Back in the 13th century when the de Burgo family ran things in Galway, Richard – the Red Earl – erected a large hall as a seat of power. Locals would arrive to curry favour or to grovel as a sign of future fealty. After the 14 tribes took over, the hall fell into ruin, lost until 1997 when expansion of the city's Custom House uncovered its foundations. The Custom House was built on stilts overhead, leaving the old foundations open.
Artefacts and a plethora of fascinating displays give a sense of Galway life some 900 years ago. Volunteers often show up to give a verbal explanation of the ruins and their significance.
