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The Fisheries Watchtower Museum: A Glimpse into Galway's Fishing Heritage

Explore Galway's maritime past at the Fisheries Watchtower Museum, a unique historical landmark on the River Corrib.

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Housed in a unique 19th-century tower, the Fisheries Watchtower Museum offers a fascinating look into Galway's rich fishing history and the ecology of the River Corrib. Originally built as a draft netting station, the tower now showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the local fishing industry.

A brief summary to The Fisheries Watchtower Museum

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum's upkeep.
  • The museum is small, so plan for a visit of about 1-2 hours.
  • Enjoy the scenic views of the River Corrib and the Claddagh from the tower's windows.
  • Check out the stained-glass window over the ground floor entrance, which was restored with glass sourced from Germany.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fisheries Watchtower Museum is located on Wolfe Tone Bridge, easily accessible by foot from most central Galway locations. From Eyre Square, walk west towards the River Corrib. Cross the Wolfe Tone Bridge, and the museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes stop near the Wolfe Tone Bridge. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route from your location. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum on the bridge. A single adult bus fare in Galway is approximately €1.90. Using a TFI Leap Card can reduce the fare to as little as €1.55.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Galway. A short taxi ride from Eyre Square to the Fisheries Watchtower Museum will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and time of day. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Wolfe Tone Bridge.

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Discover more about The Fisheries Watchtower Museum

The Fisheries Watchtower Museum, located on the Wolfe Tone Bridge in Galway, provides a unique insight into the city's historical relationship with the River Corrib. Built in 1852/1853 by the Ashworth brothers, the tower was initially used as a draft netting station, a method of fishing that involved stretching a net across the river from a boat to the shore. The tower also served as a vantage point for fishery staff to monitor fish stocks and prevent illegal fishing activities. For over 120 years, the watchtower played a crucial role in Galway's fishing industry until draft netting ceased in the 1970s. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and faced potential demolition. However, the Galway Civic Trust undertook an extensive restoration project, and the museum opened to the public in 2015. Today, the Fisheries Watchtower Museum is a prominent attraction, showcasing artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs that chronicle Galway's fishing history. Visitors can explore exhibits about the River Corrib's ecology and biodiversity, including displays of elvers and juvenile salmon. The museum also offers stunning views of the River Corrib and The Claddagh. The tower itself is architecturally unique in Ireland, featuring a Victorian symmetrical style. The ground floor has a sloping stone floor for draining water from fishing nets, while the upper floors are constructed from brick used as ballast in cargo ships.

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