The Hall of the Red Earl, located on Druid Lane in Galway’s vibrant Latin Quarter, is a medieval archaeological site and one of Galway City’s top attractions, as recognised by Lonely Planet. Dating back to the 13th century, this site, managed by Dњchas na Gaillimhe – Galway Civic Trust, is the oldest excavated building in medieval Galway, linked to the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family who founded the city in 1232. Named after Richard de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, known for his red hair and beard, it served as Galway’s first municipal building, functioning as a tax office, courthouse, and banqueting hall. Unearthed in 1997 by the Office of Public Works (OPW) during a planned office extension, the site revealed over 11,000 artifacts, now preserved under glass panels for public viewing:
The Hall of the Red Earl offers a compact yet immersive glimpse into Galway’s medieval past:
- Preserved Ruins: The site showcases the foundations of the 13th-century hall, encapsulated within glass paneling and surrounded by a viewing gangway with floodlighting. Visitors can walk among the ruins, including walls and arches with ornate stone carvings, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era.
- Artifact Displays: Replicas of some of the 11,000 excavated artifacts—such as clay pipes, gold cufflinks, pottery, coins, jewellery, and an incomplete human skull—are prominently displayed, offering insights into daily life in medieval Galway. Interpretive panels detail the site’s history, the De Burgo family’s influence, and its role as a trading hub until the late 15th century when the 14 Tribes seized power, leading to its abandonment.
- Historical Context: The hall’s significance is tied to Galway’s founding by the De Burgo clan and its depiction on the 1651 Pictorial Map of Galway. It thrived as a seat of power until the Tribes’ rise, after which it was repurposed as an iron workshop before falling into ruin and being buried under later constructions. The self-guided tour (15–30 minutes) is free, making it an accessible stop in Galway’s Latin Quarter. Key features include:
- Informative Displays: Interpretive boards (in English) provide clear explanations of the site’s history, the De Burgo family, and the artifacts’ significance. A 1651 city map reproduction helps contextualise the hall’s role in medieval Galway.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Volunteers or staff from Galway Civic Trust, often local historians, are on hand to offer verbal explanations, sharing anecdotes about the hall’s role in tax collection, justice, and banquets, as well as its rediscovery in 1997. Reviews praise their enthusiasm and insights, augmenting the experience.
- Compact and Accessible: The site’s small size (5–15 minutes to explore fully) makes it ideal for a quick visit while strolling the Latin Quarter. The glass enclosure allows 24/7 viewing from the street, even when closed, though entering provides a closer look at the ruins and displays.
- Atmosphere: Located off busy Quay Street, the hall’s serene setting contrasts with the lively Latin Quarter, offering a quiet moment to connect with Galway’s medieval roots. Its location near landmarks like the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum, and Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church makes it easy to include in a walking tour.
Practical Details:
- Open Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM, and Saturday (May–September only), 10:00 AM–1:00 PM; closed Sundays and Saturdays (October–April). Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support Galway Civic Trust.
- Located on Druid Lane, it’s a 10-minute walk from Eyre Square via Shop Street or a 5-minute walk from the Spanish Arch. Accessible by Bus Éireann (Routes 404/409, Eyre Square stop) or car (parking at nearby Hynes Yard or Mill Street).
- The site is wheelchair-accessible, with a viewing gangway, and includes basic facilities (no toilets onsite, but nearby cafés like Il Folletto Ristorante, 0.03 km away, offer amenities). Photography is allowed. Contact +353 (0)91 564 946 or info@galwaycivictrust.ie for inquiries.
- Visitor Feedback: With a 4.5-star Tripadvisor rating and a Travellers’ Choice award, visitors describe the hall as a “hidden gem” for its historical significance and free entry. Reviews highlight the informative panels, staff’s engaging explanations, and the site’s integration into the modern city via glass paneling. Some note its small size (5–15 minutes max) and suggest pairing it with Galway City Museum for deeper context, as it’s not a “must-plan” destination but a worthwhile stop if nearby. The site’s discovery story—unearthed during office expansion—adds intrigue.
What’s New:
- National Heritage Week Events: Following the success of the 2024 National Heritage Week talk (August 23) by chief archaeologist Dominic Delaney, who discussed the hall’s excavation and significance, 2025’s Heritage Week (August 16–24) featured expanded events with new talks, guided tours, or artifact-focused workshops, highlighting lesser-known finds from the 11,000 artifacts, as part of Galway Civic Trust’s educational outreach. Check heritageweek.ie or galwaycivictrust.ie for event details.
- Community Engagement: The trust’s move to an adjacent office in 2009 has boosted visitor numbers, and 2025 will see increased community-led initiatives, such as pop-up history walks in the Latin Quarter during events like the Galway International Arts Festival (July 2025). These could integrate the hall with nearby sites like the Spanish Arch or Lynch’s Castle, augmenting its role in guided tours.
- Preservation Efforts: Minor maintenance, such as improved lighting or glass panel cleaning, may occur to maintain the site’s condition, following the OPW’s 1997 preservation model.
Visitors to the Hall of the Red Earl can expect a brief (15–30-minute), free, and immersive encounter with Galway’s medieval origins, featuring well-preserved 13th-century ruins and artifact replicas. The site’s location in the bustling Latin Quarter, accessible gangway, and knowledgeable staff make it a recommended quick stop for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious” and casual tourists. Its integration into Galway’s vibrant streets, near Quay Street’s pubs and shops, enhances its appeal. Anticipated 2025 events, like Heritage Week talks, and potential display upgrades will enrich the experience. Visitors should check galwaycivictrust.ie for opening hours and event schedules, arrive before 4:30 PM for staff insights, and pair the visit with the nearby Galway City Museum or a Latin Quarter walking tour for a fuller historical experience.
