St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore

A Glimpse into Lismore’s Ancient Heart

Perched on a quiet, elevated site amidst greenery overlooking the River Blackwater, St. Carthage’s Cathedral is both a spiritual centre and architectural gem. It stands on a site of worship dating back to the 7th century when St. Carthage (also known as Mochuta) founded a monastery here — making the site one of Ireland’s oldest ecclesiastical foundations.

History & Architecture

• The cathedral you see today has roots stretching through centuries: from early Christian monastery, medieval church structures, to the present édifice whose rebuilding began in 1663 under William Robinson after periods of ruin and abandonment.

• In the 19th century, noted architects Sir Richard Morrison and the Pain brothers made restorations and extensions, adding features like the chancel roof, vaulted ceilings, and elaborately carved stone details.

• Inside are treasures including the McGrath tomb (1557) with its ornate stone carvings, medieval memorials, stained glass windows (including work by Edward Burne-Jones), and the Cotton Library — a scholarly collection built into one wing of the cathedral grounds.

What to See & Experience

• Wander through its serene interior: admire stone carvings, quiet chapels, artful stained glass, and the patina of history in every arch and ceiling.

• Visit the Cotton Library (by appointment) to see rare books and old ecclesiastical texts.

• Use one of the guided or self-guided tour booklets (“Graced Space”) to explore spiritual heritage, architectural detail, and the history that has shaped the place.

• Enjoy the peaceful grounds and views over the river — a good place to reflect, photograph, or simply sit quietly.

Practical Visitor Information

• Opening times: Typically open daily, usually 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

• Admission: Free to enter; there’s a donation box.

• Spend time: A visit of 30 minutes to one hour recommended to take in the architecture, memorials, and atmosphere without rushing.

• Access: Located just off Church Lane, Lismore. Visitors might prefer to walk up from town to fully experience the setting.

Why Visit

St. Carthage’s Cathedral is more than a beautiful old building — it’s a place where history, faith, art, and nature meet. For anyone who loves quiet grandeur, sacred spaces, or stories carved in stone, this cathedral offers a moment of calm, reflection, and deep-rooted heritage.