St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral stands as a testament to the genius of William Burges, who was appointed architect in 1862.
Although initially budgeted at £15,000, Burges’ ambitious vision saw costs rise to an extraordinary £100,000 by completion, creating a landmark of unmatched splendor. The foundation stone was laid in 1865 by Bishop John Gregg, and the cathedral was consecrated on St. Andrew’s Day, 1870. The towers and spires are crafted from Cork limestone and much of the interior features red Cork marble.
Inside, the walls of Bath stone hold vibrant stained glass windows, some of the finest in Ireland, retaining their vivid, unfaded colors.
William Burges’ meticulous attention to detail extended to every corner of the cathedral, from the sculpture and mosaics to the furniture and metalwork.
Discover Cork’s Spiritual Landmark
St Fin Barre’s has grown into a thriving community dedicated to faith, service, and worship. Rooted in its mission to share God’s love, the church continues to be a beacon of hope and spiritual growth in Cork.
Live-Streamed Services & Recordings
For live-streamed services see the player below.
A recording of the 11.15am and 3.30pm Sunday services and additional special occasions can also be viewed after livestream on the ‘Recordings’ or ‘Featured Videos’ tab below.
Contribute to our mission
If you would like to support us with a once-off donation or a monthly contribution please use the Donate button above. Thank you.
Discover Cork’s Saint Fin Barre’s Quarter
Where Cork began, this historic quarter is a wonderful insight into the heritage and culture that makes Cork City so special.
The organ at St Fin Barre’s was first used in a service at the consecration of the
cathedral in 1870 and its incredible sound has captivated organists and audiences
ever since….
2025 summer organ recitals are by renowned national and international organists:
Joseph Ripka - St Paul’s Cathedral,
Oklahoma, USA,
Christos Theel - Frankfurt, Germany,
Harry Meehan - St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny,
Oliver Waterer - Selby Abbey, UK and
David Leigh - St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
Tickets and season tickets on our website and on the door!
#LunchtimeConcert #OrganRecital #SeasonTicket #ArtsProgramme2025 #CathedralConcerts #ThingsToDoInCork #SummerConcerts #StFinBarresCathedral #Organists #JosephRipka #ChristosTheel #HarryMeehan #OliverWaterer #DavidLeigh
With five Fridays in August we have an abundance of organ recitals on the only pit organ in Ireland, boasting 4600 pipes and an unrivalled sound experience!
#LunchtimeConcert #OrganRecital #SeasonTicket #ArtsProgramme2025 #CathedralConcerts #ThingsToDoInCork #SummerConcerts #StFinBarresCathedral #Organists #JosephRipka #ChristosTheel #HarryMeehan #OliverWaterer #DavidLeigh
Delighted to welcome back to the cathedral the choir from St. James Catholic Church,
Louisville, Kentucky who filled the cathedral with their wonderful music. #StFinBarresCathedral #ChurchMusic #ChoralMusic
The banner’s up! August is nearly upon us!
Lunchtime organ recitals are held at the cathedral every Friday in August.
Join us for performances by renowned national and international visiting organists. Tickets are available through our website and on the door. Season tickets are also available, offering five recitals for the price of four!
#LunchtimeConcert #OrganRecital #SeasonTicket #ArtsProgramme2025 #CathedralConcerts #ThingsToDoInCork #SummerConcerts #StFinBarresCathedral #Organists #JosephRipka #ChristosTheel #HarryMeehan #OliverWaterer #DavidLeigh
A “Golden Angel” view of the Public Realm works on Probys Quay. The contractors Culnor are making great progress and the Kilkenny Limestone flags look amazing. Thanks @corkcitycouncil for this major improvement. #StFinBarresCathedral #PublicRealm #CorkCity
On the Second Sunday after Trinity, we welcomed the Choir of Saint Mary the Virgin with Saint James from the Diocese of Liverpool.
The choir enriched our worship during both the Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong.
#StFinBarresCathedral #ChoralMusic #Anglican
Thanks to everyone for being so patient and to the local schools who participated in our Name The Chick competition. We can now reveal the name……. #StFinBarresCathedral #PeregrineFalcons #BirdWatchIreland #Nature
Congratulations to the 6th class at St Fin Barre’s National School who graduated today. A big day for the children, their parents, and the school. #StFinBarresCathedral
