Home | Site Map | Oct 12, 2008

Galway Cathedral is one of the city's largest buildings and its huge octagonal dome is visible for miles around. It is relatively new, completed in 1965, and unusually for a church of that period was built not of concrete but of stone, a major project with took almost 8 years to complete.

It mixes several architectural styles, with the Renaissance influence much in evidence but a Gothic style to the arches in the nave and the rose stained glass window, a Spanish look ot the side aisles and a Romaneque tower. This somewhat odd mix fulfilled the vision of Bishop Micheal Browne, who was responsible for its construction. That it all somehow works is a triumph for eclectisism.

There is some very interesting art in the Cathedral, in fact it is something of a repository for ecclesiastical art over the last 40-50 years in Ireland.

In particular look out for: the bronze handles and panels and the statue of the Virgin, the work of artist Imogen Stuart; the wonderful mosaic of St Joseph the Worked by Patrick Pollen; Gabriel Hayes' stations of the cross and a number of truely beautiful stained glass windows.

Nuns Island

The Cathedral is located in a part of Galway City known as Nun's Island, so named because it was given by Galway Corporation to the Poor Clares, an order of nuns, in 1649.

Although the gift was described as a "free grant for ever", the nuns do not nowadays own the entire area, but they do still have a convent on Nun's Island. 

The Poor Clare's are a contemplative order who observe a vow of silence so it is not possible to visit the convent - but surprisingly they do have a website, which gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives.

Location Map for Galway Cathedral

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