Killaloe Cathedral

The St. Flannan 's Cathedral (English: St. Flannan 's Cathedral) is a cathedral in Killaloe in County Clare. She was until 1976 the Episcopal Church for the Diocese of Killaloe Church of Ireland. Since 1976, the dioceses of Killaloe and Limerick are united with each other. Nevertheless, the Church has retained the status of a cathedral. Since the Reformation, the church is no longer part of the Catholic Church. The construction of the church began earlier than in 1195 and was completed around 1225.

History

About the namesake of the cathedral, Flannan, almost nothing is known. He can not even classify time. A hagiography created in the 12th century from a historical perspective without value. There is the suspicion that he might be identical with Flannan Cill Ard in the West Clare, who died in 778. His feast day is 18 December.

Killaloe was only in the 11th century bishop's seat with Domnall Ua henna as its first bishop. This was done at the instigation of the kings Toirrdelbach and Ua Briain Muirchertach, both descendants Brian Boru, who was born in Killaloe. At the Synod of Rathbreasail in 1111 the bishopric was confirmed and assigned to the newly created Archdiocese of Cashel, the first Archbishop Maol Muire Ua Dunain was previously known as the second Bishop of Killaloe.

1185 all churches and houses were burned down in Killaloe Cathal Carragh. In the period 1192-1195, the Diocese enlarged significantly by integrating the old bishoprics of Iniscathy and Roscrea, which probably improved the income sources of the diocese, so that a new building of Kathedralskirche was possible.

Following an invitation to Prince Johann held in 1197 to 1217 in Killaloe and came up with Robert Travers, a first Englishman to the bishopric. This influence could be an explanation for that in the West of Ireland, these churches the then English style came in this time period on the next.

Architecture

From the former, held in the Romanesque style church door arch has been integrated into the southwest corner of the subsequent nave. The present one, built 1182-1225 Church falls into the end of the transition period between Romanesque and Gothic. The choir is attributable to the earliest period of construction around 1200. There in the great east window striking similarities to the cathedral in Kilfenora, so Leask suggested that both cathedrals in the same master could have worked. Thereafter, the two transepts and finally the finished about 1225 nave arisen.

Overall, the church has the shape of a cross without aisles or attachments. The transept crossing a tower was erected. This basic structure has remained unchanged despite various repairs in the following centuries. Among other things, the north transept was rebuilt and provided with a wall, so that access is possible only through a door in the later Middle Ages.

The tower was twice subsequently increased. The first conversion took place under Bishop William Knox, who had in 1795 raised it by 4.5 meters. 1892 were added a further 1.5 meters to actually mount church bells can. The total height is now 24.3 meters.