Galway Cathedral
- from EUR 3
- Step-free access
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Why go
- The 44.2-metre dome, a landmark on Galway’s skyline.
- The choir’s repertoire, from Gregorian chant and Irish traditional music to works from the 16th–21st centuries.
Opening hours
Today08:30 – 18:30Show all
Don't miss
- DomeLook up to the dome, which rises 44.2 metres above the cathedral.Above the crossing
- Rose windowsThe rose windows reflect Christian art traditions.Cathedral
- Pipe organThe organ has 59 speaking stops across three manuals and is used in services and summer concerts.West gallery
Know before you go
- Open daily from 08:30 to 18:30.
- Do not enter during Mass unless you plan to participate.
- Groups may arrange a private Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel Monday to Saturday, with prior permission.
Tips for your visit
- The main entrance is in the east transept, facing Salmon Weir Bridge.
Interesting facts4
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The cathedral was built almost entirely from local limestone.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway - Wikipedia -
It was described as the last great stone cathedral built in Europe.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway - Wikipedia -
A smaller portable organ serves side-chapel liturgy and concert continuo.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway - Wikipedia -
Pope Pius XII personally took an interest in the cathedral’s planning.
Kathedrale von Galway - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
Galway’s Catholic community worshipped in a small parish church on Middle Street after restrictions eased in the mid-18th century. When the Diocese of Galway was established in 1831, that church became a pro-cathedral. The present cathedral was built on the former county prison site from 1958 to 1965. Its pipe organ was installed in 1966 and reorganized by Trevor Crowe in 2006–2007.
- 1958Construction began on the site of the former Galway Gaol.
- 1965The cathedral was completed and dedicated on 15 August. President Éamon de Valera lit the sanctuary candle at its opening, and Cardinal Richard Cushing gave the sermon.
- 1966Rushworth & Dreaper built the west gallery pipe organ.
How to get there
- ParkingParking is available on the cathedral grounds. A city council car park is just south of the cathedral in Cathedral Square.
Accessibility
- Step-free entry A wheelchair ramp is available at the main entrance.
Sources: Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and S… · Galway - Wikivoyage (see) · Galway Cathedral · About Galway Cathedral | Galway Cathedral · Information for visitors | Galway Cathedral · Kathedrale von Galway - Wikipedia · Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Galway - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026
- Website
- galwaycathedral.ie/
- Phone
- +35391563577
Questions and answers
What are Galway Cathedral’s opening hours?
It is open daily from 08:30 to 18:30.
How do I get to Galway Cathedral from Galway city centre?
The cathedral stands north and west of the city centre, on the west bank of the River Corrib. No travel time or route is provided.
Is there parking at Galway Cathedral?
Parking is available on the cathedral grounds. A city council car park is just south of the cathedral in Cathedral Square.
Can visitors enter Galway Cathedral during Mass?
Visitors are asked not to enter during Mass unless they plan to participate.
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