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Offered languages
- English
- English
Vibrant and bustling Galway is known for its festivals, quirky pubs, and street performers, but only those in-the-know can spot the tell-tale signs of its medieval past. On this self-guided audio tour, I’ll point out remnants of this historical city and reveal some of its darker tales of death, murders, and executions. Starting in front of the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, you’ll walk through Galway’s main shopping district to your first stop, the King’s Head Bistro and Pub. There, I’ll share the gory details of King Charles I of England’s execution and what the event has to do with the pub’s name. You’ll then wind your way into the heart of the Latin Quarter to the Spanish Arch, to find out how millions of Irish were affected by An Gorta Mór (or, the Great Hunger) of 1846.
On this dark tour you’ll also have the opportunity to see the Lynch’s Memorial Window where a father hung his own son in the 1400s, and learn about the murder of the Joyce family in Maamtrasna in 1882.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at the Browne Doorway. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Tour ends at Liam Mellows Statue.
Itinerary
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Eyre Square (Pass by)
Walk through Galway's central public square where locals and visitors gather beneath trees and monuments. Discover the shadow of the old gallows where many public hangings took place throughout the city's dark history.
Admission ticket free -
The Browne Doorway (Pass by)
Marvel at this ornate 17th-century doorway standing prominently in Eyre Square, rescued from a demolished merchant's mansion. Pass by this elaborate stone entrance that serves as a reminder of Galway's wealthy merchant families who once dominated the city.
Admission ticket free -
Lynch's Castle (Pass by)
Explore this impressive 16th-century townhouse on Shop Street, now a bank, featuring medieval stonework and gargoyles. Stroll past the finest example of a medieval merchant's castle in Ireland, home to one of Galway's most powerful families.
Admission ticket free -
The King's Head (Pass by)
Pass by this historic 800-year-old pub at 15 High Street, once seized by the executioner of King Charles I. Discover the gory connection between this lively establishment and the dramatic 1649 royal execution that gave the pub its name.
Admission ticket free -
Galway's Latin Quarter (Pass by)
Walk through Galway's most vibrant neighbourhood filled with colourful buildings, street performers, and traditional pubs. Experience the bohemian heart of the city where medieval lanes meet modern Irish culture and music.
Admission ticket free -
Quay Street (Pass by)
Stroll along this famous cobblestone street lined with traditional Irish pubs, restaurants, and quirky shops. Enjoy the lively atmosphere where street musicians perform and the medieval past blends seamlessly with contemporary Galway life.
Admission ticket free -
The Spanish Arch (Pass by)
Stand before this 16th-century stone archway that once protected the city's quays where Spanish ships unloaded their cargo. Learn how this monument witnessed the devastation of An Gorta Mór, the Great Hunger that affected millions of Irish people in 1846.
Admission ticket free -
Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church (Pass by)
Explore Ireland's largest medieval parish church still in continuous use since 1320, where Christopher Columbus allegedly prayed before sailing to America. Walk through the atmospheric interior where centuries of Galway's religious and social history unfold.
Admission ticket free -
The Lynch Memorial (Pass by)
Gaze up at this haunting stone window commemorating a father's terrible decision to hang his own son for murder in the 1400s. Discover one of Galway's most tragic tales of justice and family honour in medieval Ireland.
Admission ticket free -
Salmon Weir Bridge (Pass by)
Pass over this bridge offering views of salmon leaping upstream during their spawning season in the River Corrib. Stand where the river meets the city and watch nature's spectacle against the backdrop of Galway's historic waterways.
Admission ticket free -
Galway Cathedral (Pass by)
Marvel at this magnificent limestone cathedral completed in 1965, standing on the site where three men were hanged in December 1882. Explore the soaring interior with its stunning rose window and learn about the darker events that occurred on these grounds.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stand before this bronze statue honouring the Irish Republican who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and died during the Civil War. Discover how this memorial marks the end of your journey through Galway's turbulent and often tragic history.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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