Shandon and it's "goldie fish", a salmon weather-vane perched on
top, is probably Cork's best known
and loved landmark, perched as it is on a prominent site on a hill in the north
side of the city. At the top of the belfry the view of the city is simply
breathtaking. One can also ring the church bells once there, by yanking the
ropes in sequence. Sheets of music are provided with some popular tunes. The
church also has clocks on each of the four sides of the tower, each telling a
different time.
St. Finbarr’s Cathedral
Cork's Church
of Ireland cathedral is on the site
of the original monastic settlement of St. Finbarre. It was built between 1867
and 1879 in the French gothic style.
On the outside of the cathedral, the West Rose Window is surrounded by the
symbols of the authors of the four gospels, a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle,
and is surmounted by an angel holding an open bible. The gargoyles above the
west doors represent the conflict and triumph of virtue in the soul of the
Christian. In the central portal stands Christ as the bridegroom with the five
wise and the five foolish virgins. The north and south portals are lined with
figures of saints and apostles, thrown in bold relief by a background of gold
mosaic.
Inside, the columns of the Nave are built of Bath
stone and the lower walls are lined with red and puce Cork
marble. The font is also built of red Cork Marble, supported on a central
column, surrounded by six others of green marble, resting on a white marble
slab, which in turn rests on an octagonal base of stone. The font has the
inscription inlaid with polished brass: "We are buried with him by baptism
unto death." There are various stained glass windows depicting scenes from
the Old Testament.