HerGalway Walking Tour

If you’re after a tour that offers more than just scenic views and typical landmarks, the HerGalway Walking Tour might become one of your favorite experiences in Galway. It’s a journey through the city’s lesser-known yet profoundly impactful stories of women who shaped Galway’s history and culture. Led by Marteen Lane, an experienced guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland, this tour shines a spotlight on the voices often left out of traditional guides.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it blends history with personal stories, making it both educational and emotionally engaging. Plus, the small group size (max 15 people) means you get a more intimate experience, perfect for asking questions and soaking in the atmosphere. On the flip side, keep in mind that weather can influence your experience, as the tour runs rain or shine unless severe weather causes cancellation. It’s best suited for those interested in women’s history, Irish culture, or simply looking for a meaningful way to explore Galway beyond the usual.

This tour will suit history enthusiasts, curious travelers interested in Irish culture, and those wanting to learn about the quieter yet powerful stories that have shaped Galway. If you’re okay with walking and dressing for the weather, this is a compelling, affordable option to add depth to your Galway trip.

• Focused on women’s stories that are often overlooked in traditional tours.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and engagement.
• Includes significant historical sites like the Final Journey Memorial and Nora Barnacle House.
• Cost-effective at just over $23 per person, offering good value for the depth of content.
• Flexible weather policy, as the tour runs in all conditions unless there’s a severe warning.
• Ideal length at around 1.5 hours, fitting comfortably into a day of sightseeing.

We love how this tour manages to weave a narrative that feels both personal and historical. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about understanding the stories of women who made a mark on Galway and Ireland, often in quiet but significant ways. This approach makes the experience uniquely enriching, especially as these stories are rarely highlighted in standard guides or travel books.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour kicks off at Eyre Square, meeting at the Browne Doorway, a convenient central spot. From there, the guide leads you through a carefully curated route that touches on key historical moments and personal stories that reveal the resilience, ingenuity, and sometimes tragedy of Galway women.

Stop 1: Final Journey – Magdalen Women Memorial

We start with a powerful site—the Magdalen Laundries memorial on Forster Street. This memorial honors women who endured harsh conditions from 1922 to 1996. What makes this stop meaningful is Lily McAllister’s story, which you’ll hear about in detail, adding a personal touch to this somber chapter of Irish history. It’s a poignant reminder of how societal attitudes towards women have shifted—and still need to shift.

Stop 2: William Street

Next, you’ll visit the site of Taaffe’s woollen shop, where the story of Úna Taaffe unfolds. She was a Galway socialite and entrepreneur who took over her family’s wool business, turning it into a successful venture. It might seem like a small detail, but learning about her success paints a vibrant picture of Galway’s commercial past and women’s roles within it.

Stop 3: Newtownsmith

Here, you’ll learn about Alice Perry, a trailblazing engineer who graduated in 1906, breaking barriers for women in science and engineering. The significance of her achievements resonates even today, and knowing she was the first woman in Ireland and Britain to earn an engineering degree makes this stop especially inspiring.

Stop 4: Nora Barnacle House Museum

A personal favorite, this site introduces Nora Barnacle, James Joyce’s wife and muse. As Galway’s original “Galway girl,” her life story offers insight into the city’s vibrant social scene and her influence on Irish literature. The museum is open during the summer months, and a €5 donation is suggested, making it an accessible peek into literary history.

Stop 5: Galway Arts Centre

Set in what was once the Persse family’s town house, this spot connects to Lady Augusta Gregory, a key figure in Ireland’s literary revival and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre. We loved the way the site ties Galway’s local history with Ireland’s broader artistic movements, giving a cultural depth to the tour.

Stop 6: Galway City Museum

Here, the focus shifts to a more direct story from the War of Independence. The bottle cap from a petrol bottle used to burn down Peg Broderick Nicholson’s house tells a tale of resistance and activism. It’s a stark reminder of Galway’s role in Ireland’s fight for independence and Peg’s activism.

Stop 7: Galway Docks

The final stop highlights Kathleen Curran, who worked with the Galway Harbour and was acting Harbour Master in the early 1950s. Her story underscores that women’s contributions to Galway’s infrastructure and economy extended well into the 20th century.

The real strength of the HerGalway Walking Tour lies in its focus on unheard stories. As one reviewer noted, “this was a fascinating tour, covering a diverse range of women’s perspectives,” and that’s a perfect way to sum it up. You’re not only getting a sense of Galway’s history but also seeing how women’s roles—often understated—shaped the city’s growth and culture.

The guide, Marteen Lane, excels at storytelling, bringing each figure to life in a way that’s engaging and accessible. His background as a cultural heritage writer lends the narrative extra depth, making it not just informative but also compelling.

Practicalities and Value

At $23.15 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering its focus on stories rarely told elsewhere. It’s around an hour and a half long, which fits neatly into a sightseeing day without feeling rushed. The small group size means you can ask questions and get a more personalized experience.

The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is essential. While an outdoor experience is inevitable, the weather in Galway can be unpredictable, and it’s better to be prepared with waterproofs. The cancellation policy is flexible, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, which is reassuring if weather becomes a concern.

The Experience and Its Drawbacks

While the storytelling aspect is a highlight, some might find the stops somewhat brief, given the tight time frame. Each site gets around 10 minutes, enough to absorb the story but perhaps not enough for those who love to linger over every detail. Also, for visitors with mobility issues, walking between sites might require some effort, although most stops are city-based.

A small caveat is that the museum visits, like Nora Barnacle’s house, depend on summer opening hours, so check in advance if visiting outside the season.

This experience is best suited for history buffs, literature lovers, or anyone curious about Irish women’s stories. It’s particularly rewarding if you enjoy walking tours with a focus on storytelling rather than just sightseeing. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s probably better suited for older children or teens, given the historical and sometimes serious content.

If your trip to Galway is about enjoying local culture and learning about the figures behind the city’s fabric, this tour delivers on that promise. It’s also a great way to support local guides and gain insights you might not find in guidebooks.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather unless there is a severe weather warning. It’s best to dress appropriately for rain or shine.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your day.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, a very central and easy-to-find location.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the stories are suitable for most ages, though younger children might not fully engage with some of the historical details.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is essential, as it’s a popular tour booked an average of 28 days ahead.

Is there an additional cost for any sites?
Most stops are free of charge; however, Nora Barnacle House Museum recommends a €5 donation, and it is open during summer months.

The HerGalway Walking Tour offers a genuinely enriching way to explore Galway through the lens of women’s stories, many of which are rarely highlighted elsewhere. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience led by a passionate guide, ideal for those who appreciate storytelling, history, and cultural insights. The modest price, combined with the small-group intimacy and authentic narrative, makes it a worthwhile addition to any Galway itinerary.

If you’re looking for a tour that connects you more deeply with Galway’s social fabric and celebrates the women who contributed to its legacy, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy walking, learning, and supporting local guides passionate about Irish heritage. Just remember to come prepared for the weather, and you’ll likely leave with new perspectives and stories to share.