The history of the 14 Tribes of Galway is the subject of an event taking place in Galway this weekend.
Una Sinnott, Galway Advertiser journalist and tour guide, will lead a walking tour on Galway: the City of the Tribes this Saturday, July 11, highlighting the history of Galway’s medieval merchant families.
The 14 Tribes are an intrinsic part of Galway’s history – they were among the earliest settlers here, and ruled the city for two centuries following the grant of a city charter in 1484.
Saturday’s tour will take in the history of the Tribes – how they rose to power and how they dominated the city for centuries, as well as how they lost control of the city in the 1600s.
It will also include stories of some of the best known members of these families, including Richard Martin, renowned for his pioneering work in animal rights, and Richard Joyce, credited as the man who brought the Claddagh ring to Galway.
The walking tour will begin at the top of Eyre Square, outside Lil’ Bros Pizza, at 11am on Saturday, finishing at the Spanish Arch at around 12.30pm.
Places are limited, and booking is advised. To book and for more information, find Galway: City of the Tribes walking tour on Eventbrite.
The tour is the latest in a series of walking tours of the city organised by the Galway Tour Guides’ Association, which represents professional tour guides operating in Galway. For more information, visit galwaytourguides.com
