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Claregalway Museum & Forge: A Glimpse into Galway's Heritage

Discover rural Irish life at Claregalway Museum & Forge, where history comes alive through restored artifacts and captivating exhibits.

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Step back in time at the Claregalway Museum & Forge, a heritage center dedicated to preserving the rich history of Claregalway. Explore a restored 19th-century blacksmith's forge and a museum filled with artifacts that showcase traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and local history.

A brief summary to Claregalway Museum & Forge

  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for a quieter experience.
  • Take a guided tour for a more immersive experience and deeper understanding of the exhibits.
  • Check ahead for any special events or demonstrations happening at the forge.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Galway City, take Bus Éireann route 417 or a Burkesbus service to Claregalway. Both depart regularly from Eyre Square. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. From the Claregalway Cois Chláir bus stop, the museum is a short walk away.

  • Car

    From Galway City, take the N84 road north towards Claregalway. The museum is located in Rooaunmore, just off the main road. Parking is available nearby.

Unlock the Best of Claregalway Museum & Forge

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Discover more about Claregalway Museum & Forge

The Claregalway Museum & Forge offers a captivating journey into the heart of rural Irish life. The museum aims to encourage the appreciation and preservation of Claregalway's rich heritage. The main attraction is the restored forge, which belonged to the Smyth family for generations, with Michael Smyth being the last blacksmith to work there until 1997. The forge showcases traditional equipment, including an open furnace, massive leather bellows, and a large anvil. The museum next door, which opened in 2014, houses a diverse collection of artifacts donated by local people. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring carpentry tools, farm equipment, and household items, offering a glimpse into the skills and traditions of the past. Highlights include a traditional 'crane' used for cooking over an open hearth fire and musical equipment from the Claregalway Fife and Drum Band, founded in 1909. The museum also displays old photographs and documents that capture the history and culture of Claregalway and its surroundings. You can learn about the medieval castle and friary that once stood in the village, and the impact of the Great Famine and the War of Independence on the local population. The Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society was formed in the early 1990s to capture the rich culture and heritage of Claregalway's rural parish history and traditions.

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