Medieval Galway Tour

Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with an experienced regional guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. See the remnants of the medieval period in Galway and learn about the city's past.

Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square. See the remains of the city walls hidden in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre. Learn about the importance of the walls to the people of Galway. Visit Lynch's Castle. Hear about the Lynch family, one of the 14 Tribes, and a very powerful family. Today, the building is AIB bank and the oldest commercial building in Ireland.

Walk to Lynch's Memorial Window and hear the legend of James Lynch Fitzstephen hanging his own son Walter. Head to St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, which has been at the heart of Galway city for over 700 years. Hear about Jane Eyre and James Kearney, and how Cromwell's soldiers used the church as a stable.

Discover how the building that's now the King's Head Pub is connected to the beheading of King Charles I of England. Explore Thomas Dillon's Jewellers on Quay Street. They are the original makers of the famous Claddagh ring since 1750. Hear the story surrounding this well-known ring.

Visit the Hall of the Red Earl, a significant archaeological site run by Galway Civic Trust. Discover the remains of the walls, columns, and buttresses. Walk down into the site to get a closer look. Continue to Kirwan's Lane, one of 5 lanes still in existence, named after the Kirwan family, one of the 14 Tribes. See remnants of medieval Galway on Kirwan's Lane with some of the buildings.

Head to Blake's Castle at the end of Quay of Street, owned by the Blake family, one of the 14 Tribes. Hear about what life was like for the criminals in the jail. The castle fell into ruin but was restored around the 1980s. Finish at the Spanish Arch, one of Galway's most iconic attractions. Learn about the Claddagh across the river and the tsunami that destroyed two of the arches.

Tour takes place at 2pm Irish Time, meeting at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square. The Browne Doorway is a free-standing stone doorway with perspex glass surrounding it on the northside of the square. Please be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour so we can start on time. Booking in advance is essential.

Please note that the Galway Christmas Market is running from 8 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. It might be difficult to find the Browne Doorway during this time with the Christmas stalls set up. Look for the large beer tent in Eyre Square. The doorway is to the left of the beer tent.

Contact details:

00353 83 463 3842

marteen.lane@gmail.com

marteenlane.com

Refunds are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour. Tour runs in all weather, unless there's a severe weather warning. Please dress accordingly. In the event of a severe weather warning the tour will be cancelled for the safety of the group, and an alternative date or a full refund will be given.