Back in the 13th century, the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, led by Walter, the First Earl of Ulster, founded Galway. His grandson, Richard (1259 to 1326), who was called the “Red Earl”, became one of the most powerful nobles of the era, even being ranked number one amongst all the Earls of Ireland. Richard constructed Galway’s first municipal buildings, which was used “...to collect taxes, dispense justice, and host banquets...” This building became known as the “Hall of the Red Earl.”
During the 15th century, the Tribes of Galway seized power from the De Burgos and forced them out of the city. For awhile afterwards, the Hall was transformed into an iron workshop, before being abandoned and subsequently falling into ruin.
Over the following centuries,, the site was covered over and built upon. When a new public works project began in 1997, the remains of the Hall of the Red Earl were rediscovered, halting the project while archeological excavations took over.
As the oldest ruins of Galway, at that time (later to be supplanted by the ruins of a slightly older building around the corner, under a woolen sweater shop), this public works project had to be redesigned so the Hall could be preserved. Today, this Hall of the Red Earl is one of Galway’s top tourist attractions.
During the 15th century, the Tribes of Galway seized power from the De Burgos and forced them out of the city. For awhile afterwards, the Hall was transformed into an iron workshop, before being abandoned and subsequently falling into ruin.
Over the following centuries,, the site was covered over and built upon. When a new public works project began in 1997, the remains of the Hall of the Red Earl were rediscovered, halting the project while archeological excavations took over.
As the oldest ruins of Galway, at that time (later to be supplanted by the ruins of a slightly older building around the corner, under a woolen sweater shop), this public works project had to be redesigned so the Hall could be preserved. Today, this Hall of the Red Earl is one of Galway’s top tourist attractions.
Located along Druid Lane in Galway’s Latin Quarter, these ruins of the Hall of the Red Earl are just a stone’s throw from the mouth of the Corrib River, and its nearby Spanish Arch.
Artist sketch of what the Hall of the Red Earl looked like in its heyday.
Here is a base of one the supporting columns. In the above picture, this base can be seen near the top center.
A copy of the 1651 map of Galway indicates where the Hall of the Red Earl was located.
Once the Tribes of Galway had forced the De Burgo family out of power, the Hall of the Red Earl was transformed into an iron workshop. This stone structure is where the smelting process took place.
Here is a display case which depicts a part of the archeological excavation process along with some of the artifacts discovered.
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