Free Museums in Loughrea

"This easy-to-miss spot on the corner of Galway’s main parade is marked by a medieval-like fortified house structure and a bizarre ape-like gargoyle. The 15th-century ‘castle’ is not often open throughout, with much of it now occupied by a local bank, but a walk around the back will give you a glance at a heartwrenching piece of Galway history. The castle is home to the spot where the Lord Mayor hanged his own son who had murdered a Spanish visitor who winked at his girlfriend."

"At the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street is a robust limestone house that stands apart from the buildings around it. This is Lynch’s Castle, a fortified house that could go back as far as the 14th century but got its current design in the 16th century. The house afforded extra protection from raids to its owners, the Lynch family who had Anglo-Norman roots and were one of the 14 tribes that held sway in Galway in the period."

"Back in the 15th Century there lived a James Lynch, the city mayor. Now whether he felt like he had to live up to his name or not, he is famous, or infamous …"

"Located in Knocknacarra in Galway, Monkey Business play centre is ideal for children of all ages. There are ball pools, bouncing castles, climbing frames, a painting corner, an extensive play area that is suitable for babies and toddlers and a cafe for the parents. Children's parties can be catered for on site, with food for the children included in the package."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Located in Knocknacarra in Galway, Monkey Business play centre is ideal for children of all ages. There are ball pools, bouncing castles, climbing frames, a painting corner, an extensive play area that is suitable for babies and toddlers and a cafe for the parents. Children's parties can be catered for on site, with food for the children included in the package."

"The easiest of these markets to access, as it sits right in the heart of the city, is the centuries-old Galway Market, trading in the same location since the days that the city mayor was forced to hang his own son for murder in a nearby laneway. While it still does the staples, these days the focus is much more imaginative: a huge variety of food stalls serving anything from sushi to curry, with lots of local arts and crafts, and plenty of live music to enjoy too. It’s all set alongside the church, in imaginatively named ‘Church Lane’."

"Galway's bohemian spirit comes alive at its street market, which has set up in this spot for centuries. Saturdays are the standout for food, when farmers sell fresh produce alongside stalls selling arts, crafts... Top ChoiceHistoric Site in Galway City"

"Galway's bohemian spirit comes alive at its street market, which has set up in this spot for centuries. Saturdays are the standout for food, when farmers sell fresh produce alongside stalls selling arts, crafts..."

"Average Rating - 4.3Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - GalwayAverage price - ££££Review - very good spicey box. View Umbrella Asian Tapas Menu"

"Average Rating - 4.4Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - GalwayAverage price - ££Review - Everything was amazing, so delicious!. View Xian Street Food Menu"