Galway Cathedral
Description
The construction of Roman Catholic Galway Cathedral began in 1958 on the site of the old city prison. It was completed in 1965, lending it the designation of being 'the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe'. It was dedicated, jointly, to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and to St. Nicholas.
A parish chapel was built around 1750 on Middle Street at Lower Abbeygate Street. In 1821 the chapel was replaced with a limestone church built in the Gothic style, and dedicated to St. Patrick. When the Diocese of Galway was established in 1831, St. Patrick's became the pro-cathedral. After the cathedral opened in 1965, St. Patrick's was deconsecrated.
The architect of the cathedral was John J. Robinson who had previously designed many churches in Dublin and around the country. The architecture of the cathedral draws on many influences. The dome and pillars reflect a Renaissance style. Other features, including the rose windows and mosaics, echo the broad tradition of Christian art. The cathedral dome, at a height of 44.2 metres, is a prominent landmark on the city skyline.