Ardfert St. Brendan’s Cathedral is a ruined cathedral near the town of Ardfert, County Kerry. Built in the 6th century by Saint Brendan de Clonfert, and destroyed by fire in 1641, the site is fabulous, and bears an authentic, silent soul, the bearer of a rich and mysterious history!
The cathedral site comprises 3 different churches, all dating back to medieval times. Founded in the 6th century, the site has evolved over time, gradually adding new buildings, including :
The beauty of the site is said to have inspired Augustus Pugin to design St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney.
Ardfert Cathedral and its churches are a true marvel to behold. Their remarkable architecture makes them a magical place, where the ruins alone bear witness to a dark and mysterious history… Essentially Anglo-Norman and Romanesque in style, the cathedral still boasts many intact remains, such as a Romanesque west portal, a 13th-century window and ecclesiastical personalities carved in stone.
The site is fabulous, impressive and well worth a visit. Guided tours are available on site if you’d like to learn more about the subject.