St Fin Barre's Cathedral

 St Fin Barre's Cathedral

 This was founded as a monastery in the early 7th century AD, supposedly by Fin Barre himself (although there is some speculation that this man ever existed). Over the centuries many churches were on this ground. The most recent church, the cathedral pictured, was started in 1862 by William Burges.

 The Wise and Foolish Virgins

These were probably inspired by the sculpture on Magdeburg Cathedral in Germany. The story behind these goes along the lines of the story in the bible about the 10 Virgins who wait for their bridegrooms in the dark. The Foolish Virgins can't keep their candles lit and are then lead astray. These ladies are accompanied by their own bridegroom sculpture that is featured on the jamb in between the two center doors. The bridegroom sculpture in the Cathedral of Magdeburg doubles as the devil, with snakes and all sorts of nasty things coming out of his back.

Ecclesia and Synagoga

This is my personal interpretation of these two faces, I don't claim to know too much about them! These were probably inspired by similar full-bodied sculpture at Cathedrals like Bamburg in Germany. The woman on the left with the crown and regal face would represent the Church, while the blindfolded face would represent the Hebrew religion. Here they are trying to reinforce that Jews are blinded because they did not accept Christ as the Messiah and that Christianity rules all.

The back of St Fin Barre's and the Resurrection Angel

There is so much more to talk about on this cathedral!!!! I wish I could know everything about it but that would be impossible. I definitely recommend stopping by and staring for a bit if you ever get the opportunity!
Thanks guys! Night!