Ireland · Walking Tours

90-Minute Galway Walking Tour with the Story of the 14 Tribes

90 Minutes Round trip from Eyre Square Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Fully qualified guide, approved by Fáilte Ireland (Ireland's National Tourism Development Authority)
02 Hear stories of the Tribes' most colourful characters, including the Galway man responsible for several world firsts in animal rights
03 Discover one family's connections to King Arthur and the intriguing origins of Galway's iconic Claddagh Ring
04 Learn why Galway's patron saint is a surprisingly familiar figure
05 See medieval landmarks such as Lynch's Castle and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church

Uncover the fascinating history of Galway and get to know the City of the Tribes on this 90-minute tour, where tales of local myths, medieval battles, and cultural treasures come to life. Learn about the legendary 14 Tribes of Galway - Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'Arcy, Deane, ffont, ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martyn, Morris and Skerritt - the powerful merchant families who shaped the medieval city and whose legacy is still celebrated today. Along the way, discover some of the city's great medieval landmarks built by the Tribes, such as Lynch's Castle and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, and learn to spot the many mementoes of these families dotted around the city that even locals pass every day without noticing.

Uncover the fascinating history of Galway and get to know the City of the Tribes on this 90-minute tour, where tales of local myths, medieval battles, and cultural treasures come to life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 90 Minutes

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Galway

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Galway's Origins at the Browne Doorway

Set at the top of Eyre Square in Galway city centre.
The Browne Doorway is one of the city's most obvious mementoes of the 14 Tribes of Galway.
Here, we will learn a little about Galway's origins, as well as how the Tribes of Galway rose to prominence in the 15th century and how they are still celebrated in Galway today.

Day 02

Life Behind the Medieval City Wall

Next, we will visit one of the many remnants of the city's medieval wall.
This fine reconstruction, which includes large parts of the original wall, is located inside a modern shopping centre!
Here, you can hear what life was like for the people living in medieval Galway.

Day 03

History and Clues at Lynch's Castle

An architectural gem in the heart of Galway.
Learn about the clues this castle holds to Galway's history and its link to one of the many battles for control of the city.

Day 04

The Mystery of the Lynch Memorial Window

Set in a dark corner behind an urban churchyard, this monument serves as a grim reminder of one of the most shocking episodes in Galway's history. Or does it?
Discover the story of James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, a medieval Mayor of Galway who is remembered for all the wrong reasons!

Day 05

St Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the Fall of the Tribes

Built in 1320 and funded by several members of the Tribes, this medieval marvel has been in continuous use as a parish church for 800 years.
Here, you will learn about the history of the church and its link to the fall of the Tribes of Galway.

Day 06

The Story Behind The King's Head

Discover how this city centre pub, which served as a home to two former Mayors of Galway, got its name.

Day 07

The Claddagh Ring at Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold

Is there anything more quintessentially Galway than a Claddagh Ring?
Learn about this world-famous symbol of love and loyalty, and the incredible story of the man who first brought the ring to the city.

Day 08

Kirwan's Lane and Humanity Dick Martin

Learn about local legend Richard 'Humanity Dick' Martin.
A champion duellist, Martin was responsible for the world's first animal rights law and the world's first animal welfare organisation.
He also opened Galway's first theatre in this lane, which led to some unexpected drama offstage.

Day 09

Galway's Maritime Heritage at the Spanish Arch

Here you'll learn about Galway's maritime heritage, including the city's surprising link to the discovery of America, and why the arch is only half the size it once was.

The route