Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral


See a fascinating mosaic of John F. Kennedy in a modern church he visited in Ireland. Admire its rose window and artworks.

The green dome of Galway Cathedral is the most iconic sight in the city. The impressive building is fairly modern and was constructed and dedicated in the mid-1900s. Admire the fusion of architectural styles in the pillars, dome and façade of this gray-and-green building.

Arrive at this picturesque part of the city between the waterways of the River Corrib and Eglington Canal. Snap photos of the imposing building and note the Renaissance influences in its pillars and dome. The water and a row of trees serve as a scenic backdrop. Admire the use of light green for the roofs, mixing well with the gray exterior walls.

Enter through the main door to find yourself in the ornate nave. Note the stunning colors of the rose window above the organ. Marvel at the spectacular mosaic of Christ on the cross.

The pale green color scheme continues with the marble on the underside of the arcades. Examine the bright stained-glass windows and sculptures that decorate the internal walls.

Discover works of art in the corners of this church. The Chapel of the Resurrection has a fascinating mosaic of John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic president of the United States. The artwork reflects the popularity the former president achieved in Ireland.

Learn about the intriguing details of the church, which was built on the site of the former city jail. Architect John J. Robinson designed the church as well as many other religious structures around the country. The full name of the complex is the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas.

Enter the church as a visitor for free and consider leaving a donation. It is generally open daily from morning until early evening. Parking is available, for a fee, in the lot in the complex’s grounds. Note that it is free on Sundays.

Galway Cathedral is on the western flank of the River Corrib in the northwestern part of the city center. The National University of Ireland is nearby. Take a bus to the stop on the northern side of the church or walk from Eyre Square in 10 minutes.

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Things to do near Galway Cathedral

Exploring Galway Cathedral offers a variety of delightful activities, including leisurely walks around the stunning architecture and nearby parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, enjoying entertainment options such as live music and performances. The area also boasts an array of shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to take in the city's captivating sights while visiting this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Galway Shopping Centre, a vibrant spot only 966m from Galway Cathedral, offering various shops and family-friendly entertainment. For unique gifts, visit Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre, located 3.2km away. If you're up for a drive, Athenry Shopping Centre is 20.9km away, featuring diverse shops and a family atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at Pearse Stadium, where you can soak in the thrilling atmosphere of local sports events. For a more serene outing, enjoy a round at Galway Golf Club, nestled in picturesque surroundings, or immerse yourself in the lively performances at Music for Galway Limited, just a short stroll away.

Adventure

Embark on the Riverside Walk, a scenic hiking trail 8.0km from Galway Cathedral, offering stunning views and outdoor adventure. For indoor excitement, visit the Lahinch Leisure Centre, located 41.8km away, or explore the River Fergus Walk, a delightful trail 48.3km away, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Galway Cathedral with a visit to Leisureland, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone just 1.6km away. For a dose of culture and romance, enjoy a show at the Town Hall Theatre or Druid Theatre, both offering family-friendly entertainment within a short stroll.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Galway Cathedral

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, Galway Cathedral offers a variety of attractions to explore. In addition to the stunning architecture of the cathedral itself, you can wander through charming streets, visit modern colleges and universities, and discover nearby castles. This vibrant area caters to all types of travellers, ensuring a memorable experience in the heart of Galway.

  • Eyre Square: A vibrant piazza located 644m from Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square is the heart of the city, brimming with culture and lively city vibes. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy local events, and immerse yourself in Galway's rich history.
  • Quay Street: Just 483m away, Quay Street is a bustling thoroughfare filled with charming shops, restaurants, and pubs. Its lively atmosphere makes it an ideal place to experience the local culture and enjoy a pint of Guinness.
  • University of Galway: Located 644m from the cathedral, this modern university boasts stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. A stroll through its campus offers a glimpse of academic life in Galway, combined with a vibrant city vibe.

Best time to go to Galway Cathedral

The best time to visit Galway Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Galway Cathedral

To save money during your visit to Galway Cathedral, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price for the best deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Galway Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Galway Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Galway Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Galway Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Galway Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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