Historic mill on Nun’s Island to be transformed into University of Galway law building after refurbishment approved
A historic mill in Galway city is going to be turned into a university law building.
Permission has been granted for the renovation of the McLaughlin building on Nun’s Island. The building, constructed in 1810 as a flour mill and vacant since 2011, will be re-opened as one of the University of Galway’s new law buildings.
View from Salmon Weir bridge near the Galway Cathedral
The university, who has owned the building since the 1980s, submitted the application in December 2025. Seven months later, Galway City Council approved the development with 25 conditions.
The works will keep much of its historic foundation intact, however many 20th century features will be replaced with aluminum based walls, doors, and windows.
The existing fifth floor and roof will be removed. When replaced, an additional sixth floor will be added.
Some objected the project on the basis that the height of the new building was not in line with the character of surrounding buildings.
An Tasice pointed to the Galway City Development plan requirement of a “Tall Building Statement” should a development propose higher structures. The application does not contain a Tall Building Statement.
Aerial view of site location strategically placed in between Galway City Centre and University of Galway.
The building will be fitted in line with an educational setting, the planning application reads.
According to the planner’s report, a “structural intervention” to the existing building fabric is needed for compliance with accessibility like stairs and lifts.
The building also contains two hydroelectric wind turbines which will undergo localised damming on the Eglinton Canal/Gaol River to facilitate walkway access and culvert repairs.