Ballaghaderreen
The Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nathy, commonly known as Ballaghaderreen Cathedral, is the Roman Catholic cathedral for the Diocese of Achonry. Commissioned in 1855 by Bishop Patrick Durcan, it was built in the Gothic style and completed in 1860, with significant additions made in 1912.
Key Facts
- ›Commissioned in 1855 by Bishop Patrick Durcan to serve the Roman Catholic Diocese of Achonry.
- ›Constructed in the Gothic style, with the initial phase completed between 1855 and 1860.
- ›Features an eight-bay nave, a four-stage tower with a spire, and a square-ended chancel.
- ›A significant bell tower and carillon were added in 1912 by architect William H. Byrne.
- ›The cathedral underwent essential renovation and upgrades in 2017, including roof repairs and heating system improvements.
- ›The interior consists of a single nave and includes a baptismal font dating to around 1870.
- Eight-Bay Nave With Clerestory and Side Aisles
- Four-Stage Tower With Spire
- Square-Ended Chancel
- Bell Tower With Carillon
- Baptismal Font Dating From Circa 1870
Patrick Durcan, William H. Byrne
About Ballaghaderreen
Ballaghaderreen Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nathy, commonly referred to as Ballaghaderreen Cathedral, stands as the principal church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Achonry. Situated in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Ireland, its construction was initiated in 1855.
History and Construction
Bishop Patrick Durcan commissioned the cathedral in 1855 with the intention of building it in the Gothic style. Construction commenced in that year and was completed by 1860. The initial structure comprised an eight-bay nave featuring a clerestory and lean-to side aisles, a four-stage tower topped with a spire located at the west end, and a square-ended chancel to the east, complemented by a sacristy and mortuary chapels to the north and south. The cathedral was officially consecrated and opened in November 1860.
Further significant additions were made in 1912, when architect William H. Byrne designed and oversaw the construction of a new bell tower, standing at 59.6 meters, complete with a needle and a carillon of bells. A new sacristy was also added during this period.
Architectural Features and Dimensions
The cathedral's main body, constructed from grey limestone, has an exterior length of 45.72 meters (150 feet) and a width of 17.9 meters (59 feet). The height of the church itself is 20.4 meters (67 feet). The bell tower, with its imposing height, makes the overall structure a prominent landmark.
Internally, the cathedral features a single nave. Adorning the interior is a baptismal font, located south of the west door, which dates from approximately 1870.
Recent Renovations
In August 2017, Ballaghaderreen Cathedral underwent a six-month closure for essential construction work. These renovations focused on the listed building, addressing repairs to the roof, pointing of stone, lighting improvements, and an upgrade to the heating system.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ballaghaderreen Cathedral built?
The construction of Ballaghaderreen Cathedral began in 1855 and was completed in 1860. Further additions, including the bell tower, were made in 1912.
What is the architectural style of Ballaghaderreen Cathedral?
Ballaghaderreen Cathedral was commissioned to be built in the Gothic style. This style is evident in its design, including the nave, clerestory, and tower.
What are the dimensions of Ballaghaderreen Cathedral?
The main body of the church is 45.72 meters (150 feet) long and 17.9 meters (59 feet) wide. The height of the church is 20.4 meters (67 feet), and the bell tower reaches a height of 59.6 meters.
Has Ballaghaderreen Cathedral undergone any renovations?
Yes, in August 2017, the cathedral closed for a six-month period to undergo essential construction work. This included repairs to the roof, stone pointing, lighting, and a heating upgrade.
Who commissioned Ballaghaderreen Cathedral?
Bishop Patrick Durcan commissioned Ballaghaderreen Cathedral in 1855. He desired a new cathedral to better serve the needs of the people in the small diocese.
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