings. Evidence of their raids in the 10th century was found here in the form of Viking bronze work from that time period.

Bishop James Doyle, a staunch advocate of Catholic freedom in Ireland, built this attractive church in 1883.

Features

• The cathedral features many remarkable stained glass windows
• It also contains original pieces of furniture such as the bishop’s chair and stalls
• John Hogan, an Irish sculptor, has created an impressive set of of marble sculpted figures that are housed here, depicting
  • the Bishop praying for the restoration of his country
  • the country of Ireland personified as a young woman

Official Site

CarlowCathedral.ie

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Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is the most popular arrival city for international visitors to Ireland.

Not renowned for its architectural beauty, Dublin is however popular for its vibrant nightlife, its warm and friendly people, and its wide range of tourist attractions.

Dublin is the heartbeat of Irish life. Almost a quarter of all Irish people — roughly 1.4 million — live in the greater Dublin area.

Tourist Attractions in Dublin

Dublin is a popular city break location and there are many things to do and places to visit. Here is a sample of some of the more popular attractions:

• The Guinness Storehouse - The home of the world-famous stout is the number one attraction on the entire island of Ireland
• The Book of Kells – The world’s best example of an early medieval illuminated manuscript is on display at Trinity College.
• Chester Beatty Library - An international museum, the once-private collection contains artefacts from around the world, particularly the Muslim regions.
• The National Gallery of Ireland – View paintings of Irish artists dating back to the middle ages.
• ChristChurch Cathedral – A fine and historic building, but more worth visiting for its interaction exhibition, which tells the story of Dublin’s Viking history.
• Glasnevin Cemetary – With so many famous Irish people buried here, a tour of the cemetary is a great way to discover the story of how Ireland developed
• St. Stephen’s Green – A charming urban park that features in the novel Ulysses by James Joyce
• Irish Museum of Modern Art – Located in the historic 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham building, the museum showcases major travelling exhibits.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral –  An impressive thirteenth century cathedral that is famous for housing the remains of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels
• Malahide Castle - A beautiful castle in a seaside area half an hour from the centre of Dublin, with a fantastic coffee shop/cafe and crafts shop on site
• Temple Bar – The vibrant, cobbled-street bohemian district, full of pubs and restaurants
• Dublin Zoo - A popular if slightly expensive zoo more than 700 hundred animals, Dublin’s zoo is one of the world’s oldest

History

The city of Dublin displays countless reminders of a tumultuous history rich in conflict, violence and rebellion, as well as modern economic progress and remarkable artistic and literary achievement.

Dublin had its origins in the first part of the 9th century, when it became the first substantial Viking settlement beyond the boundaries of Scandinavia. Although evidence of civilization in the area extends as far back as 7500 B.C., true expansion is credited to the invaders from the north.

The Celts moved into the area circa 700 B.C. and welcomed St Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in AD 432. The St. Patrick’s Cathedral visible today was erected in 1192 on the site where Ireland’s most famous patriarch is said to have baptised more than a few converts upon his arrival.
The original settlement that later developed into Dublin City was located at the junction of four main roads and served as the singular crossing of the River Liffey from its north shore. At Cliath was its Gaelic name, and it suffered a brutal invasion of the Vikings, who remained in the area from 841 to 902.

The Viking absence was short-lived, however, and they returned in 917 to erect a fortified town on the spot where the Rivers Liffey and Poddle meet to create a ‘black pool”, referred to by the invaders as Dyfflin or Dubh Linn.

After more than a century of blending with the Celts through marriage and community, the Vikings were finally defeated by Irish High King Brian Boru in 1014.
During the period of Anglo-Norman control, Dublin expanded and grew more prosperous. The foundations of Dublin Castle were built in 1205, and St. Patrick’s Church became a cathedral later in the decade. The population had increased nearly to the point of overcrowding when the Black Death arrived in 1348.

Subsequent attempts to gain independence from Britain by blended Anglo-Norman and Irish dynasties were easily quashed. Then King Henry VIII passed the Act of Supremacy in 1541 and became King of Ireland as well as head of the Church. Monasteries were disbanded and Protestantism came to Ireland following the Reformation separation from the leadership of Rome.

