THE FISHERY TOWER, WOLFE TONE BRIDGE, GALWAY
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, it was built in 1852/53 by the Ashworth family, who at that time had assumed the ownership of the Galway Fishery. Originally built as a draft netting station, it also served as a look-out Tower for Fishery personnel to monitor fish stocks coming up the River. Its 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 operates it as a Fishery Museum and Exhibition Space.
THE BUILDING
The ground floor of the Tower is built in stone, with the first and second floors built of brick. The brick used would have originally been used as ballast on the many cargo ships which plied their trade out of Galway. The ballast was offloaded onto the quay walls when the ship was loaded with a new cargo and the bricks were re-cycled and used in the construction of local buildings such as the Fishery Tower. The Tower could be said to be very "environmentally friendly", although built in Victorian times.
Situated, as it is, 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 landmarks. With the demise of draft netting in the late 1970s, the working life of the tower was effectively over, and the condition of the Tower detoriated 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, recognised its architectural heritage, 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. Galway Civic Trust sponsered FÁS CE workers to restore the Tower by agreement of Western Fisheries Board and guided by a Conservation Architect.
SUMMARY
The Fishery Tower Museum is now a major feature on the Galway tourist map. It is often the smaller architectural "gems" such as the Fishery Tower, which, by their charm and strategic importance, contribute so much to the architectural and cultural landscape of our towns and cities.
AWARDS
- Civic Trusts Ireland Gulbenkian Awards 1998 - Winner, Infrastructural Category.
- ESB Enviromental Awards 1999 - 2nd Place, Infrastructure Category.
- Henry Ford European Conservation Awards 1999 - Finalist, Built Heritage Category
- CIF Construction Excellence Awards 2000 - runner-up, Heritage Building Category.
- Lama Awards - Cumann Chomhaltaí na nÚdarás Áitiúl.
- Best Heritage Project 2007/Heritage Project 2007
OFFICIAL OPENING
The Fishery Tower Museum was officially opened by Eamon Ó Cuiv TD. Minister of State of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, on July 21st 1999
Type of Events in the Tower
- Exhibition of the history of the Tower
- Visual and performance arts exhibitions
- Music recitals, usually baroque instruments, or tin whistle.
- Poetry readings and story telling for children
- Box office facilities for other organisation's smaller events
- Making St Bridgets Crosses
- Box office and exhibition for Galway Early Music Festival
- Launch of Heritage Festival Programme
- Tulca at the Tower - Folklore Experiments
- Artist in Residence for month of March
- Macnas Masks Exhibition during Galway Arts Festival
