Points of Interest Co Galway - Ireland

Cathedrals, Churches & Points of Interest

1.  Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas

    Galway City  Tel  091 563577      www.galwaycathedral.org

    The huge octagonal dome of Galway Cathedral towers over Nuns Island and is more reminiscent of
    Florence than the west of Ireland.  It was the last major stone church built in Ireland (1957 - 1965)
    and is located on the site of the Old Galway Gaol.
    Galway Cathedral boasts an impressive variety of interior art including statues mosaics and stained   
    glass.  Its architecture and design are truly electric.

2.  St Nicholas Collegiate Church

     Galway City  Tel   091 564648   www.galway1.ie

     Founded in 1320, this Church remains one of the best -preserved of Ireland's medieval town
     churches featuring engaging gargoyles and exterior carvings of dragons.  The mermaid figure is
     fitting in a church dedicated to the patron saint of mariners.

3.  Lynch's Castle 

      Galway City    Tel   091 567041

     A 12th Century castle which was extensively altered in 1966 when it was converted into a bank. 
     The exterior preserves some of the few remaining Irish gargoyles and the arms of Henry V11, the
     Lynch family and the Fitzgerald's of Kildare.  The stonework detailing around the windows is of
     very good quality and on the ground floor, historical material relating to the castle is on display.

4.  Clonfert Cathedral
     Near Ballinasloe, Co Galway

     In the 6th Century St. Brendan the Navigator founded a monastery in Clonfert.
     Today, Clonfert Cathedral is world-famous for its finely carved Romanesque style doorway,
     dating from 1200.

5.  Na Seacht Teampaill  (The Seven Churches)

     Inis Mor. Aran Islands,  Co Galway.  Tel.  099 61263  (Aran Tourist Office)

     This is the finest example of a 12th Century monastic settlement.  All that remains today is the
      ruins of two small churches.  Teampall Bhreacain and Teampall an Phoill, and some interesting              early grave-stones and cross-inscribed slabs, and the broken pieces of three impressive Celtic
      crosses.

6.   Church of Ireland Cathedral of St. Mary  Tuam Co Galway

      For access to church   Tel.  Jarlath Canney    Tel:   087 4121201

      The chancel and magnificent Hiberno- Romanesque arch, of a previous cathedral that was
      destroyed, survived and are now incorporated in St Marys erected for the Church of Ireland
      between 1861 and 1878.

7.   St Brendan's Cathedral   Loughrea Co Galway   Tel:   091 841212

      St Brendan's Cathedral is arguably one of the country's greatest contributions to European art
       of the twentieth century and is an absolute must for anyone interested in modern Irish stained glass.
       Its only unusual architectural features are its double transepts but it is the decoration of the church
       interior that make a visit such an enriching and spiritual experience.


8.   The Promenade (Walkway)  Salthill Galway City

      This walkway begins at Wolfe Tone Bridge, Galway City and continues for 4 km with the
       fabulous vista of Galway Bay on your left, through Salthill village and on to the terminus of the
       walk at Blackrock.  Local folklore has it, that you have not completed the walk unless you kick the
       wall at the end of 'The Prom' at Blackrock.

9.   Spanish Arch   Galway City

       In front of the Spanish Arch is an open quayside area where once French and Spanish galleons
       docked with cargoes of wines, silks and other cargo.  Later this area was a fish market where local         boatmen sold their catch in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. 
       Local legend also has it that the Spanish Arch was the last point of land contact for Christopher
       Columbus  prior to discovering America.  The Columbus Sculpture was presented to the City of
       Galway by the City of Genoa on the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.

10. The Claddagh Village   Galway City

       A visit to Galway City just isn't complete without a stroll through the Claddagh seafront on the
       bank opposite the Spanish Arch.  The thatched cottages which were once home to the city's       
       fishermen and their families are long gone, but the black hulls of currachs, Galway Hookers and
       Pucans still contrast  with the white swans of the Claddagh Basin.  Nearby is the Dominican
       Church and its treasure, the 17th Century wooden statue known as 'Our Lady of Galway' . The
       worlds  famous Claddagh ring owes its origins to this area of Galway.