Designed by the architect Philip Charles Hardwick, ground was broken in 1857 and the first Mass celebrated on 7 March 1859.

A large portion of the original pews, memorials, confessionals, and floor tiles survive.

[3] Hardwick was influenced by his time under Augustus Pugin, which can be seen in the Gothic Revivalist style of the cathedral.

[3] Between 1893 and 1894, the interior was renovated by Bishop Edward Thomas O'Dwyer which included a reordering of the sanctuary inspired by St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham.

[3] The altar is constructed using Limerick marble and features a carving depicting the sacrifice of Abraham.