Museum
Galway City Museum
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Galway City Museum is a modern, three-story museum located beside the Spanish Arch on the River Corrib. It offers a comprehensive look at the city's past, from prehistoric times to the present. The ground floor focuses on medieval Galway, with artifacts from the city's walls and trade history. Upstairs, exhibits delve into folklore, traditional music, and the iconic Galway Hooker – a distinctive sailing boat used for fishing and trade along the west coast. Interactive displays and audiovisual presentations bring the stories to life. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on contemporary themes. Its location makes it a natural stop after viewing the Spanish Arch, and the top floor café offers panoramic views of the river and Claddagh.
Don't miss
- See a full-scale model of a Galway Hooker and learn about its construction and history
- Explore the medieval artifacts, including pottery and weapons from the city's walls
- Discover the folklore section with exhibits on traditional Irish music and storytelling
- Enjoy the view from the top-floor café overlooking the River Corrib
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Galway City Museum
You can visit Galway City Museum on your own. A guide mainly adds context, what you are looking at and why it matters, and a tour can add transport or combine nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGalway's City Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour4.4★ · 10 travelers~1 hourFrom$10 per personSee dates →
Best full dayGalway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour4.9★ · 3,447 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$76 per personSee dates →
Top rated12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour4.9★ · 745 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$64 per personSee dates →Getting there
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