Galway Cathedral is officially called " The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas" so it's easy to see why the cathedral is more commonly called 'Galway Cathedral'.
This cathedral is, in fact, one of the newest cathedrals in Ireland as it was completed in 1965 after 8 years of construction.
The cathedral overlooks the River Corrib and is built on the former site of the City Gaol. The architecture of the cathedral is mainly Renaissance style with its copper dome roof and pillars. Inside you'll see lots of mosaic, rose windows and Connemara marble. The main altar is called the 'High Altar of our Lady' and four pillars around it support the dome, which is 145 ft in height. The windows of the Cathedral all feature biblical themes and events – a lot of which have been designed by well known Irish artists.
In particular, keep an eye out for 'The Statue of The Virgin', a magnificent work of art by famous Irish sculpture Imogen Stuart, a magnificent mosaic of St. Joseph by Patrick Pollen and the life size stations of the cross which were created by Gabriel Hayes.
The Cathedral's organ, which has over 3,000 pipes, play a key role in the masses held at the Cathedral. The cathedral has a capacity of about 1,500 and masses are held here several times daily.
Galway Cathedral is located on Nun's Island on the River Corrib. It can be accessed via University Road or Gaol Road.
Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com
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