HerGalway Walking Tour

Looking to explore Galway beyond its lively pubs and scenic streets? The HerGalway Walking Tour offers a fascinating 1.5-hour journey into the lives of some incredible women connected to Galway’s history. Priced at just $23.15 per person, this guided walk is led by Marteen Lane, a knowledgeable member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland, who brings these stories vividly to life. Meeting at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, the tour takes you through a series of meaningful landmarks, each with a compelling story that’s often missing from standard history books.

What we love about this experience is how it elevates the voices of women whose contributions and struggles might otherwise go unnoticed. You’ll be walking through Galway’s streets, learning about figures like Alice Perry, the first woman in Ireland to graduate with an engineering degree, or Lady Augusta Gregory, a literary pioneer. The tour strikes a balance between personal storytelling and historical context, making it a meaningful experience whether you’re interested in Irish women’s history or simply want a different perspective on Galway’s past.

One consideration: the tour runs in all weather, so you’ll want to dress appropriately. Since it’s a relatively short walk, it’s best suited for those who enjoy walking and have a mild interest in history or women’s stories. Families, solo travelers, and history buffs will all find this tour compelling, especially given the authentic, off-the-beaten-path details you won’t find in guidebooks.

Key Points

• Authentic stories of remarkable women connected to Galway’s history
• Guided by expert Marteen Lane, a member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland
• Accessible and affordable, offering value for a 1.5-hour walk
• Locations include landmarks like the Magdalen Laundries memorial, Nora Barnacle House, and Galway Arts Centre
• Weather-proof experience, with a note to dress appropriately
• A perfect choice for travelers interested in women’s history, local stories, and those who prefer walking tours that go beyond surface-level sightseeing

Exploring Galway with a Focus on Women’s Stories

Galway is a city famed for its vibrant streets, lively music, and scenic vistas. But behind the well-trodden paths are often untold stories — stories of women whose lives and achievements shaped the city in ways that aren’t always highlighted in traditional guides. This tour zeroes in on those stories, giving you a deeper understanding of Galway’s social fabric and the resilience of its women.

Led by Marteen Lane, who clearly loves sharing these stories, the tour is balanced between historical facts and personal narratives. Knowing you’re walking with someone well-versed in Ireland’s cultural heritage makes a difference — it’s like having a passionate friend showing you around.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Final Journey – Magdalen Women Memorial

Your journey begins at the Magdalen Laundries memorial on Forster Street. This poignant sculpture commemorates women who endured years inside these harsh institutions, which operated in Ireland from 1922 to 1996. Here, Marteen shares the story of Lily McAllister, offering a window into the often overlooked struggles of women confined in these laundries. The emotional weight of this stop is palpable, and the free admission makes it a meaningful starting point.

Stop 2: William Street

Next, we move to the site of Taaffe’s woollen shop. You’ll hear about Úna Taaffe, a notable Galway socialite and entrepreneur, who inherited her family’s wool business and turned it into a thriving enterprise. This spot highlights the entrepreneurial spirit women displayed, even in periods when their roles were often confined to the home.

Stop 3: Newtownsmith

Here, the story of Alice Perry takes center stage. She was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman in Ireland and Britain to graduate with an engineering degree in 1906. The site of the Galway Electric Light Company ties her achievements to Galway’s industrial development, making this a landmark of women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Stop 4: Nora Barnacle House Museum

A personal favorite for many, Nora Barnacle was Jim Joyce’s muse and wife, often called the “original Galway girl”. The house museum, open in summer, reveals her life in Galway and her relationship with Ireland’s most famous writer. Hearing about Nora’s life provides insight into the social life and gender roles of her era. The €5 donation is a small price for such an intimate glimpse into her world.

Stop 5: Galway Arts Centre

Once the home of the Persse family, this building connects to Lady Augusta Gregory, a playwright and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre. She played a vital role in Ireland’s Literary Revival and the cultural awakening of the early 20th century. The centre’s atmosphere offers a sense of Galway’s creative heritage, which Gregory helped nurture.

Stop 6: Galway City Museum

This stop reveals a more recent history — the story of Peg Broderick Nicholson, whose house was burned during Ireland’s War of Independence. The museum displays a bottle cap from a petrol bottle used in the attack, and Marteen recounts Peg’s activities, highlighting the turbulent political landscape women also navigated.

Stop 7: Galway Docks

The final stop features Kathleen Curran, who worked for the Galway Harbour Commissioners and served as acting harbour master in the early 1950s. Her story underscores women’s involvement in maritime and civic roles that were once exclusively male.

Why This Tour Offers Genuine Value

For just over an hour and a half, this tour packs in a surprisingly diverse collection of stories that aren’t typically included in mainstream guides. It’s a chance to see Galway through a different lens — one that celebrates remarkable women whose legacies are woven into the city’s fabric.

The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for questions and personal interaction. The cost of around $23.15 is quite reasonable for the depth of storytelling and local expertise provided.

The tour’s weather-proof design means you can enjoy it rain or shine, which is essential in Ireland. However, it’s wise to dress appropriately, especially if rain clouds threaten.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers praise the tour for its fascinating stories and expert guidance. One said, “this was a fascinating tour, covering a diverse range of women’s perspectives. Marleen was an excellent guide!” The personal stories and authentic insights make it stand out compared to more generic city walks.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Irish women’s history. It’s also well-suited for travelers who enjoy walking and want to see Galway’s streets from a different perspective. If you’re curious about social change, local heroes, or just want a heartfelt, authentic story session amid Galway’s lively atmosphere, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The HerGalway Walking Tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to explore Galway with a focus on women’s stories — stories that often remain hidden in mainstream narratives. Led by a passionate guide, it combines local landmarks with personal history, creating a more layered understanding of the city. It’s a short, affordable experience that enriches your visit and deepens your appreciation for Galway’s cultural and social history.

If you appreciate stories of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural contributions — all woven into a walk through Galway’s streets — this tour is well worth your time. It’s especially fitting for those who want more than just sightseeing; instead, they seek stories that resonate and inspire.

FAQ

How long is the HerGalway Walking Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a manageable highlight that fits comfortably into a day of exploring Galway.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square and concludes at the Spanish Arch area, so you can easily connect it with other city sights or plan your next activity.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions unless there is a severe weather warning. Just be sure to dress appropriately for rain or wind.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized, engaging experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking at least 28 days in advance is recommended to secure your spot, as the tour tends to fill up quickly.

Are there any additional costs?
Most stops are free, but the Nora Barnacle House Museum suggests a €5 donation, and you should plan for your own souvenirs or personal expenses.

Embark on this walk and discover a Galway seldom seen — a city alive with stories of women who shaped its past and continue to inspire today.