Experts' Choice Award Galway City Museum
What the experts agree on
Free waterfront museum beside the Spanish Arch that traces Galway's story from prehistoric times through the 20th century, with particular focus on everyday life, medieval heritage, and the city's cultural significance.
“Contains materials relating to local history: old photographs, antiquities.”
– Fodor's
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"Opened in 2007, a stone's throw from its former site and dominating the mouth of the River Corrib, this museum traces everyday life in the area through the ages." Full review
Afar Magazine "Set on the waterfront next to the remnants of the city’s ancient walls beside the Spanish Arch, the absorbing Galway City Museum chronicles the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This museum surveys the mouth of the River Corrib. Inside, the collections illustrate the history of the city. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report5.0
"This free museum – located behind the Spanish Arch – traces the history of the city in meticulous detail, spanning from prehistoric Galway to the 20th century." Full review
Independent "Set back from the Spanish Arch – a landmark and remnant of the city wall – Galway City Museum tells the area’s colourful story, from prehistoric times to its part in the 1916 Easter Rising and beyond"
City guide
September 4, 2021
Frommer's "Permanent galleries downstairs relate to Galway’s prehistoric and medieval periods, while the upper levels deal with the city’s more recent past, including its relationship with the arts." Full review
New York Times "Step across the alley to the Galway City Museum (both are by the Spanish Arch, a part of Galway’s medieval city walls and a local landmark). The compact museum (free) features exhibits on..."
36 Hours in Galway, Ireland
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National Geographic "You can see my city best from the top of the Galway City Museum. My city's best museum is the Galway City Museum because the building houses both permanent and revolving exhibits, offers..."
