Free Museums in Galway

"At the junction of Abbeygate Street and Shop Street in Galway City, one can find Lynch’s Castle – a fortified house from the medieval era. It was home to the Lynch family, one of the Galway tribes, and it is believed that parts of the limestone structure date back to the 14th century. Today, the castle houses AIB Bank."

"Now an AIB Bank, this excellent example of a town castle was built around 1500 (the exact date is unknown). The facade's stonework includes ghoulish gargoyles and the coats of arms of Henry VII, the Lynches (the..."

"Imposing old building in the middle of Galway's pedestrian street. Once the home of the most powerful family in the city. translated by•View Original"

"Monkey Business is Galway’s best indoor adventure centre for kids. Your little ones are guaranteed to have a fun-filled day exploring 3 stories of climbing frames, slides, ball ponds, bouncy castles and much more. There’s also a popular toddlers section available and it caters for kids parties, tour groups and school tours."

"Indoor Adventure Centre for Kids - 3 stories of climbing frames, slides, ball ponds, bouncy castles and dedicated toddlers section. They cater for kids birthday parties, communions, confirmations, tour groups and school tours. Full coffee shop available."

"An iconic piece of Galway’s history, the Claddagh ring features two hearts and a crown and can symbolise romantic availability or otherwise, depending on the direction that the crown points. Some firms that make the city’s ring date back to the 18th century. It’s associated with the Joyce Tribe and has spread far and wide in recent years, but several Galway shops (the museum, naturally, is also one) have cornered a local market steeped in tradition."

"The Claddagh ring has become iconic the world over thanks to the spread of the Irish across the globe. Delve into the history and lore of this iconic ring at the Legend of the Claddagh Ring museum and visitor centre, where you can learn where the ring first came from and what it has come to represent."

"A symbol of Irish heritage, the famous Claddagh ring actually originated in Galway. In the nearby neighbourhood going by the same name, which was once a fishing village. At the Claddagh museum and workshop you’ll discover the legend of ring and may even see some being made."

"O’Connell’s Bar is one of the most interesting pubs in Galway. I visited this pub during my trip to the city and it set a high precedent for what a great pub truly is!. This pub is an old converted grocery store from 50 years ago and it even has a beer garden."

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"Right on Eyre Sq, this traditional, garrulous pub has a great, huge heated beer garden, which is home to two outdoor bars and regular music events. Original floor tiles, stained-glass windows and a pressed-tin..."

"As well as all their fine drink, live music and tasty cocktail offerings, Seven have also got a top notch food selection, so if you're after brunch in a boozer, this is the place to be. Whether you go for the old reliables like the Seven full Irish and fluffy pancakes or prefer a veggie option or an omelette your way, they've got it all ready and waiting. The sausage and egg bap - served with caramelised onions - definitely deserves a mention too."

"Located on Bridge Street, Seven Bar and Restaurant is a new bar to Galway that brings food, drink and live music together in one venue. It has a contemporary design with contrasting areas across the 3 bars. Live entertainment is provided 4 nights a week by some of Ireland’s top bands and DJs."

"A post shared by Style & The Scholar (@style_and_the_scholar) on Aug 11, 2016 at 2:57pm PDT. Also known as the Tigh Fox Trad House is a marvelous, clean-looking bar, with polished floors, a nice, warm fireplace, and TV to watch good sports. Try some of their menus for dinner, a Guinness, and have a chat while listening to traditional Irish music while imbibing the warm and spiritual atmosphere of this prestigious bar."

"Hotel of the Year 2018, The Twelve is an elegant retreat in Barna Village. It combines exquisite dining, luxurious rooms and some well-deserved relaxation therapy in Le Petit Spa. Escape the world for a time and immerse yourself in a Nourishing Marine Cocoon Wrap or get back to nature with a mineral-rich Seaweed Bath which is known to have amazing restorative healing properties."

"The hotel/gastropub is situated in Barna Village - a 10-minute drive from Galway. On the top floor, you'll find the fine dining restaurant with a wine list that has won multiple international awards. Our favourite spot is downstairs in The Pins Gastro Bar - the pizzas, stacked with local ingredients, are super."

"The Twelve Hotel is located in the idyllic seaside village of Barna, a short distance outside Galway city. Named after the twelve rolling peaks nearby, this hotel offers relaxation, luxury and escapism. After a busy day exploring the Irish thrills, you can indulge in this hotel’s unique charms."

"The Galmont Hotel & Spa has a perfect location overlooking Galway Bay and is just a three-minute walk from Eyre Square. The spacious rooms vary from deluxe sea views to those with a private balcony to family rooms. There are two dining options – Marina’s Restaurant menu includes a Galway Bay smoked haddock or an Irish Rub Cap burger, while Coopers Bar & Lounge has a signature Knickerbocker Glory."

"Besides large bedrooms with great views and a restaurant which serves some of the city’s best seafood, this four-star hotel in a central location has a brilliant spa which offers the latest in Elemis treatments with its very own thermal area. Prices: Average €180 per night. CHECK AVAILABILITY NOW"

"The Galmont Hotel & Spa overlooks Galway Bay and is just 200 metres from Eyre Square. It has an award-winning restaurant, Spirit One Spa and Energize fitness and leisure. Large luxurious beds have Egyptian cotton sheets and goose feather pillows."

"Cong Abbey is a beautiful, ancient monastery ruin from the 13th century. Here you feel like you have been transported back a few centuries and can imagine how the monks …. translated by•View Original"

"Claregalway Castle is a fully-restored 15th-century Norman tower house, situated on the banks of the River Clare. It was the chief fortress of the powerful Clanricarde de Burgos family, also known as the Burkes, who were descendants of the original 13th-century Anglo-Normans invaders. The castle has a long, bloody history, which you can learn all about on the regular tours at the castle!"

"A post shared by Veronica Bilotta (@veronicabilotta) on Aug 31, 2018 at 3:48pm PDT. The fully-restored castle will make you feel like a King or a Queen for night, as it has lodging options fit for royalty. The friendly welcoming hosts and the expert guides will help you learn more about the rich history of the castle."

"James Lynch Fitzstephen was the mayor and magistrate of Galway in 1493. So the story goes, when his son was condemned for the murder of a romantic rival Spanish merchant sailor, Lynch Sr personally acted as..."