Tribes of Galway

Irish history

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July 16, 2026

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The "Tribes of Galway" refers to fourteen prominent families who held power in the city of Galway, Ireland, after Anglo-Norman settlers established walls around the city around 1270. These families, of English lineage, transformed Galway into a significant commercial center with extensive trade, particularly with Spain. The city's charter, granted by Richard II, was later expanded to include jurisdiction over the Aran Islands.1

Galway city is administratively separate from County Galway, which is located in western Ireland. The county features the Irish central lowland in its eastern two-thirds and the Connemara region in the west, characterized by peat bogs, lakes, and mountains. Galway has the largest population of Irish (Gaelic) speakers in Ireland.2

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Galway
…of English lineage—the so-called “Tribes of Galway”—leading Galway to be called the “City of the Tribes.” The charter of incorporation given by Richard II (reigned 1377–99) was extended in 1545 to give the port jurisdiction over the Aran Islands, located 20 miles (30 km) southwest; it permitted export of…
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…of English lineage—the so-called “Tribes of Galway”—leading Galway to be called the “City of the Tribes.” The charter of incorporation given by Richard II (reigned 1377–99) was extended in 1545 to give the port jurisdiction over the Aran Islands, located 20 miles (30 km) southwest; it permitted export of…
Read More