Ardfert Cathedral facts for kids
The Ardfert Cathedral is an old, ruined church building located in Ardfert, County Kerry, Ireland. It was once a very important church, dedicated to Saint Brendan, a famous Irish saint. From 1117, it served as the main church, or "seat," for the Diocese of Ardfert, which was like a church district. Today, it's a fascinating historical site that people can visit.
History of Ardfert Cathedral
Ardfert was home to an early Christian monastery. It's believed that Saint Brendan, a famous Irish saint, started it way back in the 500s. Even though a big church meeting called the Synod of Ráth Breasail decided in 1111 that the main church for the Ciarraige region should be at Ratass Church, this decision changed. By 1117, the main church, or cathedral, was moved to Ardfert instead. Later, the church area was called "Ardfert and Aghadoe". It's not fully clear if Aghadoe ever had its own separate main church.
The Ardfert site has three old church ruins from the Middle Ages. The main and oldest building was built in the 1100s. In the nearby graveyard, there are two other churches. One is called Temple Na Hoe, also from the 1100s, and the other is Temple Na Griffin, which dates back to the 1400s. When the site was dug up by archaeologists, they found over 2,000 burials. The main church has an ogham stone, which is an ancient carved stone with writing, and several old Christian and medieval grave markers.
In the 1400s, a small side section called a transept was added to the main church. Also, defensive walls with gaps, called battlements, were built. During a time of big changes in religion in Ireland, known as the Reformation in Ireland, the main church became Protestant. The roof of the cathedral was destroyed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. However, the south transept was given a new roof and made bigger later in the 1600s.
From 1663, the Ardfert church district joined with the Limerick church district. The former cathedral then became a regular local church. In 1871, a new Church of Ireland church opened nearby, and the cathedral's roof was taken off again. After the Irish Church Act 1869 in 1871, when the Church of Ireland was no longer the official state church, old historical sites like Ardfert Cathedral were given to the Board of Public Works. This group is now called the Office of Public Works. Part of the transept has been fixed up, and it now holds the entrance and a gift shop for visitors.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Ardfert para niños
- Heritage sites (Republic of Ireland)
- Dean of Ardfert
