The Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre is open for Guided Tours and the Medieval Experience. Both are fully accessible for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
The centre provides self-guiding booklets in eight languages and audio wands are also available for visitors.
To ensure the best experience, advance booking is recommended and booking your experience is quick and easy. Online bookings are available from our Booking Page. We also accept cash and card payments for drop in visitors.
Please email the heritage centre for group bookings or student tours.
Email details: athenryheritagecentre@gmail.com
The Athenry Heritage Centre offers a truly immersive medieval experience with exciting activities for all ages and abiltities to enjoy. Step back in time as you dress in medieval costumes, becoming a knight, queen, baker or monk and explore the rich Anglo-Norman story of Athenry. History comes alive through interactive and tangible exhibits, including the town’s original 14th-century Mace & Seal, a rare and fascinating link to Athenry’s medieval past.
For those seeking adventure, the "Have-a-Go Archery" experience lets visitors test their skills under expert guidance, while the medieval maze provides a fun and educational challenge. Guided tours bring the stories of medieval Ireland to life, with expert guides sharing the town’s incredible heritage.
Perfect for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts, the centre combines education with hands-on activities in a fully accessible environment. Whether you're solving the maze, trying archery, or exploring historic artifacts, the Athenry Heritage Centre offers an unforgettable journey into the past!
Monday 12th May 10:00am-4:30pm
Tuesday 13th May 10:00am-4:30pm
Wednesday 14th May Closed
Thursday 15th May 10:00am-2:30pm
Friday 16th May 10:00am-4:30pm
Saturday 17th May Closed Private Hire
Sunday 18th May Closed
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
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
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
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
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.
Self Guided Walking Tours
The self guided tours comprises of a brochure with illustrated map and the audio narrative by Dr Peter Harbison. Both are available 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.
Thanks to:
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme
