The Hall of the Red Earl

Ronan Harvey
Saturday 22 August 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway

Discover the remarkable story of one of Galway’s most important medieval monuments in this fascinating talk by archaeologist and Galway Civic Trust guide Ronan Harvey.

The Hall of the Red Earl, dating from the 13th century, is one of the city’s most significant archaeological sites and is closely associated with the founding of medieval Galway by the de Burgo family. Once the centre of civic administration, justice, taxation, and ceremonial life, the Hall offers a unique insight into the everyday workings of a thriving medieval town.

Drawing on his archaeological expertise, Ronan will explore the history of the Hall, its discovery during excavations in the 1990s, and the wealth of artefacts uncovered at the site. He will explain what these discoveries reveal about medieval Galway, the people who lived and worked here, and why the Hall remains one of Ireland’s most important surviving urban archaeological sites.

Whether you are interested in archaeology, medieval history, or Galway’s origins, this presentation offers an engaging introduction to a landmark that continues to deepen our understanding of the city’s past.

This talk forms part of Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026, a full-day programme presented during National Heritage Week 2026. Held across the Mick Lally Theatre, the Hall of the Red Earl, and the Peadar O’Dowd Gallery, the day features talks, exhibitions, living history displays, storytelling, film screenings, and an evening concert, celebrating Galway’s heritage while reflecting this year’s Heritage Week theme, “Heritage at Risk.”