Galway: City of the Tribes walking tour
Uncover the captivating history of Galway and get to know the City of the Tribes in this 90-minute tour, where tales of local myths, medieval battles, and cultural treasures come to life.
Learn about the legendary 14 Tribes of Galway, the powerful merchant families who shaped the medieval city, and how their legacy is still celebrated today.
Starting at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, right in the centre of Galway city, we will take a stroll through the city to the Spanish Arch at the mouth of the River Corrib, exploring the history of these families along the way.
This tour features some of the city’s great medieval landmarks, including Lynch’s Castle and St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. It also includes some the many mementoes of Galway’s medieval merchant families dotted around the city, which even locals pass every day without noticing.
Hear stories of the Tribes’ most colourful characters, including the Galway man responsible for several world firsts in animal rights, one family’s connections to King Arthur, and the intriguing origins of Galway’s iconic Claddagh Ring.
You will also learn why Galway’s patron saint is a surprisingly familiar figure, and how some very famous people were inspired, or led astray, by their time in Galway!
The Browne Doorway
Set at the top of Eyre Square in Galway city centre, The Browne Doorway is one of the city’s most prominent mementoes of the Tribes of Galway. Here we will learn a little about Galway’s origins, as well as how the Tribes of Galway rose to prominence in the 15th century, and how they are still celebrated in Galway today.
The Medieval City Wall
Next, we will visit one of the many remnants of the city’s medieval wall. This fine reconstruction, which includes large parts of the original wall, is located inside a modern shopping centre! Here, you can hear what life was like for the people living in medieval Galway.
Lynch's Castle
An architectural gem in the heart of Galway. Learn about the clues this ancient castle holds to Galway’s history and its link to one of the many battles for control of the city.
The Lynch Memorial Window
Set in a dark corner behind an urban churchyard, this monument serves as a grim reminder of one of the most shocking episodes in Galway’s history. Or does it? Discover the story of James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, a medieval Mayor of Galway who is remembered for all the wrong reasons!
St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
Built in 1320 and funded by several members of the Tribes, this medieval marvel has been in continuous use as a parish church for 800 years. Here you will learn about the history of the church and its link to the fall of the Tribes of Galway.
The King's Head
Discover how this city centre pub, which served as a home to two former Mayors of Galway, got its name.
The Claddagh Ring
Is there anything more quintessentially Galway than a Claddagh Ring? Learn about this world-famous symbol of love and loyalty, and the incredible story of the man who first brought the ring to the city.
Kirwan's Lane
Learn about local legend Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin. A champion duellist, Martin was responsible for the world’s first animal rights law and the world’s first animal welfare organisation. He also opened Galway’s first theatre in this lane, which led to some unexpected drama offstage!
Blake's Castle
This is a fine example of an urban Norman towerhouse. Here you can discover the Blake family’s links to a great historical myth, and how their home once served as the county jail.
The Spanish Arch
Here you’ll learn about Galway’s maritime heritage, including the city’s surprising link to the discovery of America, and why the arch is only half the size it once was.
The tour begins at the Browne Doorway, a 17th century doorway standing at the top of the park in Eyre Square in Galway city centre.
We will finish at the Spanish Arch, the site of Galway's first harbour in the city's Latin Quarter.
Dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- 90-minute walking tour.
- Engaging commentary from a local guide.
- Entry to St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. The church conducts its own guided tours, and guests are welcome to visit the interior of the church at their own convenience.
If you cancel
Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the tour begins for a full refund.
If I cancel
We occasionally get weather warnings in Galway. Tours will be cancelled in the interests of safety if a weather warning is issued, and you will receive the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
However, tours will not be cancelled due to rain or other poor weather conditions unless a weather warning is in place.
Weather warnings are published https://www.met.ie/warnings-today.html
I will only cancel due to a weather warning or other unavoidable circumstances. If I cancel, you will have the option to receive a refund or to reschedule the tour.