James Mitchell Geology Museum

About the museum

The James Mitchell Geology Museum was founded in 1852 and sits upstairs in the Quadrangle, the oldest building of the University of Galway. It is the last surviving part of the university's original Natural History Museum and is often called Galway's hidden museum. Its wood-panelled rooms still look much like a museum of the 19th century.

The museum is named after James Mitchell, who held the Chair of Geology and Mineralogy from 1921 to 1966 and worked to preserve the geological collections. Earlier, in 1863, William King, Professor of Geology at the college, coined the term Neanderthal man.

Today the collection holds more than 15,000 specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world. Highlights include Connemara marble, rare gemstones, fossils of the marine reptiles Ichthyosaurus and Plesiosaurus, the Dave McDougall Mineral Collection of Connemara minerals and the William King Fossil Collection. Earth and Ocean Sciences students and researchers still use the material.

Highlights

• More than 15,000 rocks, minerals and fossils
• Connemara marble and rare gemstones
• Ichthyosaurus and Plesiosaurus fossils
• William King Fossil Collection
• Dave McDougall Mineral Collection of Connemara minerals

Founded

1852

Operated by

University of Galway

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on the upper floor of a 19th-century building and is reached by a staircase; there is no step-free access.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Enter the Quadrangle through the central archway and turn left; the staircase in the south-east corner leads to the museum on the upper floor.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit