St Eunan's Cathedral
View on Google MapsThis cathedral is perhaps Letterkenny's most recogniseable landmark. Designed by Dublin architect William Hague in the Victorian neo-Gothic style, it opened on 16 June 1901. Hague died before the cathedral was completed, and is commemorated in one of the cathedral's many stained glass windows. At the time of its completion, it was the most expensive church in Ireland, having cost £300,000 (equivalent to about £50 million today). For more information, select Learn more below to bring you to our video.
The cathedral was commissioned by Cardinal O'Donnell (then Bishop of Raphoe), who, at age 32, was the youngest bishop in the world at that time. The cathedral, located on Castle Street opposite Conwal Parish Church in the town, has a spire height of 73 metres (240 feet).
There are 12 bells in the Cathedral bell chamber. They carry the names of the saints of Tír Conail: Dallan, Conal and Fiacre, Adomnán, Baithen and Barron, Nelis and Mura, Fionán and Davog, Cartha and Caitríona, Taobhóg, Cróna and Ríanach, Ernan and Asica and Columba. The 12th bell weighs over 2 tonnes.