SAINT FIN BAR'S CATHEDRAL

On the heights of Cork, south of the city centre, this imposing Protestant cathedral, in neo-Gothic style, was (re)built in the 1870s by the famous English architect William Burges (1827-1881), the same architect who rebuilt, among others, Cardiff Castle in Wales. The cathedral, whose three spires are one of the symbols of the city, is dedicated to Fin Barre, patron saint of Cork, who founded a monastery on this very spot in the 7th century. And around which the city developed. Note that the stones used all come from the region: Cork limestone for the exterior, red marble from Little Island and purple stone from Fermoy inside. Also note inside, also richly decorated, the presence of a cannonball which was fired from Elizabeth Fort, during the siege of Cork in 1690. It was then lodged in the spire of the medieval church which was in this location at the time. The cannonball was discovered during the demolition of the church in 1865. Don't forget to pay special attention to the 12-metre high, fully carved bishop's cathedra and the beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Finally, a last look at the three slender bell towers, flanked by fine turrets, which form one of the symbols of Cork. A visit not to be missed during a stopover in Cork.