KILMORE CATHEDRAL, CAVAN
St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, in the parish of Kilmore is located about 3.5 miles south-west of Cavan Town.
St. Fethlimidh founded a small church on the site in the 6th century. In 1452 the old Parish Church of Kilmore became the cathedral for the Diocese of Kilmore, continuing after the Reformation as a Church of Ireland cathedral. By 1858 the building was too small and dilapidated for proper use, and the present cathedral, designed by William Slater, was rebuilt by 1860 alongside the old one, which is now used as a parochial hall.
Some of its more interesting features is the 12th century Romanesque doorway built into the outside wall of the vestry which I believe was brought from the old Trinity Abbey. The cathedral also possesses an original copy of the first translation of the Old Testament into Irish by William Bedell (1571-1642), Bishop of Kilmore, who completed his translation within the reign of Charles the First. However he did not live long enough to see it published.
There is a sycamore tree, reportedly the oldest in Cavan, supposedly planted in 1632 by Bedell on the grounds, part of which fell victim to a storm a number of years ago. This was put to good use however by the crafting of a big cross with the bark retained on the sides for the Trinity Chapel.
It’s a very impressive Cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. We are grateful to have been allowed go in & photograph it and be given a personal tour along with the history by it's caretaker.
St. Fethlimidh founded a small church on the site in the 6th century. In 1452 the old Parish Church of Kilmore became the cathedral for the Diocese of Kilmore, continuing after the Reformation as a Church of Ireland cathedral. By 1858 the building was too small and dilapidated for proper use, and the present cathedral, designed by William Slater, was rebuilt by 1860 alongside the old one, which is now used as a parochial hall.
Some of its more interesting features is the 12th century Romanesque doorway built into the outside wall of the vestry which I believe was brought from the old Trinity Abbey. The cathedral also possesses an original copy of the first translation of the Old Testament into Irish by William Bedell (1571-1642), Bishop of Kilmore, who completed his translation within the reign of Charles the First. However he did not live long enough to see it published.
There is a sycamore tree, reportedly the oldest in Cavan, supposedly planted in 1632 by Bedell on the grounds, part of which fell victim to a storm a number of years ago. This was put to good use however by the crafting of a big cross with the bark retained on the sides for the Trinity Chapel.
It’s a very impressive Cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. We are grateful to have been allowed go in & photograph it and be given a personal tour along with the history by it's caretaker.