Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre

FILL YOUR IMAGINATION

Discover history the fun way in the award winning Athenry Heritage Centre.

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Feast of Fools 2nd February

The Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre is open to the Public for Guided Tours and the Medieval Experience. Online bookings are available from our Booking Page.
Please email the heritage centre for group bookings or student tours. 
Email details:  athenryheritagecentre@gmail.com

Book your visit now

Visitors of all ages can discover Athenry's rich medieval history with a guided tour of the centre or try the 'Medieval Experience' with dressing up in medieval costume, a guided tour of the centre and have a go archery. The Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre is also the home of the town's original Mace & Seal, the oldest examples of their kind in Ireland. The activities of the Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre are accessible for all age groups and abilities and we welcome everyone to learn about the medieval history of the town which also includes its castle, the Dominican Priory and its defensive walls and towers.

Monday 10th February Closed
Tuesday 11th February 10:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday 12th February 10:00am-3:00pm
Thursday 13th February 10:00am-2:00pm
Friday 14th February Closed For Repairs
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Book your visit now

Visting the Centre

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

Guided Tours

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

Medieval Experience

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.

School & Student Group Tours

School & Student Group Tours

The centre caters for a range of group tours which can include a general tour or the 'Medieval Experience'. Up to 50 people 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

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

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

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

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.

Athenry Walking Tour Map
Architectural Walking Tours

Experience a walking tour of Ireland’s best-preserved Medieval Town in which domestic or overseas visitors can discover the truly unique historical features of this lively town.

Self Guided Walking Tours

The self guided tours comprise of a brochure with illustrated map, an audio narrative which is available for to download

What to see

  • The Medieval Parish Church of St. Mary’s.

  • The only restored Norman Castle in Ireland,

  • The superbly preserved Dominican Priory, with the best collection of occupational gravestones in Ireland

  • Ireland’s only “in-situ” original market cross

Find out more

This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme