3-053-763 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Roman Catholic Cathedral at Armagh, [Ireland], 1873. View of '...the Irish National Cathedral of St. Patrick...The foundation-stone was laid on St. Patrick's Day, in 1840...The architect of the original design was the late Mr. Duff, of Newry; but in 1854, after seven years' stoppage of the work, it was intrusted to Mr. J. J. M'Carthy, R. H. A., of Dublin, Professor of Architecture in the Catholic University. He adopted a bold course in changing the style of the architecture. He has so far succeeded that to none but a professional eye would any material differences be observable between the earlier and later portions of the building... As the building now stands its most striking characteristics are two lofty spires, rising to a height of 210 ft. each... The building is very much more effective externally than internally. The elevated nature of its site, and the beautiful marble (for it is really built of Armagh marble) of which it is built externally, contribute no doubt to this result; but, on the whole, the structure is very handsome. The builder was Mr. Byrne, of Belfast'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.