Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum

Discover the rich history of Galway

Situated behind the famous Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum houses exhibitions which explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway City, focusing on the medieval town, the Claddagh village & Galway, 1800-1950. In addition, the Museum mounts temporary exhibitions & hosts a variety of exhibits from other museums, galleries & special interest groups. The building itself affords spectacular views of the Claddagh, the Spanish Arch, the River Corrib and Galway Bay.

Galway City Museum reopened on 16th April 2007 with the launch of its permanent exhibition. Among the highlights on show is a rare 17th century altar piece, the new location of the statue of Pádraic Ó’Connaire and the Galway City hooker boat, named ‘Máirtín Oliver’ by the general public. Other highlights include the Galway Civic Sword and Great Mace. The Civic Sword dates from the time of the Charter of King James I. The Great Mace, a massive piece of ornamental silverwork, was made in Dublin in 1710, and was presented to the town by Edward Eyre, Mayor of Galway, in 1712.

The ground floor of the Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts dating back to Prehistoric and Medieval times, while the first and second floors host exhibitions reflecting the history, stories and experiences of the people of Galway. The galleries host a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. New exhibitions include prehistoric and medieval Galway, Padraic Ó’Conaire – the man and the statue, Lamb in Connemara (paintings by Charles Lamb), dancehall days, cinema in alway, the Arts in Galway, and modern languages (craft exhibition).

Galway Museum Preview

Opening times

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: Closed

ADMISSION IS FREE

Contact

📞 +353 (0) 91 532 460
📧 [email protected]

Galway Museum Map

Popular museum for...

Family friendly
school tours
archaeology
Galway history
sea science
Irish culture
medieval town walls
Pádraic Ó Conaire
Galway Hooker display
exhibitions
Revolution in Galway
The Claddagh
opening hours
free entry
wheelchair accessible

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