Historical tour offers insight into Galway – and what lies beneath

Michael Quinn of Galway Civic Trust (Dúchas na Gaillimhe) describes the stories in the stones, starting with the Hall of the Red Earl on Druid Lane and winding through the narrow cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter all the way around to the Kings Head on High Street.

“The intrigue of the medieval story in Galway is as colourful as any episode of Game of Thrones, with beheadings and sieges and murders all over the place,” he reveals in a matter of fact way.

Among the many sites of interest are the Hall of the Red Earl, The King’s Head pub, St. Nicholas’ Church, and Lynch’s Castle.

One of the oldest and most significant landmarks in the city, the Hall of the Red Earl is associated with the establishment of the town of Galway by Anglo-Normans in the 13th century.

It was built by Richard de Burgo shortly after completing the city walls and functioned as a key municipal building, acting as revenue office, court house, and town hall.

Customers know the King’s Head as a popular pub – but when it was built in the 13th century, this was the home of Galway Mayor Thomas Lynch Fitz-Ambrose before it was seized from him by Cromwell’s henchman Col. Peter Stubbers in 1654. The building still houses two medieval fireplaces, cut-stone windows and the walls of Bank’s Castle at the rear. St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church has the distinction of being the largest medieval parish church in continuous use in Ireland.

Founded in 1320 and dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, legends have it that Christopher Columbus worshipped here in 1477.  Leabhar na nGenealach, or Book of Genealogies, was written in the church by Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh in 1650.

Lynch’s Castle – dating from the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century – started life as a town house belonging to the most powerful family of Galway’s 14 tribes, and still stands on the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street.

It’s been part of AIB for a lifetime – but the old carvings and crests still adorn the four-story limestone exterior.  Michael Quinn covers these and other notable historic Galway landmarks in free bi-weekly walking tours, which take place at 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May until September.

Galway Civic Trust has been running the tours for five or six years now. “We’re funded by the Galway City Council, so we sort of see it as a public service obligation, a way to give back to the community,” he says.

But next week – for a little extra medieval kick – Michael Quinn and Galway Civic Trust are partnering with the Kings Head to run a Medieval Walk, Talk, & Banquet tour in aid of Galway Simon Community.

The one-off event next Wednesday, May 10, will include a guided tour of the city’s most colourful medieval monuments starting with a welcome wine reception at the Hall of the Red Earl at half five.

After the walking tour, which includes a special appearance by Dave Swift of medieval re-enactment group Claíomh, the evening will end at the King’s Head for a special medieval banquet of food, drink, and festivities bookended by Galway Early Music.

“People will get to experience the living history thing, the education side of it, and then it’s back to the pub for craic,” Michael explains.

He came up with the idea for the unique fundraising event as a way to get locals involved in history.

“It’s a way for people to appreciate their own city, and the medieval fabric of the town,” he says. “The streets are still laid out as they were in medieval times. So much of Galway’s character comes from its history, and people aren’t always aware of it.”

Tickets for the Medieval Walk, Talk & Banquet tour are €50, available at the King’s Head pub or online at www.galwaysimon.ie