The Cathedral
Cloyne Cathedral is one of the four churches in the Church of Ireland Cloyne Union of parishes, we are open, inclusive and welcoming. Services are held here weekly at 12 noon and there are also special services at Festivals and throughout the year. The annual Christmas Carol Service is one of the annual highlights.
The Trail
We are currently creating an historic trail around our Cathedral, the trail will highlight points of interest and tell the tales of Cloyne Cathedral & Ancient Round Tower.
We are looking to launch in 2022 and welcome any donations. Please get in touch to donate or keep an eye out on our Facebook page for updates.
The Graveyard
The cathedral graveyard, the oldest burial site in Cloyne, is still in use and is a collegiate graveyard – that is both Protestants and Catholics are buried here side by side. Originally bordered by trees which have now gone due to Dutch Elm disease and the demands of space, the graveyard is a peaceful spot with many fine gravestones. On the north side, among the graves, can be found the foundations of the mysteriously named ‘Fire House.’
This was probably an early stone oratory or chapel, perhaps housing relics and a perpetual lamp. In the south-east corner are the scant remains of the former Watch House.
Before the Anatomy Act of 1832, relatives kept watch over newly interred corpses to ensure that they were not ‘resurrected’ by body snatchers and sold to doctors and surgeons for the study of anatomy. Continuing to the south side of the graveyard we get a fine view of the now blocked five lancet south window of the south transept. This window was the largest window in the cathedral until the east window was created about 1400.
A stone cross on a plinth and surrounded by cast iron railings near the south aisle marks the burial place of the
Longfield family, including Cynthia Longfield (Madam Dragonfly).
The graveyard isn’t simply a place of burial but also serves as a peaceful haven for wildlife,
and is rich in native flowers in early summer.
Our graveyard is open to visit all year round.
What’s on
We have many events and community projects to get involved in. Check out our events on Facebook and come and join us for a great day with friendly faces.