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James Mitchell Geology Museum: Galway's Hidden Gem

Explore a world of geological treasures at Galway's hidden museum, featuring rare rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ireland and beyond.

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Located within the historic Quadrangle of the University of Galway, the James Mitchell Geology Museum, often called 'Galway's Hidden Museum,' houses a fascinating collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Established in 1852, the museum offers a glimpse into the geological history of Ireland and the world, displaying specimens acquired by William King, the first professor of Geology in Galway.

A brief summary to James Mitchell Geology Museum

  • Quadrangle, 19 University Rd, Galway, H91 WY1F, IE
  • Visit website
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visits are by appointment only; contact the Earth and Ocean Sciences department at the University of Galway to schedule your visit.
  • The museum is located in the Quadrangle building; enter through the archway and turn left to find the staircase leading to the museum.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully explore the museum's collections and exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Galway City Centre (Eyre Square), walk west along Shop Street, which becomes High Street. Continue onto University Road. The Quadrangle building, which houses the museum, will be on your right. Enter the Quadrangle through the main archway and turn left; the entrance to the museum is up the staircase in the southeast corner. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Galway City Centre (Eyre Square), take Bus Éireann route 404 or 405 towards Newcastle. Disembark at the 'University South' stop on University Road, a short walk from the Quadrangle. Walk east on University Road, and the Quadrangle building will be on your right. Enter the Quadrangle through the main archway, and the museum entrance is up the staircase on the left. A single fare TFI Leap Card is approximately €2-3.

  • Taxi

    From Galway City Centre, a taxi to the Quadrangle at the University of Galway will take approximately 5 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off at the main entrance to the Quadrangle on University Road. Enter through the archway, and the museum entrance is up the staircase on the left. The fare will likely cost between €7-€10.

  • Parking

    Limited paid parking is available on the University of Galway campus. Visitors can park in designated 'Pay and Display' (P&D) spaces marked with blue lines. Parking costs approximately €1.50 per hour. Alternatively, the Cathedral Car Park is a 5-7 minute walk from the Quadrangle and costs approximately €4-€5 per day. Free parking may be available if you register online in advance for a permit. Please note that illegally parked vehicles may be clamped.

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Discover more about James Mitchell Geology Museum

The James Mitchell Geology Museum, nestled in the southeast corner of the University of Galway's Quadrangle, is a captivating time capsule of geological wonders. Founded in 1852, the museum's origins lie in the extensive collections of William King, the university's first professor of Geology. Over the years, the museum has evolved, surviving periods of neglect and restoration, and is now the sole remaining gallery of the University's former Natural History Museum. The museum boasts a collection of approximately 5,000 fossils and 1,725 mineral specimens from around the globe, displayed in Victorian-style cabinets. Highlights include a meteorite from Argentina, a dinosaur bone from Wyoming, a mammoth tooth from Siberia, and rare blue quartz from Connemara. The museum also showcases the geology of western Ireland, with displays on the Burren, the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher. Specimens of the world-famous Connemara Marble take center stage in the 'Rocks of Connemara' display. The museum was formally named in honor of Professor James Mitchell in 1977, recognizing his significant contributions to the college. Today, the museum serves as an educational resource for students and researchers, as well as a point of interest for tourists. Visits are available by appointment only, offering an intimate and enriching experience for those interested in geology and natural history.

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