St. Carthage’s Cathedral in Lismore, County Waterford, stands on a site of worship dating back to 635 AD, when St. Carthage founded a major monastic settlement there. The present cathedral reflects centuries of rebuilding, with significant work from the 17th century onwards, including architectural work by William Robinson and the Pain Brothers. Inside are medieval tombs, a vaulted chancel roof, elaborately carved stonework, stained glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones and the McGrath tomb.
The cathedral hosts regular services, cultural events and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival each summer.
Admission is free, with donations welcome in support of the ongoing restoration fund.
- Acis and Galatea
Arts and cultureAcis and Galatea Experience World-Class Opera in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. Blackwater Valley Opera Festival presents Handel’s Acis and Galatea at St Carthage’s Cathedral County Waterford, featuring the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Oliver-John Ruthven.
- Irish Salon Opera Series: The Deserted Village by John William Glover
Arts and cultureIrish Salon Opera Series: The Deserted Village by John William Glover Irish Salon Opera Series: The Deserted Village by John William Glover. Presented in concert form, it offers a rare glimpse into Ireland’s early operatic voice – a rarely heard gem of the nineteenth-century repertoire. St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore
- Irish Writers’ Series: Samuel Beckett
Arts and cultureIrish Writers’ Series: Samuel Beckett A fusion of poetry and music honouring Samuel Beckett – one of Ireland’s most influential literary figures. Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Recital Programme 2026.
- RDS Collins Memorial Recital
Arts and cultureRDS Collins Memorial Recital RDS Collins Memorial Recital featuring the 2026 RDS Collins Memorial Recital Winner, part of the BVOF Recital Programme 2026.
You can follow Lady Louisa’s walk along the river Blackwater from here. At just 2kms, it's a lovely woodland saunter.
