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Designed by architects Joseph McCarthy and
William Hague, this majestic building dominates the skyline of Monaghan town.
With towering spires, Gothic features, rose and lancet stained glass windows,
thick-stepped buttresses, turrets, pinnacles, and arches, St. Macartan's offers
a visual feast. The outstanding feature
of the cathedral is the emphasis on height. The exterior is stunning; the
interior no less so. The sweeping expanse, replete with circular marble columns,
moulded arches, vaulted ceilings, and Gothic corbel stones, leads into a
multi-level sanctuary featuring finely-wrought sculptures and a massive 6-ton
hand-carved granite altar. Bronze rails, travertine floors, and an unpolished
travertine clochan (beehive hut) reminiscent of the dwellings of ancient Irish
monks lend a unique, mysterious, and sacred air to this architectural
masterpiece. Wall coverings of hand-made tapestries and an organ of more than
2,000 pipes tower above the first floor, made even more glorious by brilliant
multi-colored rose and lancet stained glass windows.
A plaque near the front of the cathedral door
depicts St. Macartan in garments of the period and as a tall, strong, and
vigorous apostle who, during times of another's physical weariness, carried him
on his back through the rushing currents of deep waters. St. Macartan has
forever since been referred to as Tranfhear Padraig, St. Patrick's Helper. St. Macartan of Clogher died in 506 A.D.. The
year 2006 commemorated 1500 years of faith.
The Cathedral is open daily for Mass, prayer,
and meditation. Brochures, booklets, and brief, guided tours are available upon
request.
www.monaghantourism.com
Directions:
Monaghan Cathedral, Old Armagh Road, Monaghan
Town, Co Monaghan
By car: N2 from
Dublin, A3 from Belfast.
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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