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Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow

A towering Gothic Revival cathedral in Carlow, famed for its soaring spire and historical significance since 1833.

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The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow is a striking Gothic Revival cathedral, completed in 1833 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its 151-foot spire dominates the Carlow skyline, and its architecture was inspired by the Cloth Hall in Bruges, Belgium.

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Local tips

  • Check the Carlow Cathedral website for mass schedules and special events before your visit.
  • Explore the Carlow County Museum, a short walk from the cathedral, to see the original carved oak pulpit.
  • Take a stroll around the grounds of Carlow College, adjacent to the cathedral, to appreciate the historical setting.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Carlow Bus Park, walk right onto Barrack Street. At the major road junction, cross the road and turn left onto Tullow Street. Continue on, passing Teach Dolmain Pub and Carlow Library. Turn right onto College Street; the Cathedral is on the right, 100 meters down.

  • Public Transport

    Bus Éireann operates two routes in Carlow Town: CW1 and CW2. These routes run every 30 minutes, Monday to Sunday. Both routes pass near the cathedral. Use a TFI Leap Card for a discounted fare. The adult Leap fare is €1.50, and the cash fare is €2.00.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Carlow. A taxi from the Carlow Train Station to the Cathedral of the Assumption, a distance of approximately 1 km, will cost around €5-6 during the day. Taxi fares have a base fee of €3.00, and then €2.00 per km.

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The Cathedral of the Assumption stands as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin's cathedral church and a parish church in Carlow town. Dedicated in 1833, it is the second oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in Ireland. Bishop James Doyle laid the foundation stone on March 18, 1828, with construction concluding five years later. The cathedral's architecture, designed by Thomas Cobden, showcases a Gothic Revival style. The tower and lantern draw inspiration from the Belfry of Bruges in Belgium. Grey-blue stone from a Tullow Road quarry forms the structure, while granite from Graiguenaspidogue adds contrast. The roof's oak timbers originated from nearby Oak Park. Inside, the cathedral features pointed arches, ribbed vaults and dimension stone construction. Over the years, various refurbishments have enhanced its interior. A Sicilian marble main altar replaced the original wooden one and was consecrated in 1890. Though once housed within the cathedral, the carved oak pulpit, a work of C.J. Buckley of Youghal and crafted in Bruges in 1898, now resides in the Carlow County Museum. The cathedral also displays a monument to Bishop James Doyle sculpted by John Hogan. The Cathedral of the Assumption continues to be a vibrant center for faith and community in Carlow.

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