Galway City Museum
City museum beside the Spanish Arch, covering Galway's archaeology, maritime past and modern history.
Galway City Museum was established in 1976 and moved in 2007 into a purpose-built three-storey building beside the Spanish Arch, on the bank of the River Corrib where it meets Galway Bay. Its permanent galleries trace the city from prehistory through the medieval merchant town to the revolutionary period and the twentieth century, using archaeological finds, civic silver, fishing boats, photographs and oral history. Large windows on the upper floors look out over the Claddagh, the river and the bay.
The collection includes material excavated within the medieval walled town, carved stone from demolished Galway buildings, a Galway hooker and other traditional craft, and a substantial photographic archive. The museum is run by Galway City Council and admission is free. Alongside its permanent displays it mounts temporary exhibitions, often with the University of Galway or with local festivals, and runs talks, family activities and a monthly late opening.
Highlights
- Galleries on medieval Galway, the revolutionary years and city life
- Archaeology and carved stonework from the walled town
- Traditional Galway hooker and maritime collections
- Upper-floor windows overlooking the Corrib, Claddagh and bay
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