Galway Cathedral Tours
Constructed in the 1960s, Galway Cathedral is among the youngest cathedrals in Ireland and one of Europe’s youngest stone cathedrals. While it’s a relatively modern build, the cathedral borrows elements from architectural eras past, with Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic detailing combined with Irish artwork and adornments.
The Basics
Many visitors glimpse the copper-domed silhouette of the Galway Cathedral from afar while exploring the city on foot. But the real beauty of this building is in the interior, which contains colorful mosaics, stained glass, and local Connemara marble. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the interior, and the church also hosts occasional concerts and music recitals.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Galway Cathedral is a must for art and architecture enthusiasts.
- The cathedral toilet is open only during service times.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp at the main entrance, which faces the Salmon Weir Bridge.
How to Get There
Find the Galway Cathedral on the left bank of the River Corrib, west of the city center. Walking from Eyre Square will take about 10 minutes. Bus numbers 433 and 964 stop outside the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is typically open from early morning until evening. Masses is usually held three times daily Monday–Friday, twice on Saturdays, and even more frequently on Sundays. Avoid visiting during services, so as not to disturb worshippers.
Inside the Cathedral
The cathedral’s interior is filled with local materials—such as Connemara marble—and art works. The large mosaic depicting the Crucifixion behind the altar was made by London-born artist Patrick Pollen, while the stained-glass rose window at the opposite end of the cathedral is the work of Irish artist George Campbell. In an alcove of a side chapel, visitors will find a mosaic depicting President John F. Kennedy in prayer, which was inspired by the U.S. president’s 1963 visit to Ireland.
Address: Ireland
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Galway Cathedral
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City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Maximize time spent in Galway with a 48-hour ticket for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. Explore the city at your own pace, hopping off the bus at any of eight tour stops to see popular landmarks including Eyre Square and the Salthill Promenade. Utilize the bus as many times as you wish during a 48-hour period.
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From
$14.56
From
$14.56
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Photography Tour of Galway with an Instagram Influencer
Become an Instagram Photographer.
On Galway's #1 Photography Tour on TripAdvisor, you will meet a local Instagram Influencer/expert photographer who will bring you to 5-7 spots of Galway city over 90 minutes.
During the tour:
- You will go you to the most Instagrammable spots of Galway
- You will be shown photography techniques
- You will be taught great Instagram skills
- You will hear stories about Galway
At the end you will have several great photos as memories of your tour of Galway and be ready to try out your new photography skills on your next set of locations!
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From
$23.96
From
$23.96
Taking safety measures
Waterways & Westend tour
This tour highlights our maritime history and how the water had been used to enhance our relations with europe and indeed the world. One of europe’s fastest flowing rivers offered the opportunity to harness its power which would bring Galway into the industrial age offering employment in textiles, distilling and munitions.
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From
$182.00
per group
From
$182.00
per group
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