Welcome

The Archives of the University of Galway Library comprise over 400 collections dating from the fifteenth century to the present day.

We focus on acquiring, preserving and providing access to collections that reflect the landscape and folklore of the west of Ireland, Irish music and language, the performing arts, landed estates and business records, literature in both the Irish and English language, primary source material documenting human rights, social justice, conflict and politics, and more.

Our archival holdings encompass a wide range of media, from parchment and paper to photographs, maps, audio, moving image, and digital formats. They are searchable and accessible to all readers. Search our collections to discover more, to arrange a visit, or to explore our digital collections online.

Our Special Collections print material is searchable via the main Library catalogue.

The University of Galway Library acknowledges that content in our historic collections may contain terminology which is inappropriate, outdated, offensive or distressing. We strive to ensure that the language used in our catalogues is accurate, respectful, and reflective of the values of the University of Galway. We welcome feedback if users encounter language they feel could be improved.

While we cannot alter fixed attributes associated with items in the collections (for example published titles, names or original content), we will always carefully consider requests to update other descriptive elements within our records.