We had a really wonderful time last Sunday afternoon at our members-only tour of St Flannan’s Cathedral in Killaloe. Probably the most historic spot in the whole of Killaloe-Ballina, this is where we came to hear about how our twin towns had developed since the middle ages, and see the memorial plaques of those who lived there, even hearing about the Viking who is buried just outside the walls. Please enjoy a selection of captioned photos of the tour below.
We would like to thank Bryan Brislane for directing our day there, treating us to a display on the historic organ, and talking us through the history of the building. Bryan was ably assisted by Jessica Brown (also our valued committee member at the society!), who demonstrated musical bell-ringing, baked delicious treats, and gave us a history of top floors of the tower. Rodney and Sandra from the cathedral congregation also helped out on the day. Thank you to all of you for a really brilliant and stimulating afternoon!
Jessica beginning the tour just inside the front door and introducing Bryan. Bryan welcoming our society members to the tour. A shot of the ogham stone between attendees’ legs!We make our way through to the vestry. Many of the memorial plaques were made by Killaloe Marble Works – we would later see the old marble mill from the roof of the cathedral. The incredible apostolic stained glass window, with its dramatic story of replacement panels!The beautifully-painted organ.A memorial plaque for the Purdons from Tinerana. So many little potted histories on these plaques. Memorial plaques for the Lefroy family, referencing World War One. We also connected Harry here with the old flour mill at the bottom of the Aillebaun. Bryan demonstrated many songs on the historic organ, and explained exactly how it worked. The old stone stairwell – we did not have to climb this, thank goodness!Jessica demonstrates musical bell-ringing. Bryan oversees our members trying their hands at bellringing! One of our younger attendees came ready for the clanging bells!The bells themselves were enormous.A view of St Flannan’s holy well (with sheela na gig) from the top of the cathedral tower. This holy well is located at the back of the AIB bank across the road. A photo of Main St, Killaloe, from the top of the cathedral, last Sunday afternoon. The old marble mill, from the top of the cathedral. The memorial plaques did not have to travel far!The chimney pots of Clarisford Palace, where the bishop lived, can be seen in the distance, from the top of the cathedral tower. Abbey House, next door to the cathedral, as seen from the top of the tower. A view of Ballina from the top of the tower. Jessica talked us through all the sights from the top of the tower. The old barracks, across the road from the cathedral. One of the bells up close. We passed the bells again on our way down. A medieval grave plaque in the floor of the cathedral. A little lion bade us goodbye on our way out the door. A final glimpse at the medieval doorway.
We hope you enjoyed our virtual tour of the Cathedral if you could not make it on the day! We will go back there soon, as it really was an amazing experience.
Our next talk is on 22nd August and takes place in Wood and Bell Café – watch this space for more info on that coming soon!
Killaloe-Ballina