Architects: Thomas Duff / J.J. McCarthy / G.C. Ashlin / Liam McCormack
Interior Access
The second of the cathedrals of Armagh, the Roman Catholic Cathedral is sited on a hill to compete with the older Church of Ireland Cathedral. This cathedral has a chequered history with many architects involved. The original building was commenced in 1840 by Thomas Duff of Newry in a 16th century gothic idiom. This was stopped due to the Famine. It was started again in 1850 by J.J. McCarthy is his favoured 14th century gothic and completed around 1870.
The exterior of the cathedral is quite austere. Despite the twin spires on the main front, the exterior has none of the decoration associated with other cathedrals being built in Ireland at this time. The main external decoration is an arcade of statues over the main doorway as well as a large window. The interior has been altered over the years with Vatican II re-ordering removing much of the original elaborate altars and fittings