The Heritage Council’s theme for National Heritage Week 2025 is ‘Exploring Our Foundations’. Galway City Museum is running a series of FREE guided tours focusing on the origins of Galway – from Gaelic fort to Anglo-Norman town – with emphasis on iconic Museum objects which have helped to shape the character of Galway city. These Heritage Week events take place at the Museum from Saturday August 16 to Friday August 22, 12pm to 12:45pm.
Object highlights featured in these special tours will include the Galway Hooker – Máirtín Oliver, the oldest known Claddagh Ring, the iconic statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire, a Galway Shawl and the very ornate Great Mace. The guided tours are suitable for adults and young people aged 10+. To book a place email [email protected] or phone (091 ) 532460.
Beach Event
On Saturday 23rd August there will be a special Heritage Week event on Grattan Beach, Salthill from 10am until 5pm. Galway City Museum have joined up with Galway Atlantaquaria to create The Story of Living by the Sea – A Coastal Heritage Journey. Participants can look forward to seaside storytelling, fossil hunting, and shoreline discovery. This event is FREE and family friendly. It will go ahead rain or shine, so attendees are advised to dress for the weather!
LEGO® Brick Miniatures
Visitors of all ages are reminded about the new Tiny Treasure Hunt at Galway City Museum and encouraged to have a go at locating all thirteen LEGO® brick art works, created by Jessica Farrell, and displayed throughout the galleries. Find them all and claim your certificate at Reception!
New Exhibitions
The exhibition, President Michael D. Higgins – Through the Lens (indoor & outdoor galleries ) featured as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2025 and will run until the end of the year. The community exhibition, Lough Corrib – A Rich Heritage by William Henry and Corrib Beo will open for Heritage Week in the Education / Community Room.
Walking Trail
For families who want to explore beyond the Museum walls this Heritage Week, there is a Corrib Walking Trail available at the Museum Reception. This offers explorers a self-guide of the canal walks and greater insights into the local history, legends and folktales associated with the Corrib and with Galway Bay.
Museum Hours and Admission
Galway City Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (Galleries close at 4:45pm ). Sunday opening hours, 12pm – 5pm, will continue until Sunday 14th September. Admission is FREE. See www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie for more Museum updates. Galway City Museum is funded by Galway City Council (www.GalwayCity.ie ).
