Galway city museum

The Galway City Museum is a fascinating cultural space located right in the heart of Galway, offering a deep dive into the city’s history, heritage, and vibrant identity. Located on the banks of the River Corrib, the museum  enjoys one of the most scenic spots in Galway, with the water flowing just steps from its doors.

With three floors of exhibitions, it’s definitely a worthwhile visit — made even better by the fact that admission is completely free.

​Museum website: Galway History with a View. Local Stories with Soul. • Galway City Museum

Ground floor 

On the ground floor, you find the reception desk and the temporary exhibition space. The main exhibition on this floor is the "surrounded by stone" exhibition. 
This exhibition tells the story of the iconic stone monuments that define Galway as a place of rich artistic and architectural heritage, spanning from 1100 BC to AD 1750. It highlights the striking design and craftsmanship behind a remarkable range of structures — from the stone forts of the Aran Islands, to early church and monastic sites, to the beautifully carved stone buildings of medieval Galway. Together, these monuments reveal how creativity and skill shaped both the rural and urban landscapes over thousands of years.

On this floor is also a sensory room. The Sensory Room at Galway City Museum offers a calm, immersive space designed to help visitors engage with the museum’s themes in a more tactile and soothing way. It’s especially welcoming for children, neurodivergent visitors, or anyone who benefits from a quieter environment. Soft lighting, gentle sounds, and interactive elements create a relaxing atmosphere where you can explore at your own pace. 

Heading to the first floor, you can admire a Galway Hooker. 

First Floor:

An interesting exhibition is the exhibition around the Galway Hookers. The museum showcases the history, craftsmanship, and cultural importance of these distinctive vessels, with their deep‑red sails and elegant, curved hulls.

The exhibition on "Keepers of the Gael"  explores Gaelic society and culture in Ireland through the lens of the learned families who served both Gaelic and English lords between 1200 and 1600 AD. The exhibition brings this world to life through a rich collection of artefacts, images, and interactive displays. It highlights the reputed origins of the Gael, their customs and cultural practices, the territories and settlements they called home, and their deep connections with both the sea and the Church. 

Another exhibition is on the "revolution in Galway". It tells the story of Galway's role in the revolutionary events that shaped Ireland, highlighting the local Galway stories and moments that contributed to Ireland's path towards independence.  

Second floor: 

The museum also features a wonderful exhibition dedicated to the Claddagh, one of Galway's most iconic communities. Once a traditional fishing village just outside the old city walls, the Claddagh was known for its thatched cottages, strong maritime traditions and a way of life deeply connected to the sea.
The exhibition explores the history, culture, and people of this unique community, from their distinctive boats and fishing practices to the famous Claddagh ring, a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship recognised around the world. 

The museum also features an exhibit celebrating the collaboration, creativity, and innovation that drive medical technology (medtech) research in Ireland. The exhibit "superhuman"  showcases how scientists, engineers, clinicians, and industry partners work together to develop cutting‑edge devices and solutions that improve healthcare both nationally and globally. 

The Wild Atlantic Sea science exhibition allows us to celebrate our seas and dive beneath the waves of Ireland’s wild Atlantic to explore our ocean, from the seashore to the deep sea. In collaboration with the Maritime Institute, the exhibition lets you explore Ireland's shores and deep sea.

Upon leaving the museum, we noticed the famous statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire. It once stood proudly in Eyre Square, but after being damaged in 1999, the statue was moved to the safety of the Galway City Museum, where it can now be appreciated and protected.


So, whenever you find yourself in Galway, we would highly recommend dropping into the museum and discovering the city’s rich culture, layered history, and the stories that have shaped this vibrant place.