St Eugene’sCathedral is a religious building in Derry, Northern Ireland. The main church of the city’s diocese, it is a Catholic church, particularly popular with Derry’s residents.
St Eugene’s Cathedral – Kenneth Allen – cc
Construction of the cathedral began in 1840, and was completed in 1873. Its architect, James Joseph McCarthy, spared no expense: the neo-Gothic cathedral took over 33 years to build and cost more than $400,000 to complete, a colossal sum commensurate with the size of the project, which soon led to financial difficulties.
So, for lack of funds, the cathedral is deprived of its stained glass windows, bell tower and spire. Its overall appearance, though sympathetic, seems unfinished, and lacking in cachet. The latter were not finally added until 1890: the simple windows were then adorned with colored stained glass, and the cathedral added a spire and bell tower between 1900 and 1903.
From the 20th century to the present day, the cathedral has undergone a number of modifications to its internal layout. Renovations and extensions were carried out between 1984 and 1989: the sacristy was enlarged, a new conference room was built, and a new floor was laid in Sardinian granite.
The Cathedral opens its doors to the people of Derry every day, from 8am to 9pm. Tourists are also allowed in, provided they keep a low profile and refrain from flashing their cameras. (Photos are tolerated, as long as you do something for the church…)
The Cathedral’s interior decoration is rather sumptuous, if a little busy. Here you can admire a splendid organ, luminous and colorful stained glass windows, and a beautiful tabernacle made by a Kilkenny craftsman in the second half of the 20th century.
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3.47/5 (19 votes)
