1793 – Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford

Built in 1793, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, is Ireland’s oldest post-Reformation Catholic Cathedral still in use today. In 2000, the square near Barronstrand Street, formerly known as “Red Square”, was re-named as “John Roberts Square” to commemorate the influence he had over the architecture of the two Cathedrals in Waterford. The cathedral has been extended and modified many times over its history, initially a square footprint, later extensions to both the east and west ends of the building give it the shape it has today. The apse added in 1854, and a new altar installed.

The elaborate interior was still to receive further work. In 1883, George Goldie was commissioned to design the imposing Baroque-style pulpit, choir stalls and the bishop’s chair or cathedra. These items were carved in Lille, France by Buisine & Fils in oak. The stained-glass windows are later, installed between 1883 and 1887, mostly by Mayer of Munich. Later mosaics by Ludwing Oppenheimer of Manchester created an almost Baroque interior. In the final major 19th century modification, a new classical, western façade in stone was added by W.H. Byrne circa 1893-94. The interior has been rearranged post Vactian II.

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