Recently Viewed
Medieval Galway Tour
Galway
Explore Medieval Galway with expert guide Marteen Lane. Discover historic remnants on a 2pm walking tour. Book now for an unforgettable journey through time.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Browne Doorway - The Browne Doorway is a standalone door located in Eyre Square. It originally came from a house on Lower Abbeygate Street, which was owned by Dominic Browne, a prominent merchant.
- Eyre Square Centre - Within the Eyre Square Shopping Centre lie the remnants of the city walls. These walls were a common defensive feature in medieval towns. Visitors will learn about their significance to the people of Galway.
- Lynch’s Castle - Lynch’s Castle is believed to be the oldest mansion in Galway. It is associated with the Lynch family, one of the 14 Tribes and a very influential family. Today, it serves as an AIB bank and is the oldest commercial building in Ireland.
- Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church - St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church has been central to Galway city for over 700 years. Visitors will hear stories about Jane Eyre and James Kearney, and how Cromwell’s soldiers used the church as stables. There is an entry fee for the church, which is not included in the tour price. The fee supports the church’s maintenance, and visitors can choose whether to enter.
- Hall of the Red Earl - The Hall of the Red Earl is an important archaeological site managed by the Galway Civic Trust. Discovered in the late 1990s, it features the foundations, walls, columns, and buttresses. Visitors can descend into the site for a closer look.
- Kirwan’s Lane - During the medieval period, Galway had 14 lanes and alleyways. Kirwan’s Lane, named after the Kirwan family, one of the 14 Tribes, is one of the five remaining lanes. It still has remnants of medieval Galway, including some buildings.
- Blake’s Castle Ballyglunin - Blake’s Castle, located at the end of Quay Street, was owned by the Blake family, one of the 14 Tribes. It once served as the county jail. Visitors will hear about the life of criminals in the jail. The castle fell into ruin but was restored around the 1980s.
- The Spanish Arch - The Spanish Arch is one of Galway’s most famous landmarks. Built as an extension of the city walls, it protected the boats moored in the harbor. Visitors will learn about the Claddagh across the river and the tsunami that destroyed two of the arches.
What's Included
- Fáilte Ireland Regional Guide
Additional Information
Medieval Galway Tour transports the visitor back to medieval Galway, where they can still see the remnants of that period in history.
Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with experienced regional guide and member of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland, Marteen Lane.
Tour takes place at 2pm Irish Time, meeting at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square. Booking in advance is essential.
Please note, tour runs in all weather, unless there’s a severe weather warning. Please dress accordingly.
Location
The Browne Doorway
Eyre Square
It's a free-standing stone Doorway with perspex glass surrounding it on the northside of Eyre Square. Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour so we can start on time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
