After Catholics attained religious emancipation in Ireland in 1829, they built many stone churches, including the one in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. The Gothic style cathedral was commissioned in 1855 and in 1912 its imposing tower was added.

Inside, visitors can view the timbered ceiling of the nave, paintings of the Annunciation, and, on the chancel roof, angels bearing verses from the Benedicite. The cathedral also boasts a variety of notable windows.