Tour of the Franciscan Abbey Church Graveyard

Join historian Ian Brophy for a fascinating 90-minute tour of one of Galway City’s most hidden and historic graveyards, tucked away in the quiet garden behind the Franciscan Abbey on St. Francis Street.

This small but remarkable burial ground contains 72 memorials, many dating back to the 18th century, with some as early as the 1500s and 1600s. These early gravestones are closely linked to the original Franciscan Friary, founded in 1296 by William De Burgo, which once stood near the site of today’s Galway Courthouse.

During the tour, Ian Brophy will guide you through the graveyard and share a brief history of the Franciscan presence in Galway. You’ll also learn about several of the most significant memorials and the stories behind them.

This is a rare opportunity for anyone interested in history, heritage, or funerary art to explore a peaceful and often overlooked corner of the city. The graveyard holds many finely crafted and historically important gravestones—each one offering a glimpse into Galway’s rich past.

Don’t miss this special chance to hear the story behind the Abbey and uncover a unique part of Galway’s history. Please arrive by 1:50PM and meet outside the front door of the church.