Hall of the Red Earl
Excavated 13th-century municipal hall in the centre of Galway, now enclosed in glass with display panels, replica finds and free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Hall of the Red Earl dates from the 13th century and is the oldest excavated building within Galway's medieval walls. It is linked to the de Burgo family, the Anglo-Norman founders of the town, and takes its name from Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, who was known for his red hair. The hall served as Galway's first municipal building, with functions as a tax office, a court and a place for banquets.
After the powerful merchant families known as the Tribes of Galway took control of the town in the late 15th century, the hall was abandoned. It was later used as an iron workshop, fell into ruin and was buried under later buildings. It still appears on a map of Galway from 1651.
Archaeologists of the Office of Public Works uncovered the remains in 1997, when an extension to nearby government offices was planned. The excavation produced more than 11,000 finds. The neighbouring offices were redesigned to protect the site, and the walls are now enclosed in glass and lit by floodlights. Galway Civic Trust presents the site today with interpretive panels, replicas of finds such as clay pipes and gold cufflinks, and a small gallery for local art.
Highlights
- Medieval hall walls under glass with a viewing gangway
- Replicas of finds from the 11,000 objects excavated
- Panels on the de Burgo family and the founding of Galway
- Free tours and walks that start from the hall
- Peadar O'Dowd Gallery in the same building
Permanent exhibition
- Medieval hall and finds – Visitors look at the excavated walls of the 13th-century hall through a glazed enclosure and see replicas of finds with panels about the de Burgo family.
- Operated by
- Galway Civic Trust (Dúchas na Gaillimhe)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free; donations to support Galway Civic Trust are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Eyre Square · 10-min walk
About 10 minutes on foot from Eyre Square via Shop Street and about 5 minutes from the Spanish Arch.
By car
Car parks at Hynes Yard and Mill Street are nearby.
Amenities & dining
A tourism listing reports no toilets on site; cafés are close by.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, FR, ES, DE) |
| Photography | Photography is allowed. |
| Good to know | Galway Civic Trust offers free weekly walking tours that start at the hall; booking is recommended but not required. A self-guided medieval walking tour is available as an audio guide in English, French, Spanish and German. Staff or volunteers are often on site to explain the displays. |
