St Fethlimidh, Kilmore, Church of Ireland

A large Gothic Revival cathedral in the English Decorated style, foming a distinctive landmark in the rural countryside. There has been a long-standing continuous ecclesiastical presence on site since about the sixth century. This building replaced an earlier cathedral which survives to the north. It was designed by the British architect William Slater (1818-1872) and built by local contractor William Hague (1806-1888). It is dedicated to the memory of Bishop Bedell (1571-1642) and his first wife Mary Beresford. Bishop Bedell was the Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh (1629-1642) and is best known for his work in translating the Old Testament into Irish. The Romanesque doorway is a significant feature, which originated in the nearby 12th century cathedral at Toneymore. After that cathedral fell into disrepair it was moved to the Abbey of the Holy Trinity on Trinity Island in Lough Oughter, when this fell into disrepair it was transferred to the Old Cathedral in Kilmore and was finally installed in its present location in 1860. It exhibits fine medieval stone carving of significant artistic, historical and archaeological merit. The stone dressings throughout the church attest to high quality stone masonry, and a striking visual contrast is achieved between the dark local limestone and lighter Dungannon stone. The interior incorporates many features of outstanding artistic importance, including delicate stained glass windows by Meyer & Co of Munich, together with high quality craftsmanship in carved timber and stone fittings. The rural siting of the cathedral is unusual and it forms the centrepiece of the ecclesiastical complex comprising of the old Cathedral, See House, gate lodge, and nearby graveyard.

[ National Inventory of Architectural Heritage ]