When I was in Galway a few years back, I always walked to Middle St. from my hotel to find dinner and enjoy the activities on Middle St. I have read people say Middle St. is “Time Square” of Galway. I think that is more charming than Time Square. I love the much smaller, friendly atmosphere and much more cultural around the area than Time Square. I have few pictures around the place which perhaps will be my future post but for this post I think I will take a few steps off Middle St. to a smaller side street St. Augustine St. to meet St. Augustine’s Church.
I was looking for a place to have dinner as usual. This time I was convinced by two young man and woman holding signs pointing to an Indian restaurant through the Buttermilk Walk st. off the main street. I had quite lively and fun talking with the young adults. I was convinced to try out the restaurant they were advertising.
I followed them through Buttermilk St. and came out on St. Augustine St. The street was much quieter than Middle St. almost day and night. There were practically no people on the street at all.
The day was still young and I was in no rush for dinner. The street was really nice with small shops.
Cute bright green chairs and small table out side the shop
Pink bicycle
Book Store – I think they were closed at the time already but it looks like a nice book store to explore.
There I saw St. Augustine’s Church just across from Buttermilk alley. I was not expect to get inside the church but the man stood at the church door spotted me. He seemed to read my mind that I was interested to come inside the church. He looked at me and quickly encouraged me go on inside and look around. That was very kind invitation. I could not resist.
I stepped inside the church. The 2 or 3 people before me were stepping out as I was in. The church turned absolute quiet.
The church is arranged in antiphonal fashion with seats facing toward the central aisle. There is a altar in the middle and a Presider’s chair behind.
There was a lectern as well. The altar, the Presider’s chair and the lectern are made of more than 5000 years old Croatian oak wood according to the church booklet. From the look, they are very beautiful big solid wood.
After a quick view of the inside of the church, I stepped to the left side of the church. This is where I met the Pieta. Look to the right to the opposite side of the church shows elegant support structure of the church.
The cedar wood strip ceiling brings the soft and natural feel to the inside rather than all concrete structure.
There are decorating pieces along the wall. There are carved heads of twelve apostles preside over the side of the aisles. I continued to walk along the left wall of the church toward the opposite end.
At the end of the left side aisle locates shrine of the Sacred Heart. Again, the wooden strip ceiling is above. I do not know the meaning of those color paper hanging on the trees in front of the shrine but I do like them. They reminded me of the similar arrangement I saw while I was in Tokyo before. I am guessing these may be the written wishes.
This is the point to turn to the right of the church. The right is the middle of the church where you can see the high altar at the center of the church. The high altar is made from Carrara marble.
The stained glass was the work of George Walsh from Dublin.
I looked back to see the church from the center toward the entrance. The point of view let me see the beautiful pipe organ on the second floor. From the look of such beautiful pipe organ, I would love to hear its sound.
The church look very spacious and airy. From this view, you can see the lectern at the other end. I quite like this arrangement. By this time, I felt that I’ve spent too long already and this was around the closing time of the church. Time to leave the church.
Steps from the front door to the street level.
Now, it was time for the dinner. The restaurant was a quick right turn when I stepped down to the street level to the left of the church. I was glad to listen to the young advertisers on the Middle street. It was more than just getting to the restaurant but an unexpectedly memorable trip to St. Augustine’s Church in Galway. The food was great as well.
I hope you enjoy the quick tour of the St. Augustine’s Church in Galway.
How lovely and I have never been.
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You might like Galway and Ireland. I think the place is very peaceful.
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Galway seems to be a quiet and relaxing city. Green chair and red bicycle are conspicuous. The inside of the old church is also wonderful.
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Wakasahs15th san, Galway is very charming. I like the place a lot.
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Wonderful photos! The church looks very beautiful, and like a warm and welcoming place. The stained glass window is magnificent and the high altar lovingly carved from marble. And I’m glad you enjoyed a great dinner afterwards, that’s always an important point when traveling. 😉
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You are exactly right, the dinner part was very important part – when the food is served I stop playing every thing 🙂
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Galway looks like a really love town. And of course St. Augustine church is amazing. Beautiful images.
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Yes, I think Galway is lovely and I think I like places around too. Thank you!
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What a loving spiritual adventure. Thanks for sharing.😊❤❤❤❤
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Thank you!
