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University Quad

This was the original quadrangle of the college that opened in 1849 and became one of the three colleges of Queens University of Ireland, the others being Belfast and Cork. Since 1997 it changed its name to National University of Ireland Galway, and again in 2022 to University of Galway. The Quad buildings are in mock Tudor Gothic modelled on Oxford's Christ Church, so their aspirations are clear. They're nowadays the admin offices of a huge modern campus stretching from the river and canal to Newcastle Road, then continuing west as University Hospital.

Hours: Daily 8AM-9PM
Price: Free

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Galway, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Galway Cathedral
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas
Roman Catholic cathedral built 1958-1965 on the site of an old prison; it's an imposing limestone building in a mixture of retro-classical styles, which some detest. The dome, pillars and round arches are Renaissance, while a Romanesque portico dominates the main façade. The organ was re-conditioned in 2007, and recitals show off the acoustics. Regular mass, with one Sunday mass in Irish.
Daily 8AM–8PMSuggested donation €3
Do
Corrib Princess river cruises
Corrib Princess is a 157-seat river boat that sails from Woodhead Quay, east bank of the river just above the weir, for 90-min cruises up the Corrib into the lough.
May–Sep, closed MondaysAdult €20
Do
Town Hall Theatre
The THT features plays, music, dance, comedy and of course panto. They run three venues: the main auditorium has only 400 seats, so it's cosy and suits many performances but is a bit small for grand occasions. Studio Space also in the square has 52 seats. Black Box, 500 m north on Dyke Road, has 600 seats and is more suitable for a rock concert.
Box office Mon–Sat 10AM–7:30PM, Sundays an hour before the showBabies under 2 free
Drink
Cooke's Thatch Bar
The last thatched pub in Galway city, dating back to the 1600s. (Within the county are Powers at Oughterad, and Morans at Kilcolgan). Has trad music on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Daily