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…
In past times, if you dared to cross the rickety Claddagh bridge out of the town of Galway, you would have to stop and wait at the far end of the bridge and wait for someone to approach you and ask the nature of your business before you could enter Read more…
Discover the Magic of the Claddagh with Galway Civic Trust! Step back in time and explore one of Galway’s most historic and enchanting areas with Galway Civic Trust’s guided tour of the Claddagh. This 2 hour journey through the heart of old Galway will uncover the rich history, traditions, and Read more…
If you’ve ever wandered through the historic streets of Galway, you may have noticed the distinctive blue tiles placed above doorways of homes and buildings. These tiles, inscribed with the letters YHS, have long been a source of curiosity, often mistaken for Garda-related emblems or commemorative markers from the 1932 Read more…