The Romanesque Doorway
The 12th century doorway may have been from an earlier cathedral built by Donal Mor O'Brien. It is a very good example of Irish Romanesque stone carving. "Chevrons" or v-shaped carvings, strange animals with their tails wrapped around the hair of human heads and fine honeysuckle ornaments abound. It has over 130 patterns of plants and animals - no two exactly alike.
The two grave slabs at the base of the door date to the 12th century. They are reputed to mark the burial place of Muircheartach O'Brien, King of Munster, who died while on pilgrimage to Killaloe in 1119.
The two grave slabs at the base of the door date to the 12th century. They are reputed to mark the burial place of Muircheartach O'Brien, King of Munster, who died while on pilgrimage to Killaloe in 1119.
The Ogham Stone
Ogham is an old Gaelic form of writing which is often found carved on standing stones. This example, discovered in 1916 and dating to about 1,000AD is unusual in that it also bears an inscription in Runes, a Scandinavian script. It may have been carved by a Viking who was converted to Christianity. The runes read:
"Thorgrimr carved this cross and the Ogham: A blessing on Thorgrimr"
"Thorgrimr carved this cross and the Ogham: A blessing on Thorgrimr"
The High Cross and Oak Screen
The High Cross
This is a 12th century High Cross which originally stood in Kilfenora in north west Clare. It was brought to Killaloe in 1821 by Bishop Mant who was an amateur archaeologist.
The Oak Screen
The large oak screen was erected in 1885. Its main function was to conserve heat for small congregations , but the lower and middle panels open to allow for larger numbers.
This is a 12th century High Cross which originally stood in Kilfenora in north west Clare. It was brought to Killaloe in 1821 by Bishop Mant who was an amateur archaeologist.
The Oak Screen
The large oak screen was erected in 1885. Its main function was to conserve heat for small congregations , but the lower and middle panels open to allow for larger numbers.
The Font
This rectangular font is from the 13th century and is carved on one face with a typical cross and foliage design. The font was originally a "table" or "polypod" font and would have been mounted on five legs and a square plinth. These are now lost, and it was set up on the present base by Bishop Mant in 1821
The East Window
This is one of the most remarkable features of the Cathedral, 11 metres high and nearly 5 metres wide. The three lights symbolise the Holy Trinity and the figures portrayed are those of Christ surrounded by the twelve apostles. The stonework of the arches is also rich and intricate in design. The stained glass was erected in 1865 in memory of the Hon. Ludlow Tonson (Bishop from 1839-62) and was designed by Messrs Warrington of London.
Note: The image of Christ in centre of the middle light is said not to be part of the original window design, having originally been an image of St. Paul. At some stage, either when the stained glass was installed or at a later date, the image of St. Paul was moved to St.Paul's Chapel in the south transept and replaced with the image of Christ we see today.
Note: The image of Christ in centre of the middle light is said not to be part of the original window design, having originally been an image of St. Paul. At some stage, either when the stained glass was installed or at a later date, the image of St. Paul was moved to St.Paul's Chapel in the south transept and replaced with the image of Christ we see today.
Looking Back
The Cathedral has seen many changes over the past 900-years. We can only imagine what the building looked like many hundreds of years ago. However, the pictures below, kindly reproduced here courtesy of the National Library of Ireland, do give is a fascinating insight to some of the more recent changes.
The above picture pre-dates the fine oak screen we see today, which was installed in 1885. Where as the current oak screen is installed immediately before the Crossing, when this picture was taken the upper glazed screen and structure below was located further down the Cathedral, immediately beyond the Crossing. Note the stairs and two doors above. It is believed these led to an upper gallery used by the choir.
Also note the curtain draped over the bench, positioned across the entrance to the South Transept. This is where the current organ is installed and behind is now the location of St. Paul's Chapel.
We can also see the 13th century font, in line with the later font still in use today an where you can just make out the Chancel, complete with the tall oak paneling behind the alter; sadly no longer present.
You might also see what looks to be a rope, one end tied to a pillar and the other reaching up to the top of the Crossing. Could this have been the rope to toll the old bell of 1837? The picture was taken before the current bells were installed in 1901.
Below is a picture of the oak screen we see today. The picture must have been taken after 1897 because behind the screen you can glimpse the organ on the right-hand side, as well as more details of the Chancel.
Also note the curtain draped over the bench, positioned across the entrance to the South Transept. This is where the current organ is installed and behind is now the location of St. Paul's Chapel.
We can also see the 13th century font, in line with the later font still in use today an where you can just make out the Chancel, complete with the tall oak paneling behind the alter; sadly no longer present.
You might also see what looks to be a rope, one end tied to a pillar and the other reaching up to the top of the Crossing. Could this have been the rope to toll the old bell of 1837? The picture was taken before the current bells were installed in 1901.
Below is a picture of the oak screen we see today. The picture must have been taken after 1897 because behind the screen you can glimpse the organ on the right-hand side, as well as more details of the Chancel.
