Ardfert
Ardfert Cathedral, located in County Kerry, Ireland, is a ruined medieval cathedral that was once the seat of the Diocese of Ardfert. Reputedly founded on the site of a 6th-century monastery by Saint Brendan, the main church structure dates from the 12th century, with later additions and modifications reflecting centuries of its ecclesiastical and architectural history.
Key Facts
- ›The site of Ardfert Cathedral is believed to have been a Celtic Christian monastery founded in the 6th century by Saint Brendan.
- ›The Diocese of Ardfert was established in 1117, with Ardfert Cathedral serving as its seat.
- ›The main cathedral ruins date from the 12th century, with other medieval church ruins, Temple Na Hoe and Temple Na Griffin, also present on the site.
- ›The cathedral underwent significant modifications in the 15th century, including the addition of a transept and battlements.
- ›The roof of the cathedral was destroyed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and parts of the structure were later re-roofed and extended in the 17th century.
- ›Following the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, the disused historic site was transferred to the Board of Public Works.
Romanesque, Gothic
- Ogham Stone
- Early Christian and Medieval Grave Slabs
- Ruins of Three Medieval Churches
- Restored Transept Housing Entrance and Gift Shop
6th Century, 12th Century, 15th Century, 17th Century
About Ardfert
Ardfert Cathedral
Ardfert Cathedral, known in Irish as Ardeaglais Ard Fhearta, is a significant ruined cathedral located in Ardfert, County Kerry, Ireland. Its history is deeply intertwined with early Irish Christianity, with the site believed to have been home to a Celtic Christian monastery reputedly founded by Saint Brendan in the 6th century. The ecclesiastical importance of Ardfert was cemented in 1117 when it became the seat of the Diocese of Ardfert, a status it held for centuries.
History and Architecture
The earliest surviving structure of the main cathedral dates from the 12th century, showcasing Romanesque architectural influences. The site also contains the ruins of two other medieval churches: Temple Na Hoe, from the 12th century, and Temple Na Griffin, from the 15th century. Over time, Ardfert Cathedral underwent several phases of development and alteration. In the 15th century, a transept was added, and battlements were constructed, reflecting a period of fortification and expansion.
Later History and Current Status
The Reformation brought significant changes, and the cathedral's roof was destroyed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Despite this damage, the south transept was re-roofed and extended later in the 17th century. From 1663, the Diocese of Ardfert was united with the Diocese of Limerick, and the former cathedral transitioned to being a parish church. A further blow came in 1871 when the cathedral's roof was removed again following the opening of a new Church of Ireland church. After the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, Ardfert Cathedral, like other disused historic sites, was transferred to the care of the Board of Public Works, now the Office of Public Works. Today, part of the transept has been restored and now houses the entrance and a gift shop, preserving Ardfert Cathedral as a valuable heritage tourism destination.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ardfert Cathedral?
Ardfert Cathedral is a ruined medieval cathedral located in Ardfert, County Kerry, Ireland. It was historically the seat of the Diocese of Ardfert and is now a heritage tourism site.
Who founded the monastery at Ardfert?
The site of Ardfert Cathedral is reputedly the location of a Celtic Christian monastery founded in the 6th century by Saint Brendan.
When did Ardfert become the seat of a diocese?
Although the Synod of Ráth Breasail in 1111 designated Ratass Church as the cathedral for Ciarraige, the seat of the diocese was moved to Ardfert by 1117.
What are the main architectural periods of Ardfert Cathedral?
The main church building dates from the 12th century. Further modifications occurred in the 15th century with the addition of a transept and battlements, and in the 17th century when the south transept was re-roofed and extended.
What happened to Ardfert Cathedral after the Reformation?
During the Reformation, the cathedral roof was destroyed in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Later, it became a parish church when the diocese was united with Limerick. The roof was removed again in 1871, and the site eventually came under the care of the Board of Public Works.
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