History of St. Fin Barre's

From the great marsh to the great centre of worship

History of St. Fin Barre

Legend has it that St. Fin Barre was the son of Amergin, whose tribe was descended from Eochaidh Muidmheadoin, brother of the king of Munster. Amergin settled in the territory of Muskerry, in the county of Cork.

Medieval Cathedral

Little remains of the medieval Cathedral which was demolished in 1785 (except for the west tower) to make way for a classical building.

Classical Cathedral

The medieval cathedral had fallen into severe disrepair by the end of the seventeenth century.

Present Cathedral

William Burges was appointed architect for a new cathedral in 1862, after a competition for which there were 63 entries.

The Cathedral Bells

The North-West tower of the Cathedral houses a ring of twelve bells which are considered to be among the finest in Ireland.