1285 – St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

The cathedral was built between 1202 and 1285 in an early English Gothic style out of the local limestone. Over the centuries, it has been restored and renovated many times, notably by Thomas Newenham Deane in 1863.

The round tower beside the cathedral is believed to have been built around 849 and is around 100 feet tall. It is missing the usual distinctive conical cap but has a viewing platform for the public to view the city and countryside. The cathedral has a magnificent atmospheric interior in beautiful condition and obviously lovingly cared for.

“In our present number we give an illustration of the new pulpit recently erected in S. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. It has been executed in a highly creditable manner by Mr. C. W. Harrison, sculptor, of 178, Great Brunswick-street, from a design by Mr. T. Newenham Deane, architect, under whose superintendence the works of restoration at this noble pile are being carried out, and drawing towards completion.The pulpit is principally composed of Caen stone ; it is octagonal in form, supported by marble columns, with carved capitals and bases. Each of the sides of the upper portion has trefoil arches, supported by Galway green marble shafts, and carved capitals and bases. The cost was somewhat over £100.” The Irish Builder, August 15 1869.