Galway Museums and Art Galleries

(Galway, County Galway, Republic of Ireland)

Although Galway city and its county don't have the plethora of museums and art galleries of many Irish holiday destinations, the ones they do have are interesting and entertaining, and often set in glorious old buildings dating from at least Georgian times.

Particular cultural highlights in the city include the Galway Arts Centre on Dominick Street, close to the Nuns Island Theatre. Also rather noteworthy is the Irish Crystal Heritage Centre at Merlin Park and of course the Galway City Museum on Eyre Square, while the Dartfield Horse Museum in the nearby town of Loughrea also deserves mentioning.

Galway City Museum

Address: off Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 567 641
Although only a small venue, the Galway City Museum displays a collection of interesting photographs and memorabilia of the city in earlier times, as well as some fine examples of medieval stonework. This attraction is actually a relatively new addition to the city's cultural scene, being opened as recently as the summer of 2006, and is easy to locate, since it stands alongside the Spanish Arch. Exhibitions relating to history and local heritage are grouped within the 'Fragments of a City' collection, while 'On Reflection' concentrates on leading Irish artists from the latter 20th century.
Open hours: April to October, Monday - 14:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Galway Arts Centre

Address: 47 Dominick Street, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 565 886
This attractive Georgian mansion, once the home of the patron of WB Yeats, Lady Gregory, is now the venue for cultural events such as concerts, readings of poetry and literature, and exhibitions of contemporary works by Irish artists. Many further activities take place at the Arts Centre, such as photography classes, writing lessons and drama workshops.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: free; charge for events

Irish Crystal Heritage Centre

Address: Dublin Road, Merlin Park, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 757 311
Irish lead crystal artefacts, from drinking glasses to magnificent chandeliers, have been world-famous for hundreds of years. Here you can watch glassblowers and finishers at work through all the stages of creation. Demonstrations occur continuously during weekdays, while the onsite restaurant is open daily. There is a shop selling all kinds of crystal glass goodies and also chinaware, all of which make for perfect holiday souvenirs and include famous brands such as Aysnley, Belleek China and Donegal. The Irish Crystal Heritage Centre is located on the eastern side of the city, between Renmore and Rosshil.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:30, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: free

Dartfield Horse Museum

Address: Kilrickle, Loughrea, County Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 843 968
A must-see for those into horses, ponies and dogs, the Dartfield Horse Museum is dedicated to Irish dogs, Irish horses and the famous Connemara ponies, all of which are on hand at this amazing centre. Also featuring the rural lifestyles if the Irish during the last 200 years, this is one of Ireland's premier visitor attractions and is set in 350 acres / 142 hectares.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge