Courthouse & Town Hall

Courthouse Square in the 💚 of Galway City

Courthouse Square in Galway is a lively hub rich in history and local charm. Flanked by the historic courthouse and Town Hall Theatre, it reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Nearby shops, cafés, and restaurants offer plenty of dining and shopping options, while scenic views of the Salmon Weir Bridge add the atmosphere. As a gateway to Galway’s attractions, it’s a perfect spot for people-watching or starting a historical tour, making it a must-visit destination in the city.

Galway Courthouse

The county courthouse was built in 1815 and has received much acclaim for its design and architecture. Galway Courthouse, originally the county courthouse, has served justice since its opening in 1815 at Newtownsmith. It stood opposite the town courthouse, now the Town Hall Theatre. In the early 19th century, Galway replaced its old gaols—Blake’s Castle on Quay Street and Mainguard Street—with new prisons on Nun’s Island. The Salmon Weir Bridge (1818–1819) linked the courthouses to these gaols, which merged around 1870. The gaol, once holding figures like Wilfrid Scawen Blunt and John Dillon, closed in 1939, making way for Galway Cathedral, opened in 1965.

The Town Hall Theatre 🎭

Opposite the County Courthouse is the former Town Hall, which was originally used as the town courthouse. In 1901 it became the Town Hall, Theatre and occasional cinema. More recently it was used as a cinema but now it houses the Town Hall Theatre, the most popular theatre in the city.