Museum sights in County Galway
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Connemara Heritage & History Centre
Farmer Dan O'Hara lived here until his eviction from the farm and subsequent emigration to New York, where he ended up selling matches on the street. Its present owners have restored the property, turning it into a window onto lost traditional ways, with demonstrations of bog cutting, thatching, sheep shearing and so on. It's possible to stay at the farmhouse in more comfort than Dan ever enjoyed. The homestead is 7km east of Clifden on the N59.
reviewed
-
A
Galway City Museum
Adjacent to the Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum is in a glossy, glassy building that reflects the old walls. Exhibits trace aspects of daily life through Galway's history;
especially good are the areas dealing with life – smelly and otherwise – during medieval times. Look for the photos of President John F Kennedy's 1963 visit to Galway including one with dew-eyed nuns looking on adoringly. Also check out rotating displays of works by local artists. When the roof deck is open, there are sweeping views out to the bay. The cafe is a delightful stop.
reviewed
-
B
Nora Barnacle House
James Joyce's future wife Nora Barnacle (1884–1951) lived here until shortly before they met in Dublin in 1904. It's now a privately owned museum displaying the couple's letters and photographs among period furniture. Looking all of its 100 years and not helped by a grim grey paint job, the house didn't have running water until the 1940s; instead the Barnacle family used a communal pump across the street. Joyce met his future mother-in-law here in 1909; for his part, Joyce's father said after learning Nora's surname: 'She'll stick with him'.
reviewed
-
Kiltartan Gregory Museum
Lady Gregory is honoured in full at this small museum close to Coole Park. Housed in an old schoolhouse, it traces the literary patron's life.
reviewed
-
Heritage Museum
Just behind the pier, the small but comprehensive museum gives an overview of the island's history. Displays include the contents of a pre-Famine house, photographs, and traditional farming and fishing equipment.
reviewed
-
Station House Museum
Located in an old train shed in the upscale hotel development, this small museum is devoted to the story of local ponies and various historic events.
reviewed