After Catholics attained religious emancipation in Ireland in 1829, many stone churches were built across the country including the one in Ballaghaderreen. The Gothic style Cathedral was commissioned in 1855 and in 1912 the tower was added. The Cathedral was commissioned by Rev. Dr. Lyster, Bishop of Achonry who got his inspiration for the tower from a church he visited in Paris. He wanted an exact replica of the Paris church for the town of Ballaghaderreen, his dream came true with the erection of a 110ft spire with a triple clock face containing the same number of bells as the church in Paris. Visitors can see the amazing timbered ceiling of the nave, paintings of the Annunciation and on the chancel roof, angels bearing verses from the Benedicite. Visitors can also take in the beauty of the numerous stain-glassed windows.