Katie’s Cottage Museum & Claddagh Arts Workshop

About the Claddagh Heritage Centre

Step back in time and experience one of Galway’s most popular heritage attractions. Katie’s Cottage Museum and Arts Centre is a restored authentic Claddagh traditional dwelling in the heart of one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland. The cottage was lovingly restored by owner Cathriona Walsh with the help of her father, who was a designer and builder on the project.

Both a hub of artisan activity, as well as a chance to experience traditional Claddagh community life as it was between the 17th and 20th century, this is an opportunity not to be missed. During a time when fishing was the main way of life, the inhabitants lived in thatched cottages, spoke Gaelic and had many customs and traditions which were unique to the place. However, during the Great Famine in the 1840’s, Claddagh people suffered significant hardship with many emigrating to America and Australia. In the early part of the 20th Century most of the traditional thatched homes in the area were demolished as they lacked basic modern sanitation facilities, with the remaining cottages destroyed in the 1950’s to make way for modern style homes. The aim of Katie’s Cottage Museum and Arts Centre is to commemorate the rich history and traditions of The Claddagh people. Along with a warm welcome, each guest receives a cup of tea/coffee and a homemade scone baked above the open fire and can view maps and records to see if they may be descended from the Claddagh people. You can also buy wonderfully crafted pieces of art, created from bog oak, stone and wood.

What to expect at Katie’s Cottage

Find Katie’s Traditional Cottage Museum

Contact

Phone: +353 87 8280848
Location: Fairhill Rd Upper, The Claddagh, Galway, H91 AY80