St. Colman’s Cathedral, overlooking Cobh town and Cork harbour, carries within its walls the traditions of fourteen centuries of the Diocese of Cloyne. St. Colman’s Cathedral is an exquisite gem of neo-Gothic architecture by the architects Pugin and Ashlin.

It took 47 years to build, starting in 1868. A visit to Cobh Cathedral is a moving spiritual experience. The gothic grandeur of the interior, the delicate carvings, breath-taking stain glass windows, the beautiful arches and the mellow lighting combine to lift the human spirit. Due to its maritime location the Cathedral is steeped in history and has hosted some tragic events throughout the past 100 years (commemorating its centenary in 2019).

For example; Cobh was the main Irish port of mass emigration where 2.5 million people departed for the USA & Australia from 1845-1950, consequently the Cathedral was the last place many of these emigrants celebrated mass before setting sail. Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic and the tragic sinking of the Lusitania, where many of its victims would have had a funeral mass and are buried in St. Colman's Cemetery close by.

St. Colman’s boasts a Carillon of 49 bells, with a total weight of over 26 tons; it is the largest carillon in Ireland & Britain in terms of the number of bells. The Cathedral also treasures its Telford and Telford pipe organ, containing 2,468 pipes and has regular recitals from choirs from all over the world. Daily Masses and tours are available.