Digitising the Medieval Monuments of Tuam Project Now Online

The Old Tuam Society is delighted to announce the online release of our ‘Digitising the Medieval Monuments of Tuam’ project. The project was made possible by a Community Monument Fund grant from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage By making digital 3D models of a number of artefacts in St. Mary’s Cathedral freely available online, we aim to improve the visitor experience and allow greater detail of the stone carvings to be seen. We hope that by highlighting and displaying these medieval treasures in a modern context, it will spark renewed interest and local pride.

High Crosses are probably the most iconic monuments of medieval Ireland. High crosses had a range of different functions; they marked sanctuary boundaries in major ecclesiastical settlements, they offered pilgrims intricate images of biblical scenes, which were likely brightly painted and they were focal points of pilgrimage, devotion, prayer and preaching. Later crosses became associated with markets and fairs conducted under their munificent gaze. The Gaelic Monastic market town of Tuam is fortunate that parts at least four high crosses from the 12th century have been discovered, indicating the significance of Tuam’s ecclesiastic status. Other artefacts digitised in this project include the magnificent Romanesque chancel arch as well as two parts of other crosses housed in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam.

As part of our project we also produced a “Making of“ video, explaining the process of making the 3D models and the significance. We are very grateful to Gary Dempsey, Creative Director of Digital Heritage Age for his expertise in carrying out the photogrammetry work, modelling and video production. We are also grateful to Galway County Council, Marie Mannion (Heritage Officer) and Bernie Doherty (Archaeologist) for their generous help and advice with the project and funding application.

The Old Tuam Society hopes that by highlighting the medieval treasures in St. Mary’s Cathedral with this project, it will spark new research and interest and improve the visitor experience. We will be following up this digital launch with an event in early October to celebrate the project and to discuss the importance of the Tuam Cross in an Irish context.

When viewing the models here, try expand to full screen for a better view. The full screen ⤡ icon is in front of the white logos in the bottom right of the 3D model window.

You can also view the models individually at this Sketchfab link. Recommended.

Tuam Romanesque by Old Tuam Society