Welcome to Medieval Galway!
Galway is a vibrant, bustling city, situated on the west coast of Ireland. Much of its character and charm may be attributed to its medieval origins. This website explores aspects of the city's medieval history and archaeology and may be of use to local historians, students and genealogy enthusiasts.
The city was founded by the Anglo Normans in the 13th century by Richard de Burgo, one of the most active Anglo-Norman lords.The de Burgos became firmly established as the town’s powerful ruling family, and were joined by other merchant families of Anglo-Norman origin. Situated on the Atlantic coast, Galway quickly became an important centre of trade. By the end of the 13th century, it had begun to flourish. Find out more...
A number of wealthy merchant families dominated the political leadership of Galway from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century. The Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D’Arcy, Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwin, Lynch, Martin, Morris and Skerrett families became collectively known as ‘The Tribes of Galway’. Most prominent of all were the Lynch family, who were firmly established in the city by the late thirteenth century. Learn more...
For almost seven hundred years St Nicholas' Collegiate Church has borne witness to the fortunes and misfortunes of Galway city. The wealth and prestige of its medieval patrons are reflected within its fabric. Most notable is the legacy of the Lynch family. Their patronage during the 16th century is particularly evident. The church was considerably extended at this time. Indeed, very little of the original fabric which pre-dates the 16th century survives. Learn more...
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This website was set up by Joanne Lyons as part requirement for the IT Management module of the BA (Hons) in Heritage Studies at GMIT Mayo Campus.
Copyright Joanne Lyons, 2015.