Saint Finbarr (also called Fionnbharra, Barre, and Barry) lived in south Ireland between 550 and 623 AD. His name means “fair-headed” in Irish, leading to his birth legend. It is said that his head shone with a very bright light, foretelling of his brilliance. Other accounts say that he was blond.
Born near Bandon in County Cork, Finbarr studied under several teachers, including St. David of Wales, before establishing his monastery at Gougane Barra circa 600 AD. He chose this remote area so he and his students could seek God in the wilderness, much like the Desert Fathers in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine and Syria. He built the monastery on an island in the lake to provide physical and spiritual separation from the outside world.
An angel appeared before Finbarr and told him that his mission was not complete. While Gougane Barra was a place of spiritual retreat and contemplation, he was instructed to follow the River Lee eastward from its source at Gougane Barra to where it meets the sea. The angel told him that he would find where he was meant to establish his main monastery and center of learning at the river’s mouth.
Obediently, Finbarr followed the River Lee downstream, traveling approximately 35 miles to the marshy estuary where the river flows into the Atlantic. Upon reaching this location, Finbarr recognized it as the place shown in his vision and established his new monastery there around 606 AD.
This new settlement, originally called “Corcach Mór na Mumhan” (the Great Marsh of Munster), would grow to become Cork City. The monastery Finbarr founded became an important center of learning and spiritual life, with Finbarr serving as its first bishop.
Saint Finbarr died in 623 and was buried at his monastery, the site of the Saint Finbarr Cathedral in Cork. The exact location of his grave has been lost to history.
The people of Cork, and beyond, venerated him as a saint shortly after his death. Many miracles were attributed to St. Finbarr during his lifetime, including healing a blind man and even saving Cork from flooding by raising his staff and commanding the River Lee to change course. It is said that the sun did not set for two weeks after this holy man’s death.
Significance to Catholicism in Ireland
St. Finbarr’s monastery was instrumental in bringing, and cementing, Catholicism to southern Ireland. Saint Patrick’s and Saint Brigid’s monasteries were established about 150 years prior, but they were located in the north. Saint Finbarr’s focus on education allowed literate clergy to bring the faith throughout the south.
Cork, Ireland
Cork’s history begins with Saint Finbarr’s monastic settlement in the 6th century, established on the marshy islands of the River Lee. The Irish name “Corcaigh” (pronounced roughly as “KOR-kee”) means marsh. After the Anglo-Norman invasion (12th century), the Irish name was anglicized to “Cork.”
Finbarr’s monastery became a center of learning and gradually developed into a trading settlement. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century and, recognizing Cork’s strategic value as a port, established a trading post that further developed the settlement.
The Cork harbor is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in the world. This helped Cork grow throughout medieval times. The 17th and 18th centuries saw significant expansion beyond the original walls, with the development of elegant Georgian architecture still visible today.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Cork became known as the “Irish Teardrop” or “Heartbreak Harbor.” Famine and poverty forced many Irish to immigrate to America, departing from the Cork harbor. Many would shed tears as they sailed away from Ireland.
Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city (pop. 210,000). It remains a vibrant cultural center with a rich musical, literary, and artistic heritage, alongside its importance as a commercial and educational hub. Notable Cork residents were George Boole, creator of Boolean logic, the foundation for computing, and William Ford, father of Henry Ford, who emigrated to America during the great potato famine in 1847.
Saint Finbarr's Cathedral
Saint Finbarr’s Cathedral was consecrated in 1870, having been built over many other Cathedrals at the site of the original monastery. William Burges designed the Cathedral in the Gothic Revival style.
The main entrance to St. Finbarr’s Cathedral presents visitors with several theological allegories; good on the right hand of the statue of the bridegroom and evil on the left. This deliberate positioning carries significance — to be on the “right-hand side of God” represents divine favor and salvation. 
The Parable of the Ten Virgins from Matthew 25 is fleshed out here. On the left, stand the five foolish virgins with their empty lamps, heads bowed in regret, having failed to prepare for the bridegroom’s arrival. They hold empty lamps in their left hands. In contrast, the five wise virgins stand vigilantly on the right, their lamps full and ready, symbolizing preparedness for Christ’s return. The bridegroom’s left hand is raised in a “stop” motion, and he is turned away from the foolish virgins.
This theme of spiritual contrast continues on the sides of the bridegroom’s pedestal. On his right, the side depicts a vibrant tree, signifying vitality, fruitfulness, and divine blessing. On his left, the side shows a dead tree to depict spiritual barrenness.
We were blessed to be hosted by a very knowledgeable tour guide, Fabio. He emphasized how the church was laid out like pilgrimage as one walked through the cathedral. Starting from the Narthex and walking towards the choir, the stained glass depicts Old Testament scenes, with the characters wearing white robes. As you progress through to the altar, the scenes switch to New Testament, with the people wearing colorful clothing.
Another progression was demonstrated by the mosaic floor tiles. At the step into the choir, the mosaic is rough and unordered, representing chaos. The mosaic is refined as you progress to the altar, into a very unique pattern.
The nearby photo shows the large tiles, in no discernable pattern at the threshold of the Choir, leading to a more ordered pattern as you progress towards the Altar (and towards Christ).
The floor of the altar region is depicted as a fisherman’s net. Even the ropes that hold floats are shown. In between the netting, fish are interspersed with figures representing various roles of man.
Saint Finbarr's Oratory
Saint Finbarr’s Oratory is located about an hour’s drive west of Cork. This is the location of his original monastery. Ruins remain on the island, along with a newer chapel that was built in the early 1900s on the same location.
The small, simple, Catholic chapel has the Blessed Sacrament and stained-glass windows throughout depict the major Irish saints.
Outside, an ancient holy well is still there by the lake. The ruins of the original monastery stand to show the aesthetic life the monks lived. The thick walls, made of stone, hold about a dozen cells. These cells are no more than caves carved out of the stone. Today, Stations of the Cross are mounted between the cells, allowing the faithful to pray.
Pilgrim Trail
We were able to enjoy a 3-mile hike in the nearby Gougane Barra National Forest. With lodgepole pines and stone cliffs, it reminded us of Yellowstone National Park back home (minus the sheep!). The next time, perhaps we will tackle the St. Finbarr’s Pilgrim Route and hike 21 miles from the Oratory into Cork. It is an especially popular trek on the saint’s feast day, September 25th, which is also the day he died.
St. Finbarr, pray for us!
