St Macartan’s Cathedral, Clogher

According to tradition a monastery and bishopric were founded in Clogher circa 490 by St Macartan on the orders of St Patrick. In 1041, the church of Clogher was rebuilt, and dedicated to the memory of St Macartin.

It was again rebuilt in 1295 by Matthew M’Catasaid, Bishop of Clogher, but burnt to the ground on 20 April 1396 along with two chapels, the abbey, the court of the bishops, and 32 other buildings with all their contents. In 1610 the abbey and its revenues were confiscated by King James I and given to the Diocese of Clogher. The present building was erected on the site in 1744.

Clogher is one of two cathedral churches in the Diocese of Clogher (the other is St Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen). It is situated in the village of Clogher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Built by Bishop John Stearne and designed by architect James Martin it has fine collection of episcopal portraits and high quality stained glass windows.

Information & image Source: National Churches Trust