Exhibits at the modern Galway City Museum (galwaycitymuseum.ie; free) engagingly convey the city’s archaeological, political, cultural and social history.
Look out for the iconic Galway hooker (fishing boat) suspended from the ceiling, a gold Claddagh ring dating from around 1700 (the oldest in existence), examples of Tim Robinson’s minutely detailed, hand-drawn maps of the Aran Islands, and sections covering Galway’s role in the revolutionary events that shaped the Republic of Ireland. Ask at reception about free guided tours, talks and workshops, and rotating displays of works by local artists.
