The original church founded on this site was dedicated to St. Fachtna in the 6 th century. In 1152, at the synod of Kells, the church was changed from monastic to diocesan status. Kilfenora was among the most important dioceses in Ireland at one stage but by the late medieval period it had fallen on hard times and the diocese was regarded as one of the most impoverished in the country. By the 16 th century, the cathedral was taken into the Church of Ireland jurisdiction and no longer able to maintain its independence In the 19 th century the nave was taken over and altered for Protestant worship. In 1750 the Catholic church united Kilfenora with other dioceses and to this day technically speaking as no Bishop has been appointed, the Pope must assume this mantle. The high crosses in the graveyard are also worth a look, particularly the 'Doorty' Cross and the 'Cross in the Fields'. So many high crosses adorned the cathedral grounds at Kilfenora that it became known as "The City of the Crosses". Seven crosses survived here until one was moved to Killaloe in 1821.The Doorty Cross, which dates to the 12th century, shows three crozier-holding bishops on one side and a crucifixion scene on the other, with carved interlacing. The Burren Centre in Kilfenora is well worth a visit and helps explain the area of County Clare - flora, archaeology, geology and legends. Facilities include cosy tea rooms, crafts and book shops, Tourist Information point, Bureau de Change and ample parking.

The town itself has long been a focal point for the farming community in North Clare for thousands of years. The Celts are believed to have assembled at “Cathair Bhaile Cinn Mhargaidh” (the town at the head of the market) for fairs. With the growth of the monastic settlement, the only urban settlements of note in the early years of Christianity, it also became a place where farmers would converge to sell their crops and enjoy the social contact of a visit to a market town. Although fairs petered out in the 1960’s, Kilfenora is still a great are for music and social contact in the pub context. Home to Ireland ’s most famous ceili band, the Kilfenora Ceili Band, dating back to the 1800’s, there is usually a good session to be had in the town’s fine hostelries.