A new exhibition at Galway City Museum, The Tribes in Hungary: Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn, explores two descendants of the Galway Tribes who left lasting legacies in Hungary.
Funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 in association with the Embassy of Hungary in Dublin, the Diocesan Collection Centre of Győr, and the Diocese of Galway and Clonfert, the exhibition spans both indoor and outdoor temporary galleries at Galway City Museum.
Outside the museum, visitors can enjoy a selection of striking artworks from Ferenc Martyn, a pioneering Hungarian painter and sculptor. His great-great-grandfather Robert Martyn settled in Hungary in the 19th century, and throughout his life, Ferenc returned to his Galway roots and his connection with his ancestral homeland, despite, as far as we know, never stepping foot here.
Continuing inside the museum, the exhibition tells the story of Galway-born Walter Lynch, a highly respected 17th century clergyman who played an important role in the Counter Reformation as Bishop of Clonfert. Exiled to Europe by Cromwellian forces, he eventually found refuge in Győr, Hungary. This exhibition displays rare objects from Lynch’s time in Győr and a Galway travelling chalice from the Poleberry Foundation.
A centrepiece of the exhibition is a copy of the revered ‘Our Lady of Győr’ or ‘Irish Madonna’ from Loughrea Cathedral. The original is believed to have been brought to Győr by Bishop Walter Lynch. Decades after Lynch’s death, on 17 March 1697, the painting was reputedly witnessed weeping tears of blood.
Acting Director of Galway City Museum Adam Stoneman said: “The extraordinary stories of Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn, are those of faith, identity, exile, refuge, emigration, and diaspora – all of which resonate strongly today. The exhibition reveals the centuries of cultural exchange between Galway, Hungary and Europe, and reminds us that this city has always been in dialogue with other parts of the world.”
Hungarian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Gergely Bánhegyi, Ambassador said: “We are deeply grateful to Galway City Museum for making this exhibition possible — a particularly meaningful occasion in 2026, as we mark the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Hungary and Ireland. We are delighted that Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn have, through this exhibition, found their way back to their ancestral hometown. Their stories offer a reminder of the historical and cultural ties that connect our two countries. It is a pleasure to honour this shared heritage in Galway and to celebrate the enduring friendship between our peoples.”
Through a captivating collection of photographs, art prints, personal objects, and audio, the exhibition reveals to visitors a previously untold side of the story of the Galway Tribes.
The Tribes in Hungary: Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn is now open and runs until 31 March 2027. Admission is free. Further information is available at GalwayCityMuseum.ie
