ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, ARMAGH.

The late Mr. Duff, of Newry, architect, furnished the original plans—providing for an edifice in the perpendicular style of Gothic, with its characteristic low-pitched roofs; and that distinguished architect superintended their execution to the level of the aisle walls, and to the completion of the internal arches and pillars; but subsequently, after his decease, and after a lengthened suspension of the works—viz, from the year 1847 to 1854—Mr. J. J. M'Carthy, architect, was appointed to finish the cathedral. In the interim of the periods above-named a revival movement in ecclesiological art having taken place, the original style was forsaken and that of the middle pointed adopted by Mr M'Carthy in preference; some alterations in the important leading and detailed features were also determined on. The plan of the building, as now being carried out, is cruciform, with nave, aisles, transept, choir, and sacristy—the last-named feature being added on the south side by Mr. M'Carthy; an organ gallery of commodious size is also at the west end. Great arches, 80 feet in height, open from transept into choir and nave, and a triforium with variegated marble shafts and traceried arches over nave pillars, forms a remarkable and handsome feature. The internal dimensions are 210 feet by 76 feet, the breadth across transepts being 12 feet. The roof, which is high-pitched, has groined ribs, and elaborately decoarted panelled interspaces of timber work stained and varnished. The pews and fittings throughout are of suitable character, and are also of stained and varnished timber. Tiles are employed in the fleoring of nave and aisles. The great altar, formed of Cæn stone and Italian marble, is of a beautiful and appropriate design. Local marble is used in the entire of the external construction, and is an admirable material both for structural and ornamental purposes. The western towers and spires will probably yet remain for some time incomplete, but it is to be hoped that the recent earnest appeal for funds, made to the public by the most rev. paster, will ensure their ultimate construction, so that this vast and handsome edifice may be perfect in all parts, and form one of the very few architecturally excellent cathedral structures of which Ireland can boast. Mr. Thomas Byrne, of Belfast and Newry, is the builder, and (as we learn) is performing his reponsible task most creditably.—Dublin Builder.

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