William Henry during his talk in the Hall of the Red Earl, TULCA 2024. Photo: Aoife Natsumi Frehan
Join us for a tour of the Hall of the Red Earl with local historian William Henry. William Henry is a storyteller, historian, and writer with over 25 books to his name. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the history and archaeology of Galway city.
The Hall of the Red Earl is a captivating medieval archaeological site located in the heart of Galway. Managed by Dúchas na Gaillimhe - Galway Civic Trust, this site dates back to the 13th century and is tied to the founding of Galway by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family. It served as the city’s first municipal building, functioning as a tax office, courthouse, and banquet hall all in one. The hall is named after Richard de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, who was the grandson of the town's founder.
In the late 15th century, the influential ‘Tribe’ families took control from the De Burgos, leading to the hall’s abandonment and subsequent decline. Over the centuries, it was covered and built over until its remains were rediscovered by Office of Public Works (OPW) archaeologists in 1997 during plans for an office extension next door. The site was recognizable from a renowned c. 1651 Pictorial Map of Galway.
A significant excavation revealed over 11,000 artefacts. The discovery of the Red Earl’s Hall prompted a redesign of the proposed extension to preserve the archaeological site. Today, the hall is enclosed in glass panelling, featuring a viewing gangway with flood-lighting. Interpretive panels explain the site’s significance, and replicas of the artefacts are prominently displayed for visitors.
Galway Civic Trust is a not-for-profit charity. Please consider making a donation here
Hall of the Red Earl
Custom House, Druid Lane
Galway H91 XV2C
Access
Accessible venue (upper floors only)
No toilets
Accessible parking (Saint Augustine St)
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
The Salvage Agency
Curated by Michele Horrigan
1 - 17 November 2024
Galway, Ireland