HerGalway Walking Tour

Explore Galway’s Women’s Stories with an Expert Guide

The HerGalway Walking Tour offers a deep dive into the stories of notable women connected to Galway, Ireland, for just $23.15 per person. With a rating of 5.0 from 2 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its engaging storytelling and well-curated stops. It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a manageable yet enriching experience. Led by Marteen Lane, an Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland member and cultural heritage writer, the tour promises insightful narratives backed by local expertise.

The tour departs from the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square at 11 am Irish Time, and booking in advance is essential due to limited spaces—maxing out at 15 travelers. It suits those interested in women’s history, local heritage, and unique stories not typically found in standard guidebooks. Travelers should be prepared for all weather conditions, as the tour runs rain or shine, so a weather-appropriate outfit is recommended.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $23.15, the tour offers great value for about 90-105 minutes of storytelling.
• Focus on Women’s History: The route highlights remarkable women like Lily McAllister, Alice Perry, Nora Barnacle, Lady Gregory, and Kathleen Curran.
• Diverse Stops: Includes visits to the Final Journey Memorial, Nora Barnacle House Museum, Galway Arts Centre, and Galway City Museum.
• Insightful Narratives: The guide shares stories that go beyond guidebook information, emphasizing unheard of women’s perspectives.
• Weather Considerations: The tour runs in all weather, so dress appropriately to ensure comfort.
• Booking and Accessibility: Advance booking is mandatory, with a straightforward mobile ticket process.

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The walk begins at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, a central location easily accessible via public transport. The tour ends at the Spanish Arch, providing a scenic and historical wrap-up close to Galway’s waterfront. The 11 am start time keeps the tour well-paced and fits comfortably into a morning sightseeing schedule.

The Significance of the Final Journey Memorial

The First stop at the Magdalen Women Memorial on Forster Street honors women who endured Magdalen Laundries from 1922 to 1996. Here, Lily McAllister’s story unfolds, offering a poignant glimpse into this difficult chapter of Irish history. This stop is free of charge and lasts about 15 minutes, setting a respectful tone for the tour.

Discovering Úna Taaffe’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

Next, the tour visits William Street to explore the site of Taaffe’s woollen shop, where Úna Taaffe made her mark as a Galway socialite and businesswoman. She inherited her family’s shop and transformed it into a successful enterprise, illustrating the impact women have had in Galway’s commercial history. This stop takes around 10 minutes and is free.

Celebrating Alice Perry’s Engineering Milestone

The route then moves to Newtownsmith to learn about Alice Perry, the first woman in Ireland and Britain to earn an engineering degree in 1906. The site of the Galway Electric Light Company marks her pioneering achievement, highlighting her role in Ireland’s technological progress. This stop also lasts around 10 minutes and incurs no admission fee.

Nora Barnacle: Galway’s Literary Muse

Visitors visit the Nora Barnacle House Museum, where the life of James Joyce’s wife is explored. Known as Galway’s original girl, Nora’s story reveals her journey from Galway to becoming a muse for one of Ireland’s greatest writers. The museum is open during the summer months, with a suggested donation of €5. This stop takes about 10 minutes and provides a personal look into Nora’s life and influence.

The Role of Lady Augusta Gregory in Irish Literature

The Galway Arts Centre is another key stop. Once the Persse family’s town house, it was home to Lady Augusta Gregory, a playwright and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre. Her involvement in the Literary Revival makes her a notable figure in Irish cultural history. Visitors spend around 10 minutes here, with no ticket required.

Insights from the Galway City Museum

The Galway City Museum features a notable artifact: a bottle cap from a petrol bottle used during the War of Independence. The story of Peg Broderick Nicholson and her activities during this turbulent period are part of this stop. It lasts about 10 minutes and is free to visit.

Kathleen Curran’s Role at Galway Docks

Finally, the tour discusses Kathleen Curran, who worked for the Galway Harbour Commissioners and was acting harbour master between 1951 and 1953. This stop provides insight into women’s roles in Galway’s maritime industry and lasts 10 minutes.

Practicalities and Booking Details

The HerGalway Walking Tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and the tour running rain or shine. The advance booking requirement ensures a smooth experience, and tickets are delivered via mobile ticketing. The small group size of up to 15 people fosters an intimate environment where stories are shared in detail.

Why Choose the HerGalway Walking Tour?

This tour stands out for its focus on women’s history, a perspective often overlooked in traditional guides. The expert narration by Marteen Lane brings to life stories of pioneering women, such as Alice Perry and Lady Gregory, alongside more somber stories like the Magdalen Laundries. The stops are thoughtfully selected, balancing historical sites, museums, and memorials.

While the tour lasts under two hours, it packs in a diverse range of stories that offer a rich understanding of Galway’s female figures. The $23.15 price point makes it an accessible way to gain a deeper appreciation of Galway’s social and cultural landscape.

Final Thoughts on the HerGalway Walking Tour

The HerGalway Walking Tour provides a meaningful glimpse into Galway’s women’s contributions across various fields—arts, engineering, business, and social activism. Its well-researched stops and engaging guide make it ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those interested in gender stories beyond the usual narratives.

The tour’s small group size and accessible location create a comfortable setting for questions and personal interaction. The weather-agnostic approach ensures that regardless of rain or shine, visitors can enjoy the stories behind Galway’s landmarks and landmarks related to extraordinary women.

This experience suits anyone curious about Ireland’s lesser-known heroines and looking for a thoughtful, educational walk through Galway’s streets. The combination of history, local culture, and inspiring women’s stories makes it a standout addition to any Galway itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is advance booking necessary for the HerGalway Walking Tour?
Yes, booking in advance is required as the tour is limited to 15 participants.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square and ends at the Spanish Arch.

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $23.15 per person, offering good value for the content provided.

Is the tour suitable in all weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather, unless a severe weather warning is issued, in which case it may be canceled.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted.

What are some notable stops on the route?
Stops include the Magdalen Women Memorial, Nora Barnacle House Museum, Galway Arts Centre, and Galway City Museum.

Do I need to pay any entrance fees at the stops?
Most stops are free of charge, except for the Nora Barnacle House Museum, which suggests a €5 donation.

Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by Marteen Lane, an experienced guide and cultural heritage writer.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.