In 1484, the Church of Saint Nicholas in Galway became a collegiate church, with a warden and vicars (link to history). However, with the Reformation, after 1570, the Catholic people of Galway lost the right to practise their religion publicly. Mass was celebrated in private houses until the rigour of persecution moderated and a parish chapel was built in Middle Street about 1750. With the establishment of the Diocese in 1831, the parish church became its pro-cathedral. A fund for the building of a more fitting cathedral was inaugurated in 1876 which was built up by successive bishops.
In 1941, Galway County Council handed over the Galway Jail to Bishop Michael Browne as a site for the proposed new cathedral. The jail was demolished and in 1949 John J Robinson of Dublin was appointed architect for the new cathedral. Planning continued until 1957 when Pope Pius XII approved the plans submitted to him by Dr Browne. Cardinal D'Alton, the Archbishop of Armagh, blessed the site and the foundation stone on 27 October 1957. The construction, which began in February 1958, was undertaken by Messrs John Sisk Ltd of Dublin. The poeple of the diocese contributed to a weekly collection, and donations were received from home and abroad. The total cost, including furnishing, was almost one million Irish pounds.
Pope Paul VI appointed Cardinal Richard Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, Pontifical Legate to dedicate the cathedral which took place on the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August 1965.
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