kildare cathderal

Kildare Cathedral and Round Tower Kildare Cathedral stands on the site of a church which was burned in the 9th century. Succeeding churches were burned and the Cathedral was built by Ralph of Bristol around 1223. In the rebellion of 1641, Ralph's Cathedral was burned but towards the end of the century, part of it was rebuilt. The remainder was rebuilt in 1875. One of it's distinguishing features is the three light window, which depicts scenes from the three Saints of Ireland - Patrick, Brigid and Columcille.Interestingly, Kildare is where St. Brigid is supposed to have founded her first convent. It is believed that the Cathedral was built on the site of her convent, but this is by no means certain. Also of interest is the round tower that is in the grounds of the Cathedral, which has a doorway fourteen feet from the ground. But it is spoiled by the modern battlements that were forced on to the top.