5.0(14 reviews)
Medieval Galway Tour
From$20
1h 30m
Galway, Ireland
Full description
Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with an experienced regional guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. See the remnants of the medieval period in Galway and learn about the city's past.
Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square where they will take you on an exciting tour to discover the city walls, Lynch's Memorial Window, the story of the Claddagh ring, Hall of the Red Earl, and much more.
Hear how the 14 Tribes took control of Galway from the de Burgo's and made it one of the most important trading hubs along the western seaboard during the medieval period.
Included / Excluded
- A guide with over 11 years guiding experience and a BA (Hons) Heritage Studies.
- Fáilte Ireland Regional Guide
- Entrance fee into St. Nicholas' Church.
Itinerary
1
The Browne Doorway is a freestanding door in Eyre Square. The door comes from a house that was originally located on Lower Abbeygate Street and the house was owned by Martin Browne, a very important merchant.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Hidden in Eyre Square Shopping Centre are the remains of the city walls. Walls were a common feature of towns during the medieval period and they were a defensive feature. Visitors will hear how the walls were important to the people of Galway.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Lynch's Castle is connected to the Lynch family who were one of the 14 Tribes and a very powerful family. Today the building is AIB bank and the oldest commercial building in Ireland.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Galway is known as the City of the Tribes. The Tribes were 14 families who controlled Galway during the medieval period. Hear about the Mayor of Galway, who hung his own son in the 1400s.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church has been at the heart of Galway city for over 700 years. Visitors will hear about Jane Eyre and James Kearney, and how Cromwell's soldiers used the church as a stables. There is a fee to enter the church, which isn't included in the price of the tour. The fee goes towards the maintenance of the church. It is up to the visitor if they would like to go in or not.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
6
The King's Head pub is a popular spot in Galway city but the building has a connection to the beheading of King Charles I of England.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Explore Thomas Dillon's Jewellers on Quay Street. They are the original makers of the famous Claddagh ring since 1750. Hear the story surrounding this well-known ring.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
The Hall of the Red Earl is a significant archaeological site and run by Galway Civic Trust. It was discovered in the late 1990s and all that can be seen are the foundations, with the remains of the walls, columns and buttresses. Visitors can walk down into site to get a closer look.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Galway had 14 lanes and and alleyways during the medieval period. Kirwan's Lane is one of 5 lanes still in existence and named after the Kirwan family who were one of the 14 Tribes. There are still remnants of medieval Galway on Kirwan's Lane with some of the buildings.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Blake's Castle at the end of Quay of Street was owned by the Blake family, one of the 14 Tribes. At one point the castle was the county gaol. Visitors will hear a little of what life was like for the criminals in the jail. The castle fell into ruin but was restored around the 1980s.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
The Spanish Arch is one of Galway's most iconic attractions. It was built as an extension of the city walls and protected the boats that were moored in the harbour. Visitors will hear about the Claddagh across the river and the tsunami that destroyed two of the arches.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Please note, tour runs in all weather, unless there's a severe weather warning. Please dress accordingly. In the event of a severe weather warning the tour will be cancelled for the safety of the group, and an alternative date or a full refund will be given.
Traveler reviews
5.014 reviews
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Great tour!
Marteen was fantastic! Very knowledgeable, tour was not rushed, she made sure we had time to take photographs, ask questions! I highly this tour! Thanks again Marteen!
John_MMay 19, 2026VIATOR
Marteen was our guide for...
Marteen was our guide for this tour. It was a great way to see some historic spots in Galway. We like doing the half day and shorter tours and this was perfect. It wasn't rushed though. We went to around 10 stops and Marteen was fantastic at explaining the related events to these spots.
Nicholas_HApr 4, 2026VIATOR
Absolutely wonderful!!!!...
Absolutely wonderful!!!! Marteen was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, my partner and I had such an incredible time on our tour and it was such a fun way to explore and learn more about the area!!! 100% recommend if you’re interested in history!
Colette_FJan 21, 2026VIATOR
Marteen was an excellent...
Marteen was an excellent guide on our Medieval tour of Galway City. It was great way to learn of its history and stories.
kerrie_MOct 9, 2025VIATOR
Great tour with Marteen Lane
Great tour. We enjoyed Marteen’s unhurried and delightful walk about Galway, full with knowledgeable history and stories. She provided context, and quirky insights to the city’s history. Definitely recommend her medieval tour.
Scott HOct 6, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Please note, tour runs in all weather, unless there's a severe weather warning. Please dress accordingly. In the event of a severe weather warning the tour will be cancelled for the safety of the group, and an alternative date or a full refund will be given.