Multifaith Facilities and Events

The University's Multifaith Chaplaincy recognises the multicultural, ethnic and religious needs of our diverse population. Therefore we provide pastoral support to students of all faiths and none. One component of the pastoral care is the provision of prayer rooms which is outlined below:

Prayer Rooms on Campus: 

1.  There is a multifaith prayer room located in Corrib Village directly opposite the reception office at Corrib Village. The prayer room is located near to the student bus stop which provides transport to students all over campus and the bus runs approximately every seven minutes. This prayer room is also adjacent to a campus security station, a student shop, a student cafeteria and student hub. It is essential to book this room in advance and to make a booking please email Kim Matthews

2. There are two Muslim prayer rooms one of which is female and one male. These prayer rooms are located underneath the James Hardiman Library.

3. There are two additional Muslim prayer rooms, one of which is female and one male located in the Clinical Sciences Institute (CSI) adjacent to the Galway University Hospital.

4. The Chapel of St. Columbanus encompasses a number of facilities for prayer and pastoral support which include the Chapel of St Columbanus, the Student Common Room, the Student Kitchen and the outdoor garden space for relaxation. 

Recent Multifaith Gatherings at the Chaplaincy Included Contributions From:

  • Bishop Michael Duignan, Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora
  • Rev Lynda Peilow, Rector of St Nicholas' Collegiate Chruch Galway.
  • Bishop Michael Burrows. Church of Ireland Bishop of the Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. 
  • Rev Helen Freeburn, Galway United Methodist Presbyterian Church.
  • Imam Noonan from the Maryam Mosque Galway representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. 
  • Jewish representatives lighting the Menorah candle to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
  • Hindu representatives at the celebration of Divali.
  • Imam Khalid, representing the Sunni Muslim community. 
  • Local religious leaders from the Galway locality celebrating the Multifaith Service for Global Peace.

Multifaith Pastoral Support

The Chaplaincy team continue to:

1. Provide ongoing one-to-one pastoral support to all students.

3. Ensure that the Chaplaincy facilities are a safe supportive space for students of all faiths and none especially during troubled times. 

5. Provide pastoral support throughout the holidays especially to student who are away from home during the Christmas holidays. 

If you need any information about the pastoral supports available or any assistance please email Jimmy McGovern or Kim Matthews or Ben Hughes

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The Blessed Sacrament is reposed here. This little Chapel is a place of quiet contemplation. The flickering red lamp is a reminder of the real presence of Jesus in this sacred space.

Study Rooms, Chapel Common Room and Kitchen

There are study rooms which students are welcome to use during term time from 9am - 5pm.

The newly renovated Common Room is a place to rest, relax and chill out. Students are welcome to use the adjoining kitchen to make tea/coffee or to prepare or reheat food. All we ask is that you wash up and tidy up after yourself! 

The Common Room also hosts :

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (Polish) each Saturday at 6pm Please contact the group directly for further information.

Chapel Library

Chapel Library

It is also an ideal place to study. The College Wi-Fi System covers the entire College Chapel facility. (As in any open room on campus, please don't leave your laptop unsupervised).

An Gairdín Sosa

BBQ in the Chapel Courtyard

The garden is a place for conversation, contemplation, study, laughter, lunch, friendship, relaxation, solitude, fresh air, escape, and peace.

An Gairdín Sosa, located next to the Chapel of St. Columbanus, is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm each day during term. The garden was built with financial support from the Student Projects Fund and was completed in 2009 and officially dedicated by Cardinal Seán Brady