Tuam (/ˈtjuːəm/; Irish: Tuaim [ˈt̪ˠuəmʲ],[8] meaning 'mound' or 'burial-place') is a town in Ireland and the second-largest settlement in County Galway.

The double green flaunches at the sides, represent the two hills or shoulders of Tuam's ancient name, Tuaim Dhá Ghualainn.

[9] The record of human settlement in Tuam dates back to the Bronze Age when an area adjacent to Shop Street was used as a burial ground.

In Ireland, early settlements typically arose through the establishment of a religious site, around which a town subsequently grew.

In the twelfth century, the town became the centre of Provincial power during the fifty-year reign of Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (r. 1106–1156).

He also brought Tuam its most prominent status as seat of the High King of Ireland which he achieved by force of arms during his long career.

About 1140 Tairrdelach founded an Augustinian priory in Tuam with possession over three church sites in Ciarraige Airne, east County Mayo.

Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, as High King of Ireland from 1128–1156, was a great patron of the Irish Church and it was due to his patronage that Tuam became the home of some masterpieces of 12th century Celtic art, including the Cross of Cong.

In 1164, Ruaidrí had a "wonderful castle" erected, with a large courtyard defended by lofty and massive walls and a deep moat into which the adjacent river was diverted through.

Agreement was reached with the Cross erected halfway between both Cathedrals and positioned so that it was visible from all main streets of the town.

Excavations carried out between November 2016 and February 2017 that had been ordered by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, under Judge Yvonne Murphy, found a "significant" quantity of human remains, aged from 35 foetal weeks to two to three years, interred in a disused former cesspit with twenty chambers.

The sovereign was sworn into office at the site of the "Chair of Tuam" which is believed to be within the remaining tower of Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair's castle.

[21][22] Along with other similar town councils in Ireland, the body was abolished in 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act 2014.

A bypass of the N17, avoiding congestion to the west of the town, involved acquisition of land by Galway County Council in late 2006.

The railway line was used during the filming of The Quiet Man, and can be seen when John Wayne disembarks at Ballyglunin, around 6 km (4 mi) from Tuam.

The ancient monastic site of Kilbannon, founded by Benignus of Armagh in the fifth century, lies 3.7 km (2.3 mi) to the northwest of Tuam.

From 1953 to 1960, Tuam Stars were a dominant force in the Galway County Championship winning seven titles in a row, with players such as Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell playing at the time.

St Jarlath's College, Tuam has won the Hogan Cup (national championship for secondary schools) a record 12 times since the competition began in 1946.

A €5 million redevelopment project has been granted planning permission including a new 6,400 capacity stand and ancillary facilities.

Of the 197 entrants, Heffernan initially selected the best ten to be part of the academy, which was subsequently expanded to over 50 athletes who received online coaching from the man himself and former international team-mate / Tuam resident, Pierce O'Callaghan[37] Tuam All Star Gymnastics Club runs classes from its Athenry Road base.

[citation needed] The Marian Choral Society was formed in 1974, with an initial aim to sing church and secular music.

also takes part in the annual St Patrick's Day parade in Tuam with an emphasis on bringing movement and spectacle.

The Old Tuam Society was founded in 1942 with a view to preserving a record of the town's past and to foster and promote that knowledge for the benefit of future generations.

An invitation was issued to Tuam people scattered far and wide to join the circle for an annual subscription of two shillings and six pence.

In the future, Galway County Council has earmarked the Shambles car park nearer the town centre as the market's location on a permanent basis.

A collection of general interest and local history books are available for reference along with copies of the Tuam Herald and the 1901–1911 census on microfilm.

It is reputed to have been the tallest of the High Crosses of Ireland, but its artistry is scarred by the absence of the top portion of the main shaft.

[15] The sandstone Cross was originally erected in proximity to the earliest Cathedral erected in the town, a part of which still remains and is incorporated into St Mary's Cathedral (12th-century red sandstone chancel arch in Irish Romanesque architecture, which is a National monument).

Agreement was reached with the Cross erected halfway between both Cathedrals and positioned so that it was visible from all main streets of the town.

Following cleaning and minor restoration, the High Cross was re-erected in the south transept of St Mary's Cathedral, where it now is, near its original location.