Tuam Cathedral
Map Reference: M438520 (1438, 2520)
In Tuam Cathedral there is a magnificent 12th century Romanesque chancel arch. It has five orders and is richly decorated. The decoration includes the usual diamonds, chevrons, triangles and beading as well as floral panels, but none of the masks as seen at Dysert O Dea or Killaloe.
The capitals of the pillars have human masks with intertwined beards and hair. The arch has a sixth outer order, which is narrower than the rest and does not have supporting pillars. It looks like a decorated hood mould. Also in the church is the shaft of a high cross.
It is richly decorated with interlaced panels and intertwined beasts. There are inscriptions on both the narrow faces. On the opposite side of the church the Market Cross from Tuam has been re-erected. This appears very tall and is a composite of two crosses.
The head is much too small for the shaft. The ringed head depicts a Crucifixion on one side. On the other side is an abbot with other figures and there are two unidentified figures on the ends of the arms. The shaft is decorated with interlaced panels and intertwined beasts.
The pyramidal base has two figures on either side and at the narrow ends there are two round sockets for an unknown attachment. St Jarlath founded a monastery at Tuam in the late 5th century. In the late 12th century a Romanesque nave-and-chancel church was built and the chancel was incorporated into the Cathedral early in the 14th century. For many years it served as a porch. The main part of the Cathedral is a 19th century building.
For details of other Decorated Romanesque Doorways & Arches click on the links below
Kilmore Cathedral, Co Cavan
Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare
Killaloe Cathedral, Co Clare
White Island, Co Fermanagh
Annaghdown Cathedral, Co Galway
Clonfert, Co Galway
Aghadoe, Co Kerry
Ardfert Cathedral, Co Kerry
Kilmalkedar, Co Kerry
Castledermott, Co Kildare
Kildare Cathedral, Co Kildare
Freshford, Co Kilkenny
Ullard, Co Kilkenny
Killeshin, Co Laois
Timahoe, Co Laois
The Nun's Church, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly
Rahan, Co Offaly
Cashel, Co Tipperary
Donaghmore, Co Tipperary
Kilcash, Co Tipperary
Monaincha, Co Tipperary
Roscrea, Co Tipperary
St Saviour’s Priory, Glendalough, Co Wicklow
For details of other Figured High Crosses click on the links below
Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare
Kilfenora, Co Clare
Killaloe, Co Clare
Camus, Co Derry
Carndonagh, Co Donegal
Donaghmore, Co Down
Boho, Co Fermanagh
Galloon, Co Fermanagh
Castledermott, Co Kildare
Moone, Co Kildare
Kilkeeran, Co Kilkenny
Killamery, Co Kilkenny
Kilree, Co Kilkenny
Monasterboice, Co Louth
Termonfeckin, Co Louth
Duleek, Co Meath
Kells, Co Meath
Kells Market Cross, Co Meath
Killary, Co Meath
Clones, Co Monaghan
Clonmacnois, Co Offaly
Durrow, Co Offaly
Drumcliffe, Co Sligo
Ahenny, Co Tipperary
Arboe, Co Tyrone
Donaghmore, Co Tyrone
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