Galway’s rich history is deeply tied to the 14 merchant families known as the Tribes of Galway, who dominated the city’s political, commercial, and social life from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Their legacy lives on through historic buildings, family names, and enduring stories. Explore the fascinating origins and Read more…
Introduction While a “causeway” (raised road) now exists connecting Mutton Island to the mainland, this was not always the casei. Despite its (the causeway’s) recency, the island itself has had an extensive history in Galway dating back at least to colonisation efforts by the Anglo-Normans entering into the region around Read more…
On 19 August, a small group gathered at the front door of the Franciscan Abbey on St. Francis Street, Galway City, for a special walking tour with historian Ian Brophy. From 2pm to 3:45pm, participants stepped behind the Abbey walls to uncover one of the city’s most overlooked historic treasures—a Read more…
Introduction After the Ashworth brothers Thomas and Edmund acquired the Galway Fishery in 1852 for £5,000, they promptly began construction on the now-iconic landmark known as the Fishery Watchtower/Tower Station/Salmon House until it was completed in 1853i,ii,iii. This would be the world’s first commercial salmon fisheryiv. Standing three stories tall, Read more…
By Ian Brophy On this day, 4 August, 1818, Thomas Molineaux, a black African-American bare-knuckle boxer and ex-slave, died in the Band Hall in the Shambles Barracks in Galway City. Molineaux was born into slavery in the state of Virginia in the USA in 1784, before securing his freedom Read more…
A New Walking Tour with Declan O’Shea – Every Thursday at 12 Noon Galway’s medieval past is etched into every cobbled lane and crumbling stone – but its secrets often lie in the shadows. Discover the layered past beneath Galway’s streets. The Galway Civic Trust presents Stones and Shadows: Secrets Read more…
By Ian Brophy On this day, 23 June, St. John’s Eve; the fishermen of the Claddagh village elected their ‘King’ each year. The Claddagh people would celebrate the election of their ‘King’ by parading through the town preceded by men carrying bundles of reeds tied to the ends of poles which Read more…
On this International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025, we celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped Galway’s rich heritage, as well as those who continue to contribute to our community today. From historical figures to contemporary leaders, their stories inspire and remind us of the vital role women play locally, Read more…
On this day, 2 March, 1842, the Galway Workhouse opened its doors. The first person to be admitted was an old and infirm man. By Ian Brophy The new workhouse, built in 1839-1841, was built on an 8-acre site at the west side of the Newcastle Road in Galway; a Read more…
On this day, 21 February, 1317, Richard de Burgo; the ‘Red Earl’, was imprisoned in Dublin Castle, after he was arrested by order of the Mayor of Dublin; as it was believed he was conspiring with the invading Scottish forces of Robert and Edward Bruce. By Ian Brophy Richard Read more…