The small town of Killaloe in Co. Clare sits alongside the River Shannon, some twenty or some miles upstream from the city of Limerick. Like so many of Ireland's more ancient towns, Killaloe can trace its history to the foundation of a monastic settlement. At Killaloe a monastery was founded in the seventh century by St Molua and flourished.This monastery was well-known as a seat of great learning. In the twelfth century a cathedral was erected there in honour of Flannan. Flannan, a name synonymous with County Clare, had been a seventh century abbot of the monastery at Killaloe and is regarded as the first bishop of the diocese of Killaloe.
Above is visible the cathedral and town of Killaloe. On the right hand river bank is the village of Ballina, Co. Tipperary.
The cathedral seen above was begun c. 1200. It was a large cruciform structure, possessing elements of both the Romanesque and Gothic styles. To the left of the cathedral is St Flannan's Oratory, a slightly earlier structure. Unlike the cathedral the oratory was not altered significantly over time, therefore retaining its typically unique Hiberno-Romanesque appearance. The cathedral itself was altered many times through the centuries. In the sixteenth century it became the cathedral church of the Protestant, Church of Ireland diocese. It takes its present form largely from a restoration in the 1780s when the tower seen above was added.
The interior towards the chancel showing the long, aisleless nave.
Above is an image of a twelfth century arch. The arch, which has subsequently been restored, is an excellent example of Irish stone craftsmanship from the period. The arches contain a chevron, zig-zag pattern, and are adorned with images of animals. The space beneath the arch, which was then blocked up, has once again been freed up, revealing a stained glass window.
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