Galway, Co. Galway Republic of Ireland
Roman Catholic
After the Reformation (1570) Irish Catholics were unable to worship publicaly, so Mass was celebrated in private homes until persecution lessened. A parish chapel was built around 1750 and the Diocese of Galway established in 1831. In 1876 efforts began to raise funds and secure land for a cathedral. Building began in 1957 and the cathedral was dedicated in 1965. It is built of local sandstone and Connemara marble. The Cruciform design seats nearly 3,000 people.