Queen Elizabeth I left her unique imprint on Ireland, and specifically Dublin, by founding Trinity College in 1592 on the site of a former monastery. Its mission, which it achieved successfully, was to become a Protestant Centre of higher learning.

The passage of the Penal Laws (1695) did not make it unlawful to practice Roman Catholicism in Ireland, but barred Catholics from holding most government offices, practising law, or serving in the military.

Later, the Georgian Era witnessed the completion of some of Dublin’s most awe-inspiring structures. Renowned architect James Gandon designed the Customs House in 1791 and the Four Courts (1786-1802). The advancement of commerce and development of urban planning produced institutions like the Grand Canal and Ireland’s most famous corporate entity, the Guiness Brewery, in 1759.

In 1782, the Irish parliament passed a Declaration of Rights that sought independence for Ireland and returned some of the freedoms to Catholics that had been denied by the Penal Laws.
A series of struggles for independence were unsuccessful, and concern for independence was eclipsed by the concerns of the Potato Famine in the century that followed. Half of the population was decimated, and grain distribution policies that allowed thousands to die of starvation fuelled the movement toward Home Rule by 1900.

Daniel O’Connell, a Catholic lawyer who became Dublin’s first catholic mayor, was instrumental in the passage of the Emancipation Act of 1829, and known as the “Liberator” because of his efforts on behalf of all Irish Catholics.

World War I delayed the implementation of Home Rule in Ireland, but the Easter Rising of Easter Monday in 1916 pushed the British rulers to the limits of their patience and the leaders of the rising are known as some of the most beloved martyrs in the history of the country. More than 300 citizens were killed in the Easter Rising, which took place in the center of Dublin at the General Post Office on O’Connell Street and the surrounding area.

The following years concentrated Irish history in Dublin, notably through the Civil War. The Sinn Fein party increased in power, and urban guerilla warfare became commonplace under the leadership of Michael Collins and the Irish Volunteers. There was instigation and retaliation, resulting in the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which reserved six Ulster counties from the free state and forced them to swear allegiance to the British monarchy.

In 1949, the Republic of Ireland was formed, and the City of Dublin remained mostly isolated from the political problems of Northern Ireland, aside from bombings and retaliations in 1966 and 1972.

The long and turbulent history of the city of Dublin is told by its attractions and places of interest, the artwork and exhibits in its galleries and museums. Dublin was declared European City of Culture in 1991, and has since experienced a surge of development and economic prosperity known as the Celtic Tiger, which came to an abrubt end in 2008. A wide range of activities and attractions bring millions of tourists to this lively cosmopolitan centre every year.

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The largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located in the southwest area of the city. It is English in style, and measures 300 feet in length. Inside its square medieval tower hangs the largest set of ringing peal bells in the country. Founded circa 450, near the sacred well used by its namesake as he baptized converts, the original structure was made of wood. It was reconstructed with stone in 1192 by Archbishop John Comyn.
From the mid 17th century to the late 18th century, part of the building was used by Huguenot refugees as a house of worship.
The present building serves as the National Cathedral of the Protestant Church of Ireland. Today’s visitors move through a structure that was completed between 1254-1270. Sir Benjamin Guinness patronized extensive renovation to the cathedral in the 1860’s; it was badly needed due to the ravages of time, neglect, and desecration.
Minot’s Tower was restored in 1370 by the Archbishop of the same name, and the cathedral’s graceful spire is an addition from the 18th century.
Inside St. Patrick’s, visitors can obtain a pamphlet that introduces and provides information about the many busts and monuments located around the cathedral. Some of the most famous include: Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick’s in 1713, Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland, and the blind harpist Thurlough O’Carolan, the last Irish Bard.
Swift’s grave is also located here, in the south aisle, near his beloved “Stella”, Mrs. Esther Johnson. Swift’s epitaph was hailed by W.B. Yeats as one of the best of all time. It is translated as follows… “Swift has sailed to his rest; savage indignation there cannot lacerate his breast.”
Also of interest inside the cathedral, the choir of St. Patrick, hung with beautiful and varied medieval banners, and the old door at the west end of the nave. Originally part of the Chapter House, it played a role in the resolution of the feud between Lords Ormonde and Kildare in 1492. Ormonde sought safety from Kildare behind the door, and stayed there while a truce was negotiated. Upon reaching agreement, Kildare cut a hole in the door, through which the two men shook hands to seal their pact. The hole in the door is still visible today.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is adjoined by a small park, which contains the sacred well of St. Patrick and a variety of other statues. A permanent exhibit called “Living Stones” commemorates St. Patrick and his important contributions to the city of Dublin and the entire country.

