LYNCH MAUSOLEUM

The Lynch Mausoleum is a fine limestone memorial and a landmark on the road to the west of Barna village, near the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen. It is unusual for combining various apparently disparate elements to form a rather complicated monument. The detailing of the box-tomb, the plaques, and the topmost element are all of artistic interest and the inscriptions contribute to local social history.

The mausoleum was built in 1838 by Dominick Lynch, a descendant of one of the fourteen tribes of Galway, who wanted to honour his ancestors and preserve their memory. The mausoleum contains the remains of several members of the Lynch family, some of whom were prominent figures in Galway’s history. The most famous of them is James Lynch FitzStephen, who was elected mayor of Galway in 1493 and who allegedly condemned and executed his own son, Walter, for murdering a Spanish merchant.

The Lynch Mausoleum is a fascinating place to visit and learn more about one of Galway’s most influential families. You can admire the craftsmanship and symbolism of the monument, which reflects the history and culture of Galway. You can also pay your respects to the people buried there, who left their mark on Galway’s society and politics. The mausoleum is open to visitors during daylight hours and there is no admission fee.