Guide to Museums in:


Cork

Dublin

Galway

Kerry

Limerick

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

GALWAY MUSEUMS

The Galway City Museum is a museum in Galway City it is located beside the Spanish Arch. The Museum houses exhibitions which explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway City and County. Galway City Museum is a repository for objects of cultural heritage related to the city of Galway and its people, past and present. The collection currently comprises approximately 1,000 objects, most of which have been kindly donated by the people of Galway over the past 30 years. The collection includes objects related to medieval Galway, trade and industry in Galway 1800-1950, the Claddagh village and the Galway militia. There is also a varied selection of artwork. It features a considerable number of artifacts related to the fishing industry, which was an integral part of tradition in the city. The museum aims to provide a cross section of the antiques and implements that were historically used in Galway, reflecting its traditions. Galway's medieval heritage is also represented in the medieval section, along with a series of 17th century stone carvings. There is also an impressive collection of military material, including arms.

For general enquiries please contact Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway, Republic of Ireland, Tel: (091) 532 460, E-mail: museum@galwaycity.ie

Galway City Museum

The Connemara Heritage and History Centre (also called Connemara Heritage Centre) is an open air museum in the village of Lettershea, near the town of Clifden, County Galway, in the Connemara region of western Ireland. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of the West of Ireland The centre's attractions include audiovisual and history presentations, as well as outdoor exhibits including reconstructions of a crannóg, a ring fort, and a clochaun. Also on the grounds are the Dan O'Hara Homestead and pre-famine farm. A craft shop with a large selection of knitwear, marble, jewellery and other gifts to choose from is also available.

For more information and enquirieries please contact Connemara Heritage & History Centre, Lettershea, Clifden, Connemara. County Galway, Ireland, Tel: 00 353 95 21808, E-mail: danohara@eircom.net

Dunsandle Castle

Dunsandle Castle is a 15th century castle near Athenry, County Galway. The castle was first held by the De Burgo (Burke) family, acceded to the Daly’s and has recently been restored under the guidance of the architect David Newman Johnson. Dunsandle Castle is replete with unique architectural features including a great hall with tie beams unusual in Irish architecture of this period. Dunsandle also has an 18th Century Ice House, remains of a later extension and Bawn with defence tower complete with gunloops. The castle is surrounded by native Irish woodland.

For more information and enquiries please contact Dunsandle Castle and Woods, Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co Galway, Tel: 091 503865, E-mail: info@dunsandlecastle.com

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle is a 16th-century tower house on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay in County Galway. The castle's 75-foot tower and its defensive wall have been restored to excellent condition, and the grounds are open to tourists during the summer. It is thought to be the most photographed castle in Ireland. The castle was built by the Hynes clan in 1520, a family who may have been associated with the area since 662, when the site is believed to have once been the royal palace of Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin, the legendary king of Connacht and progenitor of the clan. During the summer months when Dunguaire Castle is open to the public, a Medieval Banquet is held every night with costumed performers who recite Irish literature and play traditional Irish music.

For more information and enquiries please contact Dunguaire Castle Kinvara, Co Galway, Republic of Ireland, Tel: +353 (0)61 36 0788, E-mail: reservations@shannondev.ie

Dunguaire Castle, County Galway
Photograph © Postdlf