Tuam Cathedral and Crosses, Co Galway

In Tuam Cathedral (M438520) there is a magnificent 12th century Romanesque chancel arch. It has five orders and is richly decorated. The decoration includes the usual diamonds, chevrons, triangles and beading as well as floral panels, but none of the masks as seen at Dysert O Dea or Killaloe. The capitals of the pillars have human masks with intertwined beards and hair. The arch has a sixth outer order, which is narrower than the rest and does not have supporting pillars. It looks like a decorated hood mould.

The Chancel Arch Looking East

Also in the church is the shaft of a high cross. It is richly decorated with interlaced panels and intertwined beasts. There are inscriptions on both the narrow faces.

The Cross Shaft

On the opposite side of the church the Market Cross from Tuam has been re-erected. This appears very tall and is a composite of two crosses. The head is much too small for the shaft. The ringed head depicts a Crucifixion on one side. On the other side is an abbot with other figures and there are two unidentified figures on the ends of the arms. The shaft is decorated with interlaced panels and intertwined beasts. The pyramidal base has two figures on either side and at the narrow ends there are two round sockets for an unknown attachment.

The Market Cross

St Jarlath founded a monastery at Tuam in the late 5th century. In the late 12th century a Romanesque nave-and-chancel church was built and the chancel was incorporated into the Cathedral early in the 14th century. For many years it served as a porch. The main part of the Cathedral is a 19th century building.