inSPIREd Sunday

Sally and Beth host inSPIREd Sunday!

September 2015 - Cork Ireland

Click here for more of what we did on this day. Looking back on my post of that day I am surprised I didn't mention the church. I know I was saving it for an inSPREd post but it is odd that I didn't post at least one photo.

Mick, our driver and tour guide, knew I was interested in churches so he surprised us with a stop at this one. 

Stunning and certainly attention grabbing! And the church bells were tolling as we approached.

Service was just beginning so I didn't get any photos inside.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, (Irish: Ardeaglais Naomh Fionnbarra) is in the ecclesiastical province of Dublin. Begun in 1863, the cathedral was the first major work of the Victorian architect William Burges.

Burges's gift to the cathedral, the "resurrection angel" (known locally as the "golden" or "goldy angel") made of copper covered with gold leaf, crowning the sanctuary roof.

Local legend says that the golden angel will blow its horn when the Apocalypse is due to start…

The current cathedral is built on the site of at least two previous structures dedicated to Finbarr of Cork. 

The first dated from the 7th century, with works continuing through the 12th century. This building was damaged during the Siege of Cork (1690) and a new structure was built in 1735 - though elements of the earlier spire were retained.

Amongst other figures below the intricately carved rose window are those in the resurrection scene of the tympanum, while the wise and foolish virgins (the latter dejectedly holding their empty lamps) approach the bridegroom on each side of the central doors (see Matthew 25:1-13).

Numerous gargoyles and other embellishments can be seen throughout.