The Galway Hotel, later called the Galway Arms, was built by George William Henry Ward, who in May 1876, was granted a wine licence for a “slab and iron” establishment at East Toorale, but converted that to a full publican’s licence in September of the same year. George Ward died just 18 months later, and his wife Margaret took over the licence. Margaret remarried and remained at the hotel until 1885, after which it had a succession of licensees.
Thomas Trapp was the last publican of the Galway Arms. In June 1895, an advertisement in the Western Herald reads:
“The Galway Arms Hotel, Old Toorale. T. Trapp desires to notify that he has leased the above well-known hotel and is prepared to give good accomodation to the travelling public and all his old friends.”
Trapp’s advertisement boasted that “only liquors of the Very Best Quality” will be kept in stock and that horse feed is always on hand. “Don’t forget to give Tommy a look in. He will make you all welcome.”
Whether it was due to not enough people giving Tommy “a look in” or not, the licence wasn’t renewed. Trapp went into the carrying business and later settled down in Sydney.
The remains of the Galway Hotel are situated on Rose Isle Station, where there is a farm stay with excellent accommodation and camping. Gary & Samantha Mooring are only too happy for visitors to have a look at the old site, and Samantha even has jewellery and mementos created from the recycled glass at the old hotel.
