Galway Local History – Our Collections
Galway Public Libraries are proud to preserve and provide access to a rich collection of local history resources. Whether you're researching your family tree, exploring Galway’s past, or studying Irish heritage, our collections offer a wealth of information.
Books
Our Local History Collections include over 10,000 books of local and national interest, covering:
- Non-fiction titles on Galway’s history, culture, and society
- Historic fiction by renowned Irish authors, including Liam O’Flaherty and Pádraic Ó Conaire
- Rare and unique items of historical significance
Journals
We hold a comprehensive collection of historical journals, including:
- The complete set of the Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society (1900–2024)
- The Galway Reader (1948–1954)
- Other local and national journals, some dating back to the early 1800s
Maps
Our map collections include:
- Griffith’s Valuation Maps (1850s)
- Larkin’s Grand Jury Maps (1819 – originals and copies)
- O'Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Maps (circa 1840s)
- Recorded Monuments Atlas (Dúchas, 1997)
- Other historic maps of Galway and Ireland
Explore place names and field books online at: places.galwaylibrary.org
Access additional historic maps via the GeoHive Hub
Other Resources
- Encumbered Estates Court Rental Books (c. 1840s–1870s):
Lists of tenants on estates sold due to landlord insolvency, often post-Famine. Includes maps of the lands for sale. - Grand Jury Presentment Books (1812–1899, incomplete set):
Records of public works and local government spending. - Trade Directories:
Including Pigott’s (1820–1824) and Slater’s (1846, 1856, 1870, 1881, 1894), useful for tracing businesses and residents.
Photographic Collection
Our digitised Photographs of Old Galway collection captures life in Galway through the decades.
View the collection online or book an appointment to view physical copies in the Local History section.