Hall of the Red Earl

Historic Building in Galway

The Hall of the Red Earl, dating back to the 13th century, is the oldest building excavated within Galway’s medieval walls. This intriguing medieval archaeological site, managed by Dúchas na Gaillimhe – Galway Civic Trust, is now one of the city’s premier attractions. It is associated with the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, who established Galway. Initially serving as Galway’s inaugural municipal building, the hall functioned as a tax office, courthouse, and town hall, handling tax collection, justice administration, and hosting banquets. It was named after Richard de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, a grandson of the city’s founder.

By the late 15th century, Galway’s influential ‘Tribe’ families had wrested control from the De Burgos, leading to the hall’s abandonment and eventual dilapidation. Buried over the centuries and built over, the remnants of this historical structure were unearthed by archaeologists from the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 1997 during proposed office extension works adjacent to the site. Its location was confirmed by the famous c. 1651 Pictorial Map of Galway city.

A significant excavation at the site revealed over 11,000 artifacts, leading to the discovery of the Red Earl’s Hall. This find necessitated a complete redesign of the planned extension to the Revenue Commissioners’ offices to accommodate the preservation of this archaeological treasure. The hall is now encased in glass panels, surrounded by a viewing walkway equipped with floodlighting. Interpretive panels have been installed to detail the site’s historical significance, and replicas of the artifacts are prominently displayed.

Since relocating to its new office adjacent to the site in 2009, Dúchas na Gaillimhe – Galway Civic Trust has hosted tens of thousands of visitors at the Hall of Red Earl, where knowledgeable guides offer insights and directions. Recently recognized by the Lonely Planet guidebook as the top attraction in Galway City, the Hall of the Red Earl serves as a vivid reminder of the city’s medieval past, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in exploring Galway’s rich history.

The Hall of the Red Earl appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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