Kilfenora Cathedral

A Famed Cathedral.

Built in 1058 on the site of St Fachnan’s 6th century monastery, the roofed part of the cathedral is used for occasional Church of Ireland services. Its exceptional acoustics have also made it an excellent venue for periodic concerts. A new steel and glass roof was erected in 2004 to protect some of the cathedral’s chancel and fine stone carvings.

Dedicated to St. Fachtnan

This famed Cathedral was dedicated to St. Fachtnan and built in about 1189 on the site of an early monastery.Not only has Kilfenora its own medieval Cathedral but can also claim the Pope as its Bishop. (The Cathedral is adjacent to The Burren Centre).

The twelfth century Doorty Cross Kilfenora Cathedral next to the Burren Centre.

Architectural Interest

The Cathedral is of architectural interest and contains some fine carvings, on grave slabs and on windows and doorways in the form of stone heads. Kilfenora, known as “the city of the Seven Crosses”, boasts one of the greatest concentrations of high crosses in Ireland, including the famed “Doorty Cross“.

Window carving Kilfenora Cathedral

Conservation and Preservation

The Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands allocated funding to ensure the continued conservation and preservation of the Cathedral, Crosses and Cemetery. In the future more information will be available for visitors concerning the Cathedral and Crosses within the roofed section.

Aerial Kilfenora Cathedral 2020