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Northwest Ireland’s largest town is situated in the middle of Yeats Country, where it has miraculously retained all the rural charm of the original small village, even as it has grown in leaps and bounds both physically and economically.
Sligo Town sits on the strip of land that protrudes between Lough Gill and Sligo Bay. It is bounded by the Hyde Bridge and New Bridge, both of which span the River Garavogue. Sligo Town’s attractive pedestrian zone affords expansive river views, and scenic Benbulbern Mountain, with its flat top and appearance that evolves along with the changing light of the day provides an interesting backdrop.
Sligo Town offers worshippers a diverse selection of churches, in denominations from Presbyterian to Methodist, Roman Catholic and Anglican (Church of Ireland).
The recent history of Sligo Town is popularly centered on the Yeats Brothers, who spent many holidays with their cousins in the area and have claimed the area as an important inspiration for many of their works of poetry and painting.
The ancient history of Sligo Town is much more painful and violent. The area was prone to regular invasion, first by Vikings in 807, and followed by Anglo Normans and various rival Irish factions over the years. It was a frequent battleground. In 1642, British forces led by Sir Fredrick Hamilton destroyed the abbey, killed virtually everyone in sight and then burned the entire town.
The potato famine arrived in Sligo Town with a vengeance between 1845 and 1849, when over one million citizens died from starvation and illness or emigrated. The future looked extremely bleak for residents in those days, as evidenced by the following sentiment, written by Owen Larkin in 1850 to his son in America and inscribed on a brass plaque near the riverfront:
“I am now may I say alone in the world, all my brothers and sisters are dead and children but yourself. We are all ejected out of Lord Ardilaun’s ground, the times was so bad and all Ireland in such a state of poverty that no person could pay rent. My only hope now rests with you, as I am without one shilling and I must either beg or go to the poorhouse.”
Today’s SligoTown presents a sharp contrast to the years of the Potato Famine. It is the industrial centre of the Irish plastics industry, and this energetic town features plenty of pretty, traditional style buildings that actually contain functional spaces such as shopping malls, apartments, and cineplexes. The streets are usually a busy place, filled with residents, tourists and college students. All enjoy the historical buildings, pubs, unique shops, and restaurants.

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Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin serves as the central house of worship for the Church of Ireland (Anglican) diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.

In fact, it was the main state church until 1871. For over a thousand years, the building has remained a bastion of Protestantism in the mainly Roman Catholic southern part of Ireland.

The medieval core of the church stands inside a Victorian shell, but Sitric “Silkbeard”, King of Dublin and the first bishop, Dunan, established the original building.

The seat of Irish bishops since the times of the Vikings, the cathedral was rebuilt circa 1186 by Archbishop John Cumin, and again in 1562 following a huge building collapse.
Christ Church Cathedral underwent further renovation during the 1870s by George Street. Today’s visitors enjoy many interesting features, including:

• The early Gothic nave, built circa 1226. Its 68 -foot high ceiling is arranged in a series of gothic arches. The original roof was so heavy that it caused the north wall (an original part of the structure) to lean outward as much as 18 inches in certain areas.
• The recently restored crypt survives from the 12 century, and contains a collection of valuable decorated plates presented as a gift by William III in celebration of victory at the Battle of Boyne in 1690, as well as an interesting collection of remains of the departed.
• The medieval lectern – a handcrafted item made of brass during the Middle Ages, it decorates the north side of the nave, near the pulpit.
• The Lord Mayor’s Pew – kept in the north aisle except when used by dignitaries, when it is moved to the front of the nave. It is carved with the city arms and has an official mace kept in its stand.
• Strongbow Monument – the figure, complete with chain armor, represents the image of a warrior – but probably does not depict the man himself. Strongbow’s actual remains, however, were interred somewhere at the site of Christ Church Cathedral, so the monument may be a part of his original tomb.
• Chapel of St. Laud – this chapel honors the patron saint of Dublin, who died in 1180. It contains original tiles, crafted in medieval times, as well as a wall casket that holds St. Laurence O’ Toole’s heart. He was the patron saint of Dublin, and died in 1180.
• The Romanesque doorway that enters on the south transept is known for its intricate Irish stonework from the 12th century.
• The building next door to the cathedral houses Dvblinia, where an exhibition tells the story of Dublin’s history via multimedia presentations about the medieval city, and Strongbow’s part in its development. It displays a model depicting Dublin’s appearance circa 1500. From the top of St. Michael’s tower, glorious views of the city can be had.

