The office was originally established by a charter issued by King Richard III of England in December 1484 and had significant powers.

Prior to the creation of the mayoralty, the town of Galway was ruled by a Provost or Sovereign, who was appointed by the Earl of Ulster.

After the murder of the 3rd Earl in June 1333, the town was under the control of successive members of the Clanricarde line of the House of Burke family.

Although it survived the turbulent 17th century, the massive corruption of the office led to its disestablishment in 1841, when Galway Corporation was relegated to the status of an urban district council, headed by a chairman.

All that remains of the office, per section 11 of the Act is a symbolic role: "Subject to this Act, royal charters and letters patent relating to local authorities shall continue to apply for ceremonial and related purposes in accordance with local civic tradition but shall otherwise cease to have effect.".