Holy Cross Church


Begun in 1862 and consecrated in 1864, this church has a splendid wooden roof with 14 angel carvings. Intricate mosaics adorn the aisle arches and the edges of the stained-glass window over the altar. The architect was Charles Hansom, collaborator and brother-in-law of Augustus Pugin (the architect behind London's Houses of Parliament).

Installing the rooster atop the spire allowed Hansom to 'crow' over the landlord who had refused him permission to build in his first choice of location in the Square.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kenmare Heritage Centre

0.07 MILES

Kenmare's old courthouse is home to an exhibition telling the history of the town from its origins as Neidín (the little nest), through its establishment…

2. Ladies' View

5.99 MILES

The gorgeous panorama over the Upper Lake and Purple Mountain at this viewpoint, 17km south of Killarney, was enjoyed by Queen Victoria's ladies-in…

3. Gleninchaquin Park

6.39 MILES

This working sheep farm offers a whole range of things to do, from waymarked history and geology walks to trout fishing and feeding the lambs (in spring),…

4. Ewe Experience

7.24 MILES

More than 20 years in the making, this interactive sculpture garden is imaginative, thought-provoking and humorous, with nature and art working together…

5. Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve

8.78 MILES

The valley of the Glengarriff River, to the northwest of Glengarriff village, was once the private estate of the Earl of Bantry. As such its ancient oak…

6. Torc Waterfall

9.03 MILES

This picturesque 20m-high waterfall cascades down a series of rock steps 7km south of Killarney, a 300m walk from a car park on the N71.

7. Gap of Dunloe

9.04 MILES

The Gap of Dunloe is a scenic valley squeezed between Purple Mountain and the eastern summits of MacGillicuddy's Reeks. In summer it can be a bottleneck…

8. Bamboo Park

9.21 MILES

Glengarriff's mild, frost-free climate allows this small 12-hectare park to flourish. It has a variety of exotic plants, including palm trees and tree…