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This 18th century cathedral in Waterford City is considered one of Ireland’s finest neoclassical Georgian structures. The current building replaced the original Neo Gothic cathedral built by Bishop Cheneix.
Some of its most appealing features include Corinthian columns and the elegant yellow paint color, trimmed in white with intricate floral and laurel designs. The cathedral’s windows are made of clear glass only, as the bishop at the time of construction was not fond of the traditional stained glass.
Christ Church Cathedral was designed by John Roberts, who also created Holy Trinity Cathedral, as well as many other buildings in the Waterford City area. The two churches are collectively known as the Holy Trinity Cathedrals, Christ Church Cathedral is a nickname.

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This Roman Catholic house of worship was designed and built during the late 18th century, a particularly difficult and turbulent period for the religion in Irish history. It is widely known as the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in Ireland and the only one that is decidedly Baroque in style. It is an elegant and ornate structure, complete with vaulted ceilings, ornamental pillars, and the added embellishment of authentic Waterford Crystal chandeliers.
The architect of Holy Trinity Cathedral, John Roberts, also designed a sister church for protestant worshippers nicknamed Christ Church. He was responsible for the design of most of the structures built in Waterford City during his life span (1714-96). He was also the father of 22 children.

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This popular Cork City landmark, visible across the area, was built in 1722.

Also called Shandon Church, its steeple holds eight distinctive bells of the same name, for which the poem by Francis Mahony was written.

Features

• St Anne’s stone tower has a unique pepper-pot steeple with a golden ball and salmon-shaped weather vane at its apex
• The tower also features a clock with a face on each side, which was known as the “four faced liar” until the different times displayed on each clock face were recently synchronized
• The Cork football and hurling teams derived their colours from the church’s walls of red limestone and sandstone
• St Anne’s is located next to Ferkin Crane, the 18th century butter market, and Shandon Craft Market
• Visitors that climb the 120-foot tall tower can enjoy a chance to ring the bells out across the city as well as the panoramic views

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Saint Finnbar’s/Fin Barre’s Anglican Cathedral, is a Church of Ireland cathedral located in the centre of Cork city.

History

• The founder of Cork City chose the site of this 1880 church to build his original church and school around the year 650
• The current building replaced a structure from 1735, and only its original bells remain

Features

• St. Finnbar’s Cathedral is an ornate building, with three huge spires in the early French Gothic tradition
• It features an organ of 3,000 pipes and the interior is highlighted by unique and stunning mosaics

Official Site

Cathedral.cork.anglican.org

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St Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, was erected at the turn of the 20th century upon the site of the original of St Anne’s Parish Church.

History

• The cathedral was founded by the Marquis of Donegal
• He named it for his first wife, Lady Anne Hamilton
• The original St. Anne’s Church was torn down to make room for the cathedral
• The Countess of Shaftesbury laid the cornerstone in 1899
• The cathedral was built and finally consecrated in 1903

Outside, the Cathedral looks rather gloomy but inside is definitely worth a visit.

• Captivating mosaics, created in the 1920s, cover the ceiling of the baptistery
• One mosaic is made up of more than 150,000 pieces
• Irish marble and Canadian maple decorate the nave and aisles
• Lord Carson (1854-1935), the leading opponent of Home Rule, is buried here under a plain gray stone slab in the south aisle.

Location

Donegall St., Belfast – Google Maps

Official Site

BelfastCathedral.org
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