Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory

It is unique in the Anglican Communion in having six functioning cathedrals, of which St Canice’s is the largest. The other five are in Cashel (the ancient ecclesiastical capital of Munster), Waterford City, Lismore (a major monastic Centre in early Christian Ireland ), Leighlin (a delightfully peaceful cathedral village in Co Carlow) and Ferns ( associated with the ancient Kings of Leinster ). All the cathedrals are well worth a visit and and are fascinatingly different - the present Waterford Cathedral for example while built on a Viking site is one of Ireland’s great Georgian churches.

The large number of cathedrals is due to the coming together over subsequent centuries of small medieval dioceses dating back to the eleventh century.

Today’s Cashel Ferns and Ossory is a place of rich variety, both human and topographical. While the splendid cathedral close around St Canice’s is its administrative hub and the place where the bishop is based, the diocese includes urban Waterford ( famous for its cut glass), the Rock of Cashel, the beaches of the sunny south east, large areas of productive farmland, and of course Kilkenny city itself with all its history and atmosphere. The diocese has 144 places of worship in addition to the cathedrals and offers pastoral support to people of many talents and occupations ...but with a particular emphasis on rural parochial ministry. Living out the Gospel with its joys and its challenges is an exciting task in modern multi - cultural Ireland, and we are glad to do so in a context where there is good ecumenical goodwill between all the churches bearing the name of Christ and striving to encourage faith in him.

We hope you will enjoy the cathedral of Ossory, and widen your horizons to see something of the rest of the diocese too! And of course we love to receive your feedback about your experiences among us, whether at public worship or during your more personal visits to our many historic holy sites.