Letterkenny History
Trail
St Eunans
Cathedral
The only Cathedral in the County and one of stature and
very imposing architectural character, on the Gothic Style. Many
years ago during the 17th century while Ireland was under English
rule the passing of the Penal Law in 1698 condemned the Irish
people to a life of poverty as near slave on the land. They could
not acquire property, become tradesmen, merchants, civil servants
or practice their religion.
During the enforcement of the Penal Law while persecution raged,
Mass continued to be celebrated in a hollow in the area of Sentry
Hill above Letterkenny - the hill deriving it's name from the
custom of posting a sentry watchman on the commanding height to
guard against the approach of spy or yeoman. Towards the end of the
18th century one of the very first catholic churches erected in the
protestant neighborhood was built near this site.
Due to its remoteness from allot of the towns people it was
decided to build a church nearer the town and the site chosen is
where the cathedral now stands.
The inspiration to build this fine Cathedral came from the late
Cardinal O'Donnell, then Bishop of Raphoe. A Cathedral Building
Committee was formed 1890 and the building was then begun. The
Cathedral stands on a commanding site overlooking the town. Looking
at it we are at once impressed by the excellent proportions - the
symmetry and architectural style of the building being self
evident. The general use of the pointed arch, the subdivision of
large window areas for glazing purposes, the decorative importance
of flying and rudimentary buttresses, the ornamentation of
structural forms, the natural realism of the stone carving are all
features indicative of a late period of the Gothic Style.
Entering the main door one is struck by the beauty of the
interior. The decorative symmetry of the arches and the stone
carvings together with the intricately designed stained glass
windows and paintings blend together to give a calm restful
dignity. The most striking interior features are the main Alter and
the side alters all of which are carved from Carrera Marble brought
from Italy. Carrera and Conemara Marble have also been used with
exquisite taste in the Pulpit - which depicts statues of the Four
Evangelists and the Four Masters. The decorative detail of the
Great Arch is very striking - it depicts the lives of St Columba
and St Eunan.
The eye is next attracted to the Rose Window - which depicts St
Colmcille pleading for the bards at the convention of Drumceat. The
clear outline and strongly differentiated figures here show a fine
example of art by the late Michael Healy from Dublin. The Ceramic
Floor mosaics around the main alter - the Sanctuary ceiling, the
stained glass, tasteful wall painting and carving are all the work
of an Italian Artist Signor Amici. A most notable feature
throughout is the artistic use of stone - Mountcharles Sandstone
was used and the work carried out under the direction of the late
P. Dawson.
THE CACHE:
The cache is a magnetic nano.
Take usual steps when retrieving and replacing as there will always
be muggles around and could come from anywhere.
The area is entirely wheelchair friendly.
Visit the Geocaching Ireland discussion
forum HERE