Land donated in 1828
The place where the Cathedral was built was donated by Francis Gore, owner Protestant, so that a parish church for Ennis would be erected there.
Católicos em Ennis Community
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
✦
Ennis Cathedral
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as Ennis Cathedral, it is one of the main symbols of faith in the city of Ennis and the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul • Ennis • County Clare
A cathedral in the heart of Ennis
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul holds a special place in religious history of Ennis, County Clare. In addition to being a living parish church, it became the cathedral of the Diocese of Killaloe, serving as a spiritual reference for many faithful.
Its history begins in the nineteenth century, when the land was donated in 1828 for construction of a parish church. Even though it was still unfinished, the building received its first Mass in 1842 and was blessed on February 26, 1843, under the patronage of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The Cathedral recalls the journey of faith of many generations and continues to be a space of prayer, celebration, silence, beauty and encounter with God.
History and mission
From the parish church to the cathedral
Over the years, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul has undergone expansions, reforms and important moments, becoming a landmark of the Catholic faith in Ennis.
First Mass in 1842
In 1842, with the roof already in place, the first Mass was celebrated in the building still unfinished by parish priest Dean O'Shaughnessy.
Blessed in 1843
On February 26, 1843, the new church was blessed by Bishop Patrick Kennedy and placed under the patronage of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Tower and spire
The spire and spire were completed in 1874, giving the church a striking presence in the urban landscape of Ennis.
Pro-cathedral
In 1890, when Bishop Thomas McRedmond decided to take up residence in Ennis, the parish church was designated as the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Killaloe.
Cathedral in 1990
In 1990, 163 years after the beginning of the works, the building was named a cathedral, with solemn dedication of the Cathedral and the altar on November 18 of that year.
Important milestones
- 11828: donation of land for the construction of the church.
- 21842: first Mass celebrated in the still unfinished building.
- 31843: blessing of the church under the patronage of St. Peter and St. Paul.
- 41874: completion of the tower and spire.
- 51890: designation as pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Killaloe.
- 61990: naming as cathedral and solemn dedication of the altar.
Beauty, art and faith
The Cathedral keeps important elements of its history, such as pillars and internal arches, the organ gallery and the large painting of the Ascension that dominates the sanctuary.
Over time, renovations and restorations helped preserve the building and to adapt it to the liturgical needs of the Church, especially after the Second Vatican Council.
After a fire in 1995, the shrine was rebuilt and the interior was redecorated, with the restoration celebrated in 1996.
Parish life
A place of celebration, silence and prayer
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul continues to be an active space of prayer, sacramental life, contemplation and encounter of the local community with God.
A living space of faith
The Cathedral is a place where many people enter daily to pray, To give thanks, to ask for strength, to light a candle, to participate in the celebrations or simply find a moment of silence before God.
As the cathedral church of the Diocese of Killaloe, it also expresses communion of the local Church and the continuity of the Catholic faith through the generations.
Sponsorship of São Pedro and São Paulo
The dedication of the Cathedral to Saints Peter and Paul recalls two great apostles of the Church: Peter, sign of faith and unity, and Paul, example of evangelization, missionary courage and proclamation of Christ.
These patrons inspire Christian living, fidelity to the Church, and commitment with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
Católicos em Ennis
The Cathedral and the Brazilian community
For the Católicos em Ennis Community, to know the places of faith in the city it is also a way to grow in communion with the local Church.
Ennis, faith and belonging
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is part of Ennis' religious life and helps to tell the story of the Catholic presence in the city. For Brazilians who live in Ireland, visiting and getting to know these spaces strengthens the connection with the local Church.
The Católicos em Ennis Community celebrates its Masses in Portuguese at St. Joseph's Church, but recognizes the importance of the Cathedral as a sign of diocesan unity, tradition and parish life.
An invitation to visit
Those who live in Ennis or visit the city can find in the Cathedral a place to pray, contemplate, give thanks and learn a little more about history Catholic of County Clare.
In silence, in prayer or participating in the life of the local Church, this space continues to welcome generations of faithful who seek God in the heart of the city.
A place of prayer, history and parish life in the heart of Ennis
How to Get There
Location of the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is located in Ennis, County Clare, and can be found easily in the city center.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Ennis • County Clare • Ireland
A Place of Faith in the Heart of Ennis
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a sign of prayer, history and communion for the city of Ennis and for all who wish to meet in the Church a space of peace, beauty and encounter with God.