What’s Happening at Galway City Museum over the Festive Period

Galway City Museum is delighted to welcome visitors throughout the festive season, with adjusted opening hours to accommodate holiday schedules, and lots of exciting events! Find out more here...

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The Museum will be open on Tuesday 23rd of December from 10am to 5pm, and will close from Wednesday 24th of December to Monday 29th of December (inclusive). Doors will re-open for a half day on Tuesday 30th of December, and again on Wednesday 31st of December from 10am to 1pm. The Museum will close on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1st of January 2026, with normal hours resuming on Friday 2nd of January.

Free Documentary Screenings
Galway City Museum will screen the final episode of Ireland’s Coast (Episode 3: Future Coasts) on Saturday 20th of December, from 1pm to 2pm in the Museum Education Room.

This compelling episode explores the escalating challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, highlighting community efforts to protect marine environments. It also showcases emerging technologies and creative solutions that offer hope for a more sustainable future.

Credits: RTÉ Cork, ARTE France, University College Cork, and Moondance Productions.

Galway City Museum @ Westside
As part of its ongoing outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, running from November 2025 to March 2026. The next event, Galway and the Night of the Big Wind with historian and author William Henry, will take place on Tuesday 6th of January at 10:45am.

On the night of 6 January 1839, one of the most destructive storms in Irish history swept across the country, remembered forever as the Night of the Big Wind. The Dublin Evening Post later wrote: "Ireland has been the chief victim of the hurricane – every part of Ireland – every field, every town, every village in Ireland have felt dire effects, from Galway to Dublin – from the Giant’s Causeway to Valentia."

William Henry will delve into the storm’s profound impact on Galway and its people in what promises to be a fascinating and informative talk.

This event is free of charge, and all are welcome, but advance booking is advised. To reserve a place, please contact Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325. Westside Resource Centre is located next to Westside Library, Seamus Quirke Road, Galway, H19 C1KX.

Galway City Museum opening hours in the run up to Christmas Eve are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm (Galleries close at 4:45pm). Admission is FREE. For more information on exhibitions or events visit www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie.

Galway City Museum operates under the auspices of Galway City Council.