St Flannan's Cathedral

Early in the 12th century, Donal Mor O'Brien, founder of St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick , built a church in Killaloe. Between 1195 and 1225 it was replaced by the present cathedral which was dedicated to St Flannan, an 8th century ancestor of Donal Mor. Some rebuilding work was carried out in the 19th century and a major restoration project took place in the 1960's, followed by further extensive work in the 1990's.

Killaloe Cathedral is part of a Western Ireland tradition of church building and dates from the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Its style is mainly Gothic but there are traces of earlier styles such as the rounded central arch of the east window which contrasts with the typical Gothic pointed arch. Built of yellow and purple sandstone the cathedral also contains windows and carved stones from earlier churches.

The central tower, which includes the belfry, was raised twice - in 1775 and 1892. The original roof was pyramid shaped, castellations being added when the tower was raised.

The corbels or supporting stones of some of the rafters in the nave are delicately carved. One, near the pulpit, has six kilted figures embracing and kissing each other, while another is carved in the shape of a horse.