County Cork Architecture
A Franciscan house that deserves mention is the monastery of Kilcrea, Co. Cork (Accommodation, Cork, Ireland). Commonly called Kilerca Abbey, it was founded in 1465 a.d. by Cormac MacCarthaigh, Lord of Muskerry, and dedicated to St Brigid. The church consists of a choir and nave with a south aisle, and a transept, with a lofty tower at the junction of the choir and nave. The cloister, surrounded by the conventual buildings, is to the north. The architecture is plain, and the lofty tower, about 80 ft. high, is the most striking feature of the ruin. The priory had a curious history ; at the dissolution it was granted to Sir Cormac MacTaidhg, who did not disturb the Friars. In 1596 the convent was leased to Richard Harding, who also does not appear to have turned out the Friars. It was looted in 1599, but in 1604 the Friars returned. In 1614 it was again granted away by the Lord Deputy, one of the conditions being that the Friars should be driven out.
Cloyne (Chiain, a meadow) is a small town situated about 4 miles from Midleton, Co. Cork (Holiday Cottages, Cork, Ireland); a bishopric was founded here in the sixth century by St Colman. The See of Cloyne has undergone various changes, having been united to Cork from 1431 until 1638; it was united to Cork and Ross from 1660 to 1678, and was a separate bishopric from 1678 to 1835, after which it was again united to Cork, forming the diocese of Cork, Cloyne, and Ross. The ancient cathedral is still in use: it is a low building cruciform in plan, and mainly of thirteenth century date. It. appears never to have had a tower, the bells having been hung in the round tower which stands about 50 yards to the north-west of the cathedral. The woodwork screen which divides the nave from the choir is Georgian in type, and is of some interest.
Cork (Co-reach, a marsh) : the See of Cork (Hotels, Cork, Ireland) was founded by St Finn Barr in the early part of the seventh century. The ancient cathedral was demolished in 1735, and a small Georgian church built to replace it. No account of the earlier cathedral exists. The Georgian cathedral was replaced in 1865 by the present cathedral designed by Mr. W. Burgess, R.A., and consecrated in 1870. It is an imposing cruciform church built in the French- Gothic style.
Ernly (Imleach, a marshy place) : the See of Ernly was founded by St Ailbhe in the fifth century. The ancient cathedral church was destroyed in 1828 and a poor modern building erected in its stead.
The bishopric of Ross {Ros, a wood), some 10 miles from Skibbereen, Co. Cork (Holiday Homes, Cork, Ireland), is supposed to have been founded about the sixth century ; it became a famous seat of learning. The See has been united with Cork since 1583, the style of the diocese being that of Cork (Holiday Apartments, Cork, Ireland), Cloyne, and Ross. The cathedral was almost entirely rebuilt during the seventeenth century ; it contains no architectural features of importance.