The Fishery Tower is truly unique, in that it is the only building of its kind in Ireland. Also known as the Fishery Watchtower, and the Tower Station, the Tower was built in 1852/53 by the Ashworth family, who at that time had assumed the ownership of the Galway Fishery. It was built originally as a draft netting station, and it also served as a look-out Tower for Fishery personnel to monitor fish stocks coming up the River. It's central location and panoramic views also allowed fishery personnel to keep a close eye on illegal fishing activity along the River. The building is currently owned by the Western Fisheries Board, and is leased to Galway Civic Trust, who operate it as a Fishery Museum during summer months.

Situated in the centre of the City, beside the River Corrib and facing Nimmo's Pier and the Claddagh, the Fishery Tower is one of Galway's best known architectural landmarks. With the demise of draft netting in the late 1970's, the working life of the tower was effectively over, and the condition of the Tower deteriorated badly over a number of years, to the point where its structural integrity was under threat. The building had become something of an eyesore, and there were calls for it to be demolished. The Civic Trust, however, recognized the architectural and historical importance of the building, and was determined that the Fishery Tower would be restored and a new purpose found for it in order to ensure its long-term viability.