Galway City Museum is pleased to announce the introduction this weekend of Silent Saturdays commencing this Saturday 28 March; and continuing at the end of every month for the rest of the year. This is a new sensory-friendly initiative designed to provide a more comfortable and accessible museum experience for neurodivergent visitors, individuals with sensory differences, and anyone who benefits from a quieter environment.
Silent Saturdays will take place on the last Saturday of every month, running from 10:00am to 12:00pm. During these dedicated sessions, the Museum will implement a range of adjustments to create a calmer atmosphere, including:
Reduced or muted sound levels throughout the building
Limiting large group visits
Providing access to a designated Quiet Space in the Education Room on Level 2
Visitors planning to attend during July and August are advised that sessions may be busier than usual due to seasonal visitor numbers.
To support visitors in preparing for their visit, the Museum offers a Social Story - available in hard copy from Reception or online from the Museum website - in both English and as Gaeilge.
Galway City Museum also provides a selection of sensory support items—such as ear defenders, stress balls, and fidget toys—which can be borrowed from Reception at the beginning of a visit.
The Museum welcomes feedback from visitors and community members to help further enhance accessibility and comfort for all. Visitors are invited to leave their feedback on the day or follow up with an email post visit to [email protected].
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of exhibitions currently on display at the Museum, including An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves; Surrounded by Stone; Keepers of the Gael | Caomhnóirí na nGael; Revolution in Galway, 1913–23; The Galway Hooker; The Claddagh: Earth Action; and The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science.
Galway City Museum opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm (galleries close at 4:45pm ) Admission is FREE.
For further information on exhibitions and events, visit www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie
Galway City Museum operates under the auspices of Galway City Council.
