Cathedral of St Fachanan

The monastery of Dysert O'Dea is said to have been founded by Saint Tola in the 8th century. Most of the ruins of the Romanesque structure visible today date mainly from the 12th century. The remains of the monastic site include the church of St. Tola, a round tower, St. Tola's well and a high cross, known as the Cross of St. Tola. The cross was knocked down by Cromwellian soldiers but repaired in 1683. In 1960 the cross was temporarily dismantled and shipped to Barcelona for an exhibition of Irish art.

Corcomroe Abbey is an old Cistercian abbey from the 13th century. The English Reformation led to the dissolution of Catholic monasteries in England and Ireland. In 1554, the abbey was given to the Earls of Thomond. The monks continued to cultivate the fields and maintain the abbey when circumstances permitted, but the political climate led to a steady decline. The last abbot, the Reverend John O'Dea, was appointed in 1628.

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul was built between 1828 and 1861, designed by the architect Dominic Madden. Construction of the church was largely halted during the Great Famine. The church tower was completed in 1874. The parish church was elevated to pro-cathedral status in 1889, and to cathedral status in 1990.