Kilmore Palace

THE bishopric of Kilmore was established in the 13th century, and in the 15th century changed its ancient name of Breffny into that of Kilmore.

It lies parallel to, and south of the diocese of Clogher, extending fifty-eight miles in length and between ten and twenty in breadth, through four counties, viz. Cavan, Leitrim, Meath, and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.

The See House, Kilmore, County Cavan, was built by the Right Rev George de la Poer Beresford, Lord Bishop of Kilmore, 1802-39, and of Kilmore and Ardagh, 1839-41.

It was occupied by a further sixteen prelates.

It is believed that the last bishop to reside at the palace was the Right Rev Michael Mayes, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh from 1993-2000.

See House, Kilmore, built in 2013

A new see house was built at a different location near the cathedral hall in 2013.

Kilmore Palace: Entrance front (Image: Colliers)

THE SEE HOUSE, Kilmore, County Cavan, is a Grecian-Revival mansion of three storeys over a basement.

It was built between 1835-7.

This former episcopal palace, attributed to William Farrell, comprises a three-bay entrance front.

Kilmore Palace: main staircase (Image: Colliers)

There is an irregular five-bay rear elevation with pilasters flanking wide east bay, and a shallow bow to central bays.

The roof is concealed by a parapet.

The house is rendered over squared rubble stone walls.

Kilmore Palace (Image: Colliers)

An ashlar pediment, and tympanum with episcopal coat-of-arms.

The ashlar portico has paired Doric pilasters.

This is an impressive classical-revival house in an austere Grecian style.

The former bishop's palace is substantially intact, retaining its original character and form, and its setting on a wooded hill surrounded by meadow, near the Cathedral.

The architectural form of the house is enriched by many original features and materials, such as cut stone details, timber sashes with historic glass, and panelled doors.

The old see house has a long ecclesiastical association, having replaced an earlier episcopal palace to the north of the former cathedral and the later 19th-century Kilmore Cathedral.

The old see house forms the centrepiece of an architectural group consisting of fine outbuildings, gate lodge, and entrance gates, and forms part of the significant ecclesiastical complex of Kilmore Cathedral, the old Cathedral, and nearby graveyard.

I ATTENDED the installation of my school friend, the Very Rev Nigel Crossey, as Dean of Kilmore in 2015.

First published in September, 2015.