George Richard Pain undertook the restoration of the cathedral, enlarging the sanctuary and creating a Chancel Arch.

The wooden carving of St Joseph the Worker, the shrine of Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy, and the processional cross are the work of Cork-based artist, Ken Thompson.

The abstract stained glass windows in the Blessed Sacrament chapel are the work of James Scanlon.

[citation needed] The contemporary artwork collection in the lady chapel is the work of Irish artist, Patrick Pye.

[citation needed] The cathedral was re-opened and re-dedicated by Bishop Michael Murphy on 29 September 1996 (shortly before his death in October 1996).

[10] In 2017, a visitor centre was established underneath the sanctuary of the cathedral, with tours of the Cork Folklore Project's exhibition and work.

[11] Designed in early Neo-Gothic Revivalist style, the building combines sandstone with limestone dressings.

[13] The nine bells of Benson's tower were cast in 1870 by John Murphy of Dublin, and were initially hung for change-ringing.

[citation needed] The modern interior of 1996 was designed by architect Richard Hurley & Associates, and is finished in white limestone.