The Cathedral Church in the beautiful West Cork town of Rosscarbery stands on a site where Christian worship has been offered for over 1400 years. Here St. Fachtna founded a monastic school in A.D. 590. Pilgrims and scholars came from near and far and gained for us the title "Ross Ailithir" - the wooded headland of the pilrims.

The first Cathedral was built here in the 12th Century. The present building dates from 1612 and was extensively rebuilt and restored following the Rebellion of 1641. The last major restoration was carried out at the end of the 19th Century.

The Cathedral, which is a National Monument, is a place that contstantly inspires local and visitors alike because of its connection with our Celtic Christian past and its sense of God's presence among us now.

The Select Vestry, conscious both of our heritage and the challenge of the church's mission in the 21st Century, have decided to embark on an extensive and adventurous programme of restoration.

We invite you to share with us in this exciting project.

St. Fachtna’s Cathedral, Ross. A History. This attractive history which tells the story of the Cathedral from St. Fachtna’s time to the present costs €12 (including postage) and can be ordered from: The Very Revd. Christopher Peters. The Deanery, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork. Ireland.