Clonfert Cathedral
West Ireland | County Galway
The small Cathedral located in Clonfert, in east County Galway is truly a hidden gem, which has one of the best examples of Hiberno-Romanesque decoration in Ireland. The first early Christian monastery was established here in the 6th century by St Brendan the Navigator and it's said that the Saint himself is buried in the churchyard. The monastery was a important centre of worship and learning for centuries, what was attracting invaders. It was plundered and destroyed a number of times, but always was quickly rebuilt. The oldest as well as most impressive part of the cathedral is remarkable, beautifully decorated six-arched Romanesque west doorway, dating from 12th century. In 1541, the Clonfert Cathedral and monastery were almost totally destroyed, but it was rebuilt again by Bishop Wolley in 1664. The building of the church is usually closed but the key can be obtained from a caretaker who lives in a next house to the right.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- CAR PARK :
- Roadside
Photos from Clonfert Cathedral
