The James Mitchell Museum is located on the property of the University of Galway. It is a geological museum that has existed since the mid-nineteenth century. Here you can see examples of minerals and fossils from all over the world. One of the exhibitions is also dedicated to the geological history of Ireland's west coast.
The museum was founded in 1852, three years after the university was opened. Its beginning was the geological collection of Professor William King. Over time, it expanded with further donations to the university. The museum was expanded in the first half of the 20th century by Professor James Mitchell, whose name was given to the institution.
In 1992, the museum was reorganized. The main exhibition now includes the most valuable minerals and fossils in its collection. These include fragments of dinosaur bones, precious and semi-precious stones and rare minerals from around the world. The collection is supplemented with descriptions and an exhibition devoted to the life and work of William King, the founder of the museum.