tuam cathedral

Tuam Cathedral

Tuam has the reputation of being a very important church centre. St. Jarlath founded a monastery there in the 6th century. To the north west of Tuam Cathedral are the remains of Temple Jarlath with an east window of c.1200.

The Cathedral was built in the 12th century, with the Romaneaque Arch. King Turlough O'Conor of Connaught is credited with the building of the chancel and the triple circular east window of the three lights. The rest of the cathedral is modern, but was rebuilt in harmony with the original parts. A 12th century cross can be found in the south nave, with a number of inscriptions in Irish. the first translates as: ' A prayer of the King, Turloch O'Conor'. The second: 'A prayer for the craftsman Giolla-Chriost O'Toole' and another 'A prayer for the successor of Jarlath, Aedh O'Hession, for whom this cross was made.

Next door to the Cathedral is the college of St. Jarlath, a seminary for Roman Catholic clergy.