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Looks so nice 🙂
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Thank you!
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Stunning trip you took us on gorgeous photography!
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Thank you 🙂
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Nice set, thank you. We didn’t have time for the church when we were in Galway, now I’ve seen it.
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Hi Dave, it was not a plan for me at well. The opportunity was just so coincident and the person at the front door knew that I wanted to take pictures and he let me. Thank you!
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What a beautiful post, YellowCable. I wasn’t sure where Galway was until I read the comments, unless I missed it in your post. Ireland. How awesome! Ireland is one place I wish to visit. And that church I found intriguing and just so different especially in the seating arrangements. Just LOVED everything here and I thank you for putting together such a complicated post. Your pictures are outstanding! ☺️
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Ireland, at least Galway and few places near by are much different than US or at least parts of US that I have been. The land are freshly green and very peaceful. I love it.
I am glad you like this tour. I wasn’t expect to get to see the inside of the church. Thanks to the man at the front who just see through me 🙂 Thank you Amy!
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A very beautiful church. Today is Sunday, I think I’m going to attend Mass.
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Thank you and have a great Sunday.
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Such beautiful memories! Love your photographs, they reflect the atmosphere of the places. Interesting excursion to the Church and great photos. Thank you for sharing, I haven’t been in Galway some 10-15 years 🙂
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I am so glad that you like this and thank you!
I do not know Galway is a traveling destination or not but when I was staying there there were tour groups staying. I think they were going to nearby places rather.
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I would guess they were heading to Connemara. For me Galway is a nice place to shop and walk by the sea.
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I looked up Connemara. The place is beautiful!
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Yes, it truly is. I have been there two times.
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Oh, that sounds good!
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Would love to go again and stay longer 🙂
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Wonderful post, pictures and place! It takes me back to when I visited Galway many (many) years ago. Thanks for that!
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Thank you, this was 3 years ago for me but I still have some good memory about it.
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Such a beautiful stained glass window and I absolutely would love to hear that organ played. Love your steps photo too. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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A lovely tour with a great set of images. I especially like the shot of the lectern.
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Thank you !
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I’m going to Southern Ireland for the first time in January, I’m not sure how far I’ll be from Galway but if im nearby I’m going to visit the lovely church in your super photographs.
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That is great!!! I hope you have chances to go around. I highly suggest Moher cliffs if you can.
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Thanks for the trip to Galway… fascinating church! 🙂 I’m not into church buildings for worship reasons these days, but I do find them such interesting places to photograph. I noticed there is a floating Jesus on a cross… lights seem to be reflecting it onto both walls. I guess you could call it Jesus art… interesting way to present that.
Some of the streets look a lot like where I live… we have a street named St Augustines and a St Augustine’s church too in Norwich. I often feel Norwich is a little like some areas of Ireland. It’s a long time since I’ve been to Ireland. Have you ever returned since this visit to Galway?
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I was not expecting to get into the church but the persons at the front invited me to come and take pictures. Churches or temples are fascinating and I love to look around if they permit.
You have good eyes. I forgot to mention the stainless steel cross on the wall that looks like a floating Jesus. It is work of English sculptor – Angela Godfrey.
That is cool that the streets look like the ones in Norwich. I always like the atmosphere of the place. No, I have not returned to Galway ever since. Hopefully, some days I could return again. Thank you for visiting this place again Suzy.
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I want to go to Galway!
Right now my fav pic is the railing at the end. Masterful composition YC and fresh / the lines on street and curved railing ends – tasty photograph
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I am glad you like the rail picture and thank you! I have not gone many places in Galway at the time. Only short walks from my hotel to this area near by but I think it is charming. If you like small roads to go around (even outside Galway) with green fields you may also like Ireland. I love the place.
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I hope to go to Ireland someday
😉
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Excellent.
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a lovely tour and so enjoyed the information.
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Thank you 🙂
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There’s something about bookstores that always give me a thrill.. 🙂
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You must love reading 🙂
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The Pietà is beautiful ! Much emotion in it!
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Thank you for your comment! I am glad you like the post.
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Hey there – That’s me in the photo outside the Church – I presume it was me who invited you inside, though I can’t say I recall the occasion. I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit and took such wonderful photos.
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Thank you Peter for letting me inside. It was very kind of you.
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