HerGalway Walking Tour

If you’re curious about the women whose lives shaped Galway but aren’t often featured in guidebooks, the HerGalway Walking Tour offers a compelling glimpse into their stories. Led by Marteen Lane, an experienced guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland, this tour shines a light on remarkable women from Galway’s past and present.

What makes this walk special? First, you’ll visit authentic sites like Nora Barnacle’s house and Lady Gregory’s former home, bringing history alive. Second, the stories are thoughtfully curated, highlighting lesser-known but impactful figures, making it both educational and inspiring. Third, at just over an hour and a half for $23, it offers genuine value for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Galway’s cultural fabric without breaking the bank.

One consideration is the weather—since the tour runs rain or shine, you’ll want to dress appropriately. While the group size is small (maximum 15 people), which ensures a personal experience, this means booking in advance is crucial. This walk suits travelers interested in women’s history, Irish culture, or those seeking a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path activity during their Galway visit.

Good To Know

• Authentic stories about Galway women often overlooked in standard guides.
• Small group size enhances interaction and personal attention.
• Accessible price point offers excellent value for cultural insight.
• All-weather touring means you should dress appropriately; rain or shine, it runs unless there’s a severe weather warning.
• Short duration makes it perfect for a morning activity or a quick cultural fix.
• Focus on real sites like the Galway City Museum and Nora Barnacle House brings history to life physically and emotionally.

A Closer Look at the HerGalway Walking Tour

This tour is a well-balanced blend of history, storytelling, and local sites, making it an excellent choice for travelers craving a deeper understanding of Galway’s hidden narratives. We’ll walk through a carefully curated route, each stop offering a chance to reflect on the lives of women who challenged norms, faced adversity, or contributed significantly to Galway’s identity.

Starting Point: Eyre Square at the Browne Doorway

The tour kicks off at 11 am, meeting at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square—a lively, central location. From here, the guide, Marteen Lane, sets the tone with a warm welcome and an overview of what’s ahead. Booking in advance ensures a spot, especially since the tour is limited to 15 guests, fostering a more intimate atmosphere.

Stop 1: The Final Journey – Magdalen Women Memorial

Your first stop is the Magdalen Laundries memorial on Forster Street. This poignant site commemorates the women who endured hardship in the laundries from 1922–1996. Here, Marteen shares Lily McAllister’s story, giving a human face to a difficult chapter in Irish history. It’s a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the tour’s focus on resilience and overlooked contributions.

Expect a 15-minute stop with free admission, where you’ll gain insights into this often-ignored aspect of women’s history. Visitors who’ve heard stories about Magdalene Laundries from other sources appreciate the respectful way the guide handles this sensitive topic.

Stop 2: William Street and Úna Taaffe

Next, the walk moves to William Street, home to Taaffe’s woollen shop. This site celebrates Úna Taaffe, a Galway socialite and entrepreneur who took over her family’s business and turned it into a thriving operation. The story of her business acumen and community influence makes for an inspiring moment.

This stop lasts around 10 minutes, with free entry. It’s a reminder that Galway has long been home to pioneering women whose influence extended beyond domestic life.

Stop 3: Newtownsmith and Alice Perry

A highlight is learning about Alice Perry, Ireland’s first woman engineer, who graduated in 1906. The site of Galway Electric Light Company is where her pioneering spirit is remembered. Hearing about her achievements provides context for how women broke barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Expect a 10-minute visit with free access, and this story resonates with those interested in women’s contributions to science and industry.

Stop 4: Nora Barnacle House Museum

A personal favorite among reviewers, Nora Barnacle—the woman who inspired James Joyce’s Molly—comes alive here. The museum, open during summer, offers a glimpse into her life in Galway, her relationship with Joyce, and her role as Galway’s original “Galway girl.”

The visit costs a small donation of about €5, and the guide’s storytelling makes Nora’s everyday life feel remarkably relatable. Reviewers mention that her story “adds a human dimension to classic Irish literature,” making it a highlight for literary fans.

Stop 5: Galway Arts Centre and Lady Gregory

The former Persse family townhouse now houses the Galway Arts Centre, where you learn about Lady Augusta Gregory, a key figure in Ireland’s Literary Revival. Gregory’s work as a playwright, co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, and supporter of Irish arts and culture makes her a pivotal figure in Galway’s artistic history.

This 10-minute stop enriches your understanding of Galway’s cultural scene and its connection to national identity.

Stop 6: Galway City Museum and Peg Broderick Nicholson

Here, the focus is on Peg Broderick Nicholson, who played a notable role during Ireland’s War of Independence. The museum displays a bottle cap from a petrol bottle used to burn down her house, illustrating her active involvement in the struggle.

Expect a 10-minute visit to reflect on the sacrifices made by local women, with free admission. The story adds depth to your understanding of Galway’s turbulent history.

Stop 7: Galway Docks and Kathleen Curran

The final stop highlights Kathleen Curran, who worked for the Galway Harbour and was acting harbour master in the early 1950s. Her story underscores that women have held influential, leadership roles in Galway’s maritime industry.

This last stop also lasts around 10 minutes, again with free access, and caps off the journey with a reminder of women’s ongoing contributions to the city’s infrastructure.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

The HerGalway Walking Tour is a compelling choice for those eager to uncover stories that are often left out of mainstream narratives. It’s especially suited if you appreciate walks that combine history, culture, and storytelling in a small, manageable group. The stories of Nora Barnacle, Lady Gregory, and Alice Perry provide inspiring examples of women’s resilience and innovation.

At just over an hour and a half and costing $23, the tour offers an affordable way to deepen your connection with Galway beyond typical sightseeing. It’s also ideal for travelers interested in Irish culture, women’s history, or those who want a more personal, engaging experience with local guides.

While the sites are accessible and the stories captivating, remember that the tour runs in all weather unless there’s a severe warning. Dressing appropriately for rain or shine will ensure you enjoy every moment. The small group setting makes it perfect for questions and personal interaction, but it does require booking well in advance.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the stories are presented in an engaging, accessible way.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a great morning or early afternoon activity.

What is the cost?
The tour costs $23.15 per person, offering good value for the amount of storytelling and site visits involved.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking at least 28 days in advance is recommended to secure your spot due to limited group size.

Are there any entrance fees?
Most sites are free, except Nora Barnacle House Museum, which suggests a €5 donation. The tour itself does not include entrance fees beyond that.

What should I wear?
Because the tour runs rain or shine, dress appropriately for weather conditions, especially if there’s a likelihood of rain.

Final Words

The HerGalway Walking Tour provides an insightful, well-paced journey into Galway’s lesser-known but equally impactful women. It balances historical facts with engaging storytelling, making it an ideal choice for those who want more than just tourist sights. The stories you’ll hear about women like Nora Barnacle and Lady Gregory add a personal and cultural layer to your Galway experience.

If you value authentic local narratives, enjoy walking tours that are small and intimate, and are keen to see Galway through the lens of its remarkable women, this tour is a smart pick. It’s a gentle yet meaningful way to connect with Galway’s past, present, and the women who helped shape its identity.