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Tuam - Old Cathedral City

Tuam is situated on the N17 just 20 miles north of Galway City on the Sligo Road. It is best known as a center of church affairs, ancient and modern and has two cathedrals. The town owes its foundation to a monastery established here in the 6th century by St. Jarlath; ruins of Temple Jarlath, in the centre of the town, date from around 1360.

The 14' 12 century High Cross of Tuam, a decorated sandstone piece, was once broken in three, with each piece in different ownership. It is now situated in the rebuilt (1878) Church of Ireland cathedral, which has a magnificent red sandstone chancel arch in laboured Romanesque, erected certainly between 1128 and 1152.

Immediately west of the town is the reputed site of a 1000 BC battle; sepulchral tumuli and stone circles found in the area may bear this out. The name Tuam (Tuaim) itself means "burial tumulus." There are several ancient round towers in and around Tuam, one is integrated in a new housing estate off Bishop Street.

From various places in the west of Tuam Town you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, and on clear days see the top of Crough Patrick - at a distance of nearly 40 miles! A few miles on the Dublin Road will show you the remains of an old "sweat house."

The town of Tuam in County Galway is a popular tourist destination, with quality hotel accommodation and guesthouse accommodation, excellent shopping and fine restaurants. The locality also offers a variety of tourist attractions. Tuam has many excellent sporting facilities including a fine swimming pool, championship golf course, plus GAA, soccer and rugby clubs.

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