Tuam
Tuam (/ˈtjuːəm/ TEW-əm; Irish: Tuaim [ˈt̪ˠuəmʲ], meaning 'mound' or 'burial-place') is a town in Ireland and the second-largest settlement in County Galway. It is west of the midlands of Ireland, about 35 km (22 mi) north of Galway city. Humans have lived in the area since the Bronze Age while the historic period dates from the sixth century. The town became increasingly important in the 11th and 12th centuries in political and religious aspects of Ireland. The market-based layout of the town and square indicates the importance of commerce.
Tuam
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Town | |
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Coat of arms | |
| Motto(s): Irish: Tuath Thuama go Buan "Long Live the People of Tuam" | |
Tuam Location in Ireland | |
| Coordinates: 53.515°N 8.851°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | County Galway |
| Municipal District | Tuam |
| Dáil constituency | Galway East |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.5 km2 (2.5 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 44 m (144 ft) |
| Population (2022): | |
| • Total | 9,647 |
| • Density | 1,500/km2 (3,800/sq mi) |
| Eircode routing key | H54 |
| Telephone area code | +353(0)93 |
| Irish Grid Reference | M436521 |
| Website | tuam-guide |
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1821 | 4,571 | — |
| 1831 | 6,883 | +50.6% |
| 1841 | 6,034 | −12.3% |
| 1851 | 4,929 | −18.3% |
| 1861 | 4,563 | −7.4% |
| 1871 | 4,223 | −7.5% |
| 1881 | 3,567 | −15.5% |
| 1891 | 3,012 | −15.6% |
| 1901 | 2,896 | −3.9% |
| 1911 | 2,980 | +2.9% |
| 1926 | 3,293 | +10.5% |
| 1936 | 4,181 | +27.0% |
| 1946 | 3,868 | −7.5% |
| 1951 | 4,010 | +3.7% |
| 1956 | 4,789 | +19.4% |
| 1961 | 4,732 | −1.2% |
| 1966 | 4,742 | +0.2% |
| 1971 | 4,952 | +4.4% |
| 1981 | 6,093 | +23.0% |
| 1986 | 6,039 | −0.9% |
| 1991 | 5,540 | −8.3% |
| 1996 | 5,627 | +1.6% |
| 2002 | 6,027 | +7.1% |
| 2006 | 6,885 | +14.2% |
| 2011 | 8,242 | +19.7% |
| 2016 | 8,767 | +6.4% |
| 2022 | 9,647 | +10.0% |
The red Latin cross of the Coat of arms is representative of Tuam's importance as an ecclesiastical centre. The double green flaunches at the sides, represent the two hills or shoulders of Tuam's ancient name, Tuaim Dhá Ghualainn. The two crowns recall the High Kings, Tairrdelbach and Ruaidrí, who were based in Tuam. The broken chariot wheel is a reference to the foundation of the monastic town when St Jarlath's chariot wheel broke. The motto of the town, Tuath Thuama go Buan, translates as "Long Live the People of Tuam".