The Zoology and Marine Biology Museum, in the Martin Ryan Building, is a hidden gem on the Campus of the University of Galway. This little museum contains over 500 specimens of stuffed animals and skeletal remains of fauna from all over the world. Four specimens in the collection were originally collected by the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, during his expedition to South America on the HMS Beagle.

Another special collection housed in the museum consists of over 100 “Blaschka” models, intricate glass representations of marine animals, originally developed as educational models. They are now considered to be works of art, with a value that makes them irreplaceable.

The tour will be split into two parts. One part, a guided tour of the specimens in the museum, many of which have been here since the university first opened in 1849/50.

The other part will be an exhibition of a range of live animals, e.g. stick insects, giant millipedes, scorpions, tarantulas, lizards and snakes. Visitors will have an opportunity to have a close-up view of the animals on display and learn about their life histories, behaviour and diets, plus a host of interesting and fun facts.

This tour is family friendly and promises to be a real treat for children and adults alike.

We meet at The Quadrangle Archway of the University of Galway at 11am, then take a short walk to the Martin Ryan Building, where the tour will start.

Places are limited to 20 people, therefore booking is essential.