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St. Peter & St. Pauls' Cathedral, Glendalough
2019-07-17-Glendalough-6536.jpg
53°00′43″N 6°19′47″W / 53.01198°N 6.3298°W / 53.01198; -6.3298
Location Glendalough, County Wicklow
Country Ireland
Denomination Church of Ireland
Administration
Diocese Archdiocese of Dublin
Province Province of Dublin

St. Peter and St. Pauls' Cathedral in Glendalough, County Wicklow, is a very old church building in Ireland. It used to be a cathedral, which is a main church for a bishop. Today, it's an important historical site. You can find it in the same area as another old church called Our Lady's Church and a famous Round Tower. This whole area, Glendalough, is known for its ancient monastic settlement.

What is Glendalough?

Glendalough is a beautiful valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is famous for its early Christian monastic settlement. This settlement was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. It became a very important center for learning and religion in Ireland.

The Monastic City

The area around St. Peter and St. Pauls' Cathedral is like an ancient city. It has several old churches, stone crosses, and the famous Round Tower. These buildings show how important Glendalough was many centuries ago. People from all over Ireland and beyond would come here to study and pray.

The Cathedral's History

St. Peter and St. Pauls' Cathedral was once a very important church. It served as the main church for the Archdiocese of Dublin within the Church of Ireland. Over time, its role changed, and it is no longer an active cathedral. However, its ruins still stand, telling stories of its past.

Important People: Adam Loftus

One notable person connected to the cathedral was Adam Loftus, 1st Viscount Loftus. He was appointed as the Archdeacon of the Cathedral in 1604. An Archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage the churches in a specific area. Adam Loftus held this position until he passed away in 1643. He continued in his role even though there were some disagreements from the Archbishop of Canterbury, a very important leader in the Church of England.

Why is it Important Today?

Even though St. Peter and St. Pauls' Cathedral is no longer used for services, it is a significant historical landmark. It helps us understand the rich history of Christianity in Ireland. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine what life was like in this ancient monastic settlement centuries ago. It is a place where history comes alive.

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