While certainly not the oldest of the many iconic landmarks amid the periphery of the city’s landscape, the Salmon Fisheries Watchtower can nonetheless be said to be a truly unique site in terms of it encompassing many of the colourful, rich and varied elements of Galway’s Civic and National heritage.
The Fishery Watchtower is truly unique, in that it is the only building of its kind in Ireland!
It was built by the Ashworth Family in 1852/53, the then owners of the Galway Fishery.
The Watchtower was built originally as a draft netting station.
It served for many years as a look-out Watchtower for Fishery personnel to monitor fish stocks coming up the river.
Its central location and panoramic views also allowed the Fishery personnel to keep a close eye on illegal fishing activity (poaching) along the river and to take appropriate action!
Today it houses a little museum, with the history of the Galway Fisheries, equipment for both netting and poaching on show and a great view of the river and Galway bay with all the local wildlife visible too!
If you would like to find out more, why not come find us and there will also be helpful friendly guides on site to answer any question you may have!
Also if you are lucky you might see a Salmon or two running up the river or maybe a Cormorant having a snack on one of the plentiful Eels that also live just outside the tower in the river below!