Located near Augher and Fivemiltown. Taking Main St. in Clogher, Co., Tyrone, you will find the Church of Ireland cathedral "Saint MaCartans" on a hill top in the village. 

The cathedral has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries - in 1041, in 1288 and in 1395. The present cathedral was built about 1740 - 1745.

The Cloch-Oir (from which the name Clogher derives) means "the golden stone". This stone from the pagan times of the ninth century is preserved inside the Cathedral.

Before it was erected back to an upright position, one of the Ornate Celtic Cross markers lay on the ground and was said to be used as a water trough for horses.

The cemetery is one of the oldest in all of Ireland - its first bishop was St MacCartan, a disciple of St Patrick, was buried there in 506 AD. The wall surrounding the cemetery is mentioned in the Annals.

With recently excavated evidence of the Iron age, the Hill Fort behind the cathedral is thought to have been the meeting place for the old kings of Oriel. The attached photo of St. MaCartans Cathedral was taken from the top of the Hill Fort.

 

Genevieve