Events
FAMINE IN GALWAY – A Walking Tour with Ian Brophy
FAMINE IN GALWAY – A Walking Tour with Ian Brophy of Galway Civic Trust / Dúchas na Gaillimhe, at 12pm on Thursday 12 March.
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On this Day…………….12 February
On this day, 12 February, 1324, William ‘Liath’ de Burgo, the founder of the Franciscan Abbey in Galway, died. He was buried, not in the Franciscan Abbey in Galway; but in the Dominican Abbey at Athenry. William ‘liath’ or the ‘grey’ was a 1st cousin and right-hand man to Richard Read more…
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A Brief History of Terryland Castle
Introduction By the Quincentennial Bridge on the River Corrib lies the remains of Terryland/Terriland (originally known as Tír Oileáin/Terrylaun/“Oldcastle” [sic], this site seemingly should have developed to take on the name Tirellan in English but it did noti,ii,iii) Castle. This much shorter article will detail some of the more significant Read more…
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The 14 Tribes of Galway
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…
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A Brief History of Mutton Island
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…
Events
Discovering Galway’s Hidden Franciscan Graveyard
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…
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A Brief History of The Fishery Watchtower
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…
Events
Stones and Shadows: Secrets of Medieval Galway
The inaugural Stones and Shadows: Secrets of Medieval Galway walking tour took place yesterday (21 August) and was a great success. Led by researcher and guide Declan O’Shea, the 90-minute tour began at the Hall of the Red Earl and drew a lively group of both locals and visitors. Participants Read more…
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On this Day… 4 August
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…
Events
Stones and Shadows: Secrets of Medieval Galway
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…