Killaloe Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Killaloe Cathedral |
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| St Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe | |
St Flannan's Cathedral
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| Location | Killaloe, County Clare |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Weekly attendance | Average of 25–30 |
| Website | Official website: http://cathedral.killaloe.anglican.org/ |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Flannan |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | In use |
| Heritage designation | National Monument |
| Completed | 1225 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 400 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe |
| Province | Province of Dublin |
St Flannan's Cathedral, also known as Killaloe Cathedral, is a very old church in Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland. It belongs to the Church of Ireland. A cathedral is a special church that is the main church for a bishop. This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Flannan.
Killaloe Cathedral used to be the main church for the Diocese of Killaloe. Now, it is one of five cathedrals in the larger Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. The person in charge of the cathedral is called the Dean. The current Dean is the Very Reverend Roderick Lindsay Smyth.
Contents
Cathedral Design and History
Killaloe Cathedral was finished in the year 1225. Its design shows a mix of two old building styles: Romanesque and Gothic. The Romanesque style often has round arches and thick walls. The Gothic style uses pointed arches and taller structures.
The front of the cathedral has beautiful decorations called arabesque ornaments. These are detailed patterns that look like plants or geometric shapes.
The Old Chapel
On the north side of the cathedral, there is a small chapel. This chapel is even older than the main cathedral. It might have been the first holy place built by Saint Flannan himself. Its roof is made entirely of stone and is very deep. It also has a small bell tower and two doorways.
Bell Tower and Bells
The main bell tower of the cathedral holds a set of eight bells. These bells were made in Dublin in 1896 by Matthew O'Byrne. The heaviest bell weighs more than 500 kilograms. Bells like these are used to ring out melodies and mark important times.
Recent Repairs and Discoveries
In 2001, the cathedral had a big restoration project. This project cost £200,000. Workers repaired an old Romanesque doorway. They also put back together a tall stone cross from the 12th century.
The Kilfenora Cross
This special cross is called the Kilfenora Cross. It is 12 feet tall, which is about 3.6 meters. In the 1930s, it was built into the walls of the Gothic cathedral. During the 2001 restoration, it was carefully removed. Now, it stands freely in the main part of the building, called the nave. This allows visitors to see its full beauty.
Images for kids
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A beautiful Romanesque doorway at the cathedral.
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The tall Killaloe High Cross inside the cathedral.
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The Killaloe Stone, showing ancient runic writing.
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Another view of the Killaloe Stone, with Ogham writing.
More to Explore
- Dean of Killaloe and Clonfert
- Ennis Cathedral
