Top Galway activities
Top Galway landmarks
Beyond Galway
Galway trip ideas

Medieval Galway Tour

18 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 18 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Galway, Ireland

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with an experienced regional guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. See the remnants of the medieval period in Galway and learn about the city's past.

Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, where they will take you on an exciting tour to discover the city walls, Lynch's Memorial Window, the story of the Claddagh ring, Hall of the Red Earl, and much more.

Hear how the 14 Tribes took control of Galway from the de Burgos and made it one of the most important trading hubs along the western seaboard during the medieval period.

What's Included

  • Fáilte Ireland Regional Guide with over 10 years of experience and an MA in Irish Studies.
  • Entrance fee into St. Nicholas's Church.
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Eyre Square
Galway, Ireland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Galway
Co. Galway, Ireland

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

The Browne Doorway

The Browne Doorway is a freestanding door in Eyre Square. The door comes from a house that was originally located on Lower Abbeygate Street and the house was owned by Martin Browne, a very important merchant.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Eyre Square Centre

Hidden in Eyre Square Shopping Centre are the remains of the city walls. Walls were a common feature of towns during the medieval period and they were a defensive feature. Visitors will hear how the walls were important to the people of Galway.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lynch's Castle

Lynch's Castle is connected to the Lynch family who were one of the 14 Tribes and a very powerful family. Today the building is AIB bank and the oldest commercial building in Ireland.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Lynch Memorial

Galway is known as the City of the Tribes. The Tribes were 14 families who controlled Galway during the medieval period. Hear about the Mayor of Galway, who hung his own son in the 1400s.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church

St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church has been at the heart of Galway city for over 700 years. Visitors will hear about Jane Eyre and James Kearney, and how Cromwell's soldiers used the church as a stables. There is a fee to enter the church, which isn't included in the price of the tour. The fee goes towards the maintenance of the church. It is up to the visitor if they would like to go in or not.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The King's Head

The King's Head pub is a popular spot in Galway city but the building has a connection to the beheading of King Charles I of England.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold

Explore Thomas Dillon's Jewellers on Quay Street. They are the original makers of the famous Claddagh ring since 1750. Hear the story surrounding this well-known ring.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hall of the Red Earl

The Hall of the Red Earl is a significant archaeological site and run by Galway Civic Trust. It was discovered in the late 1990s and all that can be seen are the foundations, with the remains of the walls, columns and buttresses. Visitors can walk down into site to get a closer look.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kirwan's Lane

Galway had 14 lanes and and alleyways during the medieval period. Kirwan's Lane is one of 5 lanes still in existence and named after the Kirwan family who were one of the 14 Tribes. There are still remnants of medieval Galway on Kirwan's Lane with some of the buildings.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Quay Street

Blake's Castle at the end of Quay of Street was owned by the Blake family, one of the 14 Tribes. At one point the castle was the county gaol. Visitors will hear a little of what life was like for the criminals in the jail. The castle fell into ruin but was restored around the 1980s.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is one of Galway's most iconic attractions. It was built as an extension of the city walls and protected the boats that were moored in the harbour. Visitors will hear about the Claddagh across the river and the tsunami that destroyed two of the arches.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Medieval Galway Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-172198P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
18 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 18 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
18
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Shore Excursion: Day self guided walking Inishbofin Island Connemara coast.

Discover magical Inishbofin Island, includes return ferry, light lunch and tea/coffee with scones. Take a spectacular self guided walk around the West Quarter, return for...

1 dayFree Cancellation
1 dayFree Cancellation
1 day • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$94.83
Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway

This is the BEST way to make the most of your time on the Aran Islands and visit the Cliffs of Moher! Inisheer is the...

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation
8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation
8 to 9 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (122)
from
$176.14
Private Connemara Day Tour

When you choose to tour around Connemara, in comfort and style, Galway West Chauffeurs is the name to pick. Galway West Chauffeurs are fully insured...

8 to 9 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 to 9 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 to 9 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$677.47
Walking and Tasting Tour of Galway City

Learn all about Galway as you walk, talk and taste your way through the city with our expert local guide. Discover the hidden gems of...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (352)
from
$82.47

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour

Wander the streets of Galway with our expert local guide and discover the history, culture and tales which makes Galway so special. This is a...

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (562)
from
$17.67
The Dark History Tour of Galway City

Join us on The Dark History Walking Tour of Galway City as we explore the darker side of Galway and delve into the gruesome history...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (230)
from
$23.56
Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

On your journey South to the Cliffs of Moher, listen to your expert driver/guide share the history of the Burren region, an area of exposed...

8 hoursFree Cancellation
8 hoursFree Cancellation
8 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (3,364)
from
$74.23
Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

Awarded 'BEST IRISH EXPERIENCE' and 'Boat Tour of the Year in Ireland', this is the only tour that enables passengers to sail straight from Galway...

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
8 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (419)
from
$70.69

What's Included

Activity name

  • Fáilte Ireland Regional Guide with over 10 years of experience and an MA in Irish Studies.
  • Entrance fee into St. Nicholas's Church.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please note, tour runs in all weather, unless there's a severe weather warning.  Please dress accordingly. In the event of a severe weather warning the tour will be cancelled for the safety of the group, and an alternative date or a full refund will be given.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Marteen Lane - Tour Guide & Cultural Heritage Writer

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.