Who were the 14 Tribes of Galway?

The Tribes were 14 merchant families, mostly of Anglo-Norman descent, who dominated Galway's political and commercial life between the 13th and 19th centuries. Famous names include the Lynches, Blakes, Kirwans, and Bodkins.

Is Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church free to enter?

The church typically asks for a small donation (around €5) from tourists to help with the upkeep of the historic 14th-century structure. It is an active place of worship, so access may be restricted during services.

What is the best time to visit the Spanish Arch?

The best time to visit is during high tide or at sunset for the best views over the River Corrib. It is a popular local hangout spot, so late afternoons in the summer are particularly vibrant.

Can I see the city walls in Galway?

Yes, parts of the medieval city walls are visible at the Spanish Arch and inside the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, where a large section has been preserved and incorporated into the modern building.

Is the Hall of the Red Earl open to the public?

Yes, the Hall of the Red Earl is an archaeological site managed by Dúchas na Gaillimhe (Galway Civic Trust). It is usually open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with free admission.

What is the oldest building in Galway?

The Hall of the Red Earl, dating back to the 13th century, is considered the oldest surviving stone building. For a building still in use, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church (1320) holds the title.

Is the Galway Latin Quarter wheelchair accessible?

The area is mostly flat and accessible, but many streets like Kirwan's Lane and Quay Street are paved with historic cobblestones which can be bumpy and challenging for some wheelchair users.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to the 13th century on this self-guided walk through the heart of Galway, the legendary 'City of the Tribes'. For centuries, this harbor town was controlled by fourteen powerful merchant families who shaped its destiny, creating a wealthy, walled enclave that felt more like a continental European city than a typical Irish settlement. On this walking route, you will uncover the layers of medieval history hidden beneath the vibrant facade of the modern Latin Quarter. We begin at Kirwan's Lane, one of the few remaining streets that retains its narrow, atmospheric medieval proportions. From there, your neighborhood stroll leads you to the subterranean ruins of the Hall of the Red Earl, the oldest archaeological site within the city walls, where the powerful De Burgo family once collected taxes and hosted grand assemblies. This walking tour Galway route then transitions to the waterfront at the Spanish Arch. Built in 1584, these stone arches were designed to protect the quays where Spanish galleons once docked to unload fine wines and spices, illustrating Galway's historic maritime importance. As you continue, you will encounter the architectural grandeur of Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the largest medieval parish church in Ireland still in constant use. Legend says even Christopher Columbus stopped here to pray before his voyage to the New World. The journey through the city's past concludes at Lynch's Castle and Blake’s Bar, two of the finest surviving examples of medieval tower houses in the country. These fortified homes belonged to the ruling elite, featuring intricate stone carvings that demonstrate the wealth and status of the Tribes. This walking tour Galway experience offers the freedom to explore independently while learning about the sieges, trade deals, and legends that defined the medieval West of Ireland. Whether you are interested in the origins of the word 'lynching' or the structural secrets of 16th-century fortifications, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at the city's medieval core.

Highlights

Walk through the restored 16th-century Kirwan's Lane

See the subterranean ruins of the Hall of the Red Earl

Visit the iconic Spanish Arch at the mouth of the River Corrib

Discover the legends of St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church

Admire the gothic stone carvings on Lynch's Castle

Explore the medieval tower house architecture of Blake's Bar

Tour Stops (6)

Kirwan's Lane

Welcome to Kirwan's Lane, a rare surviving fragment of 16th-century Galway. This narrow passage is named after the Kirwans, one of the fourteen 'Tribes'—merchant families of Anglo-Norman descent who ruled the city for centuries. As you walk along the cobblestones, notice how the buildings lean inward; this was a common feature of medieval urban design. Originally, this area was a hub of commerce and residence for the elite. By the 20th century, it had fallen into ruin, but a major restoration in the 1990s saved it. Look for the medieval stonework incorporated into the modern shopfronts, a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its merchant heritage.

Hall of the Red Earl

Descending slightly below street level, you are looking at the Hall of the Red Earl, the earliest surviving stone building in the city. Built in the 13th century by the De Burgo family, it served as a fiscal and judicial center—essentially the medieval tax office and courthouse. It was abandoned in the 15th century as the 'Tribes' rose to power and forced the De Burgos out. The site was forgotten for centuries and only rediscovered in 1997 during an office expansion project. Today, the ruins offer a glimpse into the thick-walled, defensive architecture required for survival in the volatile landscape of medieval Connacht.

Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is perhaps Galway's most famous landmark. Built in 1584, these two arches were actually an extension of the 14th-century city walls, known as the Ceann an Bhalla (the Head of the Wall). They were designed to protect merchant ships docking at the Fish Market from looters and invaders. The name 'Spanish Arch' refers to the frequent trade between Galway and Spain; ships would arrive here laden with wine, olive oil, and fruit. Interestingly, the arches survived a massive tsunami in 1755, triggered by the Great Lisbon Earthquake, which partially destroyed the structure but left the core arches standing.

Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church

Dedicated to the patron saint of children and sailors, St. Nicholas' was founded in 1320. It is a masterpiece of Irish medieval architecture, featuring unique triple aisles and beautiful stone carvings of mythical beasts. The church has survived centuries of turmoil, including a period in 1652 when Oliver Cromwell’s troops used it as a stable and defaced many of its statues. A local legend persists that Christopher Columbus prayed here in 1477, seeking divine favor before his Atlantic crossing. Inside, look for the 'Lynch Tomb' and the ornate baptismal font, which date back to the height of the Tribes' power.

Lynch's Castle

Located at the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch's Castle is arguably the finest medieval townhouse in Ireland. While it now houses a bank, the exterior remains a fortress of the Lynch family, who provided the city with 84 mayors over the centuries. The building features gargoyles, the coat of arms of Henry VII, and intricate window moldings. It was designed both for luxury and defense, with thick limestone walls to protect the family from the 'Wild Irish' outside the city gates. It is also the source of the legend of Mayor James Lynch, who supposedly hanged his own son for murder, leading to the term 'lynching'.

Blake's Bar

Our walk ends at Blake's Bar, which is housed within another significant medieval tower house known as Blake's Castle. The Blakes were another prominent Tribe, and this fortified structure was part of their urban estate. Unlike the more decorative Lynch's Castle, this building shows the more utilitarian side of medieval defense, with its sheer stone height and narrow openings. Today, it serves as a perfect example of how Galway blends its ancient past with its modern social life. The castle has transitioned from a defensive stronghold to a place of community, sitting at the gateway to the city's northern quarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

The core medieval route takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. This includes time to stop and admire the architecture at Lynch's Castle and the Spanish Arch, covering a distance of about 1.5 kilometers.