Today is a great day for Clonfert and for Ireland. This beautiflil, fragile twelfth century doorway, one of the most important monuments of Irish Romanesque art to survive has now come to the attention of the world. Century Hiberno-Romanesque Doorway of St. Brendan's Cathedral Today, the Cathedral of St. Brendan at Clonfert joins such renowed sites as Pompeii in Italy and the Pyramids in Bgypt on a list of world heritage monuments in danger. But unlike Pompeii and the Pyramids, it is not a ruin but a living monument that still shelters its community. The world applauds its resusitation and recovery from the brink of extinction.
Today represents a major step in that direction.
This sacred doorway, which has long been treasured by the Clonfert community, is now recognized as a monument of global importance, its restoration of primary urgency. St Brendan must be very pleased. From here he set out on the legendary voyages across the Atlantic. Hence the name St. Brendan, the Navigator. To Clonfert he returned, and is laid to rest here.