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Discover Athenry's Medieval Heritage

The award winning Athenry Heritage Centre is the ideal place to discover the rich history of this medieval town. Learn how the Anglo-Normans made Athenry the town it is today and experience this history with interactive exhibits of weaponry, armour, the dungeon and the market square. The centre is also the home of the town’s original 15th century Mace & Seal, the oldest of their kind in Ireland. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the range of activities which also includes dressing up in medieval costume and testing your skills with Have A Go archery.

The centre is one of many attractions in Athenry including the restored Anglo-Norman castle, the 13th century Dominican Priory, the imposing North Gate, the unique 14th century Market Cross and the town’s defensive town walls. Visitors will commence their medieval journey as they enter through the gates of St. Mary’s Church as within 500m of the church there is 800 years of history.

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History the fun way!

Visitors to the Athenry Heritage Centre can choose from a range of activities to suit their needs. Enjoy a general tour of the centre or engage with the 'Medieval Experience'which includes dressing up in medieval costume and archery. All tours are designed for the individual or group to learn about the history of Athenry.

Guided Tours

Heritage abounds within the walls of the Athenry Heritage Centre. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience with inter-active exhibits of armour, weaponry, the medieval dungeon and the market square. Tours are designed to suit the individual or group.

Medieval Experience

History comes alive with the centre's 'Medieval Experience'. Dress up in costume and become a King, Queen, Knight or Princess. Discover life in the middle ages with interactive exhbits and then test your skills with have a go archery.

Group Tours

The centre caters for a range of group tours which can include a general tour or the 'Medieval Experience'. Up to 50 poeple can be seated within the centre and all of the activities are inclusive for all age groups and abilities.

Culture and Heritage

The mission statement of Athenry Heritage Centre is to conserve and enhance the cultural and historical amenities of the best preserved medieval town in Ireland.

Athenry Past & Present

This booklet is the ideal resource of the conservation work that's been carried out by Galway County Council since 2008. It provides historical background of the medieval town and illustrates the work on the town walls, towers and the North Gate.

Walled Towns Day Festival

As part of the Irish Walled Towns Network, Athenry celebrates Walled Towns Day which demonstrates the Anglo-Norman influences on the town and Irish culture. This free family fun day is held in venues throughout Athenry.

History and Education

The educational programme of the centre is a key learning tool for all ages to discover the Anglo-Norman influenes on this medieval town. Tours are designed to engage and make learning fun in an educational environment.

1916 Centenary

The 1916 Centenary was a project that recognised the men who took part in the 1916 Uprising in Athenry and their subsequent imprisonment. Known locally as the 12 Apostles, their story is told for the first time in a hundred years.