The cathedral's construction was halted for several years because the site was used as a burial ground for victims of the Great Famine.
Augustus Pugin, the architect, is famous for his work on the interior of the Palace of Westminster in London.
The cathedral was consecrated in 1855, despite the interior being largely unfinished at that time due to a lack of funds.
A major restoration project in the 1970s removed many original Victorian features and altered the interior layout, a move that remains controversial among architectural historians.
The cathedral's spire reaches a height of approximately 280 feet.
Stained glass windows by Harry Clarke, a renowned Irish artist, were added to the building in the 20th century.
The site was specifically chosen to be visible from the surrounding countryside and the entry points to Killarney town.
St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney is a prominent example of Gothic Revival architecture designed by Augustus Pugin. Construction began in 1842 but was interrupted by the Great Famine, leading to its completion in 1855. The cathedral features a tall limestone spire that dominates the local skyline. Its interior includes stained glass windows by Harry Clarke and Patrick Pye. The building serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kerry. It remains an active parish church with daily religious services held throughout the year. The exterior stone masonry utilizes local Kerry limestone sourced from nearby quarries.
From the western entrance of the cathedral grounds looking back toward the spire to capture the full scale of the architecture.
Check the parish newsletter online to ensure your visit does not overlap with a funeral or a private wedding ceremony.
Walk the perimeter of the churchyard to view the famine-era memorials located in the grounds.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as the building is an active house of worship.
Do not attempt to enter the cathedral during private ceremonies or funerals.
Maintain silence, remove hats, and avoid photographing during ongoing religious services.
