Keith's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Eyre Square (‘An Fhaiche Mhór’ in Irish) in the heart of Galway City, is officially known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The square has a rich history dating back to medieval times when markets took place on the green in front of the town gates. In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially presented the plot of land to the city. It remains a popular gathering place for visitors and natives alike and the grass areas are often packed on sunny days. There is also a playground here and seasonal markets take place throughout the year. A bust of the US President Kennedy, who was made a Freeman of the city, marks the spot where he made a speech to approximately 100,000 Galway people in 1963, on his last trip before his assassination.
Over the years, the square has undergone a number of name changes and facelifts to become the present square, which received the Irish Landscape Institute Design Award in 2007. There are a number of ornate fixtures in the park, such as the historic Browne family mansion doorway (1627) and the Quincentennial fountain (1984) which is a representation of the Galway Hooker, which is a traditional fishing boat unique to Galway.
49 locals recommend
Eyre Square
Eyre SquareEyre Square (‘An Fhaiche Mhór’ in Irish) in the heart of Galway City, is officially known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The square has a rich history dating back to medieval times when markets took place on the green in front of the town gates. In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially presented the plot of land to the city. It remains a popular gathering place for visitors and natives alike and the grass areas are often packed on sunny days. There is also a playground here and seasonal markets take place throughout the year. A bust of the US President Kennedy, who was made a Freeman of the city, marks the spot where he made a speech to approximately 100,000 Galway people in 1963, on his last trip before his assassination.
Over the years, the square has undergone a number of name changes and facelifts to become the present square, which received the Irish Landscape Institute Design Award in 2007. There are a number of ornate fixtures in the park, such as the historic Browne family mansion doorway (1627) and the Quincentennial fountain (1984) which is a representation of the Galway Hooker, which is a traditional fishing boat unique to Galway.
Positioned on the left bank of the Corrib River, The Spanish Arch is one of Galways historical gems, dating back to pre-medieval times.
The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 but is an extension of the 12th century Norman -built town wall, which stretched from Martin’s Tower to the riverbank. It housed soldiers who kept watch and manned cannons on the roof. Constructed by Wylliam Martin, the 34th mayor of Galway, it was first known as Ceann an Bhalla (‘the head of the wall’) but later became known as the Spanish Arch. This misnomer is thought to be a reference to the former merchant trade with Spain and Spanish galleons, which often docked here. In medieval times, European ships carrying cargo of wine and spices sold their goods at the docks. In fact, Christopher Columbus visited in 1477.
In 1755, The Spanish Arch was partially destroyed by a tsunami. In the 1800s, the Eyre family added the Long Walk extension. Until 2006, The Spanish Arch housed the Galway City Museum, which has now moved to a new location 50 yards away behind the original museum building.
98 locals recommend
Spanish Arch
2 The Long WalkPositioned on the left bank of the Corrib River, The Spanish Arch is one of Galways historical gems, dating back to pre-medieval times.
The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 but is an extension of the 12th century Norman -built town wall, which stretched from Martin’s Tower to the riverbank. It housed soldiers who kept watch and manned cannons on the roof. Constructed by Wylliam Martin, the 34th mayor of Galway, it was first known as Ceann an Bhalla (‘the head of the wall’) but later became known as the Spanish Arch. This misnomer is thought to be a reference to the former merchant trade with Spain and Spanish galleons, which often docked here. In medieval times, European ships carrying cargo of wine and spices sold their goods at the docks. In fact, Christopher Columbus visited in 1477.
In 1755, The Spanish Arch was partially destroyed by a tsunami. In the 1800s, the Eyre family added the Long Walk extension. Until 2006, The Spanish Arch housed the Galway City Museum, which has now moved to a new location 50 yards away behind the original museum building.
The Claddagh or ‘An Cladach’ meaning ‘the shore’, is a notable area in Galway, on the western side of the city. The Claddagh was once an ancient fishing village, dating from the fifth century. This community, most of whom sold their daily catches at market near the Spanish Arch, lived in thatched cottages. They sailed in the famous Galway Hooker boats and spoke Irish. They even had their own king, who led the fishing fleet and settled disputes in the community.
Today, the Claddagh area includes St Mary’s Dominican Church, Sports and festival amenities and residential areas. The original village was made up of thatched cottages which were demolished in the 1930s and replaced by houses.
Legend has it that this area was most famous for the Claddagh ring, which was created by jeweller, Richard Joyce. The story goes that he was kidnapped by pirates on his way to the West Indies and his master taught him jewellery craft. When he was released, he returned to Galway and set up his trade. The design of the ring symbolises love, friendship and loyalty and is of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart and is a popular souvenir for visitors to the city.
34 locals recommend
The Claddagh
The Claddagh or ‘An Cladach’ meaning ‘the shore’, is a notable area in Galway, on the western side of the city. The Claddagh was once an ancient fishing village, dating from the fifth century. This community, most of whom sold their daily catches at market near the Spanish Arch, lived in thatched cottages. They sailed in the famous Galway Hooker boats and spoke Irish. They even had their own king, who led the fishing fleet and settled disputes in the community.
Today, the Claddagh area includes St Mary’s Dominican Church, Sports and festival amenities and residential areas. The original village was made up of thatched cottages which were demolished in the 1930s and replaced by houses.
Legend has it that this area was most famous for the Claddagh ring, which was created by jeweller, Richard Joyce. The story goes that he was kidnapped by pirates on his way to the West Indies and his master taught him jewellery craft. When he was released, he returned to Galway and set up his trade. The design of the ring symbolises love, friendship and loyalty and is of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart and is a popular