Galway Cathedral, Galway (must see)

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas is not an ancient edifice. It does not have a long medieval record. It was planned in 1958 and it was completed in 1965. Despite its newness it is the last stone cathedral to be built in Europe.

The Cathedral was designed by architect John J. Robinson. The dome and the octagonal columns resonate Renaissance influences. The dome is 145 feet high. It leaves its mark on the city skyline. The Cathedral was opened on August 15th, 1965.

The President of Ireland, Eamon de Valera, lit the sanctuary candle. Cardinal Richard Cushing from Boston, USA, delivered a sermon and the Bishop of Galway, Michael Browne, manned the altar, assisted by four Archbishops.

The cathedral has hosted an adult choir since dedication. The choir provides music at some services and at the scheduled Sunday 11 am mass. The repertoire consists of sacred music from the 16th to the 21st centuries. It also can handle Gregorian Chant and traditional Irish music.

The pipe organ has been renovated by organ-builder Trevor Crowe. It was built by the Liverpool firm of Rushworth & Dreaper in 1966. It has three manuals and 59 speaking stops. The Cathedral is also provided with a portable organ which has one manual and four stops. This organ is used in the side chapels and in a continuo role in concert.

The Cathedral is located on Nun's Island on the west bank of the River Corrib. It is close to Salmon Weir Bridge. It sits on the former site of the city jail. There is no admission charged but donations are welcome. The Cathedral is open most days from 8:30 am to 18:30 pm.