St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
This architectural gem, completed in a Victorian Gothic style, was created by the English architect William Burges. It is famous for its craftsmanship, particularly in the sculpture, marble mosaics and stained glass. The cathedral stands on the site where the city of Cork was founded in the 7th century and is built of local limestone. The interior is made of Bath stone and the walls are lined with red Cork marble. The local names for its spires (whiskey and porter) are testament to the industries that brought prosperity to the city, despite the efforts of Father Mathew, the founder of the Temperance Movement, who preached moderation in alcohol consumption. He is commemorated by a statue in St Patrick’s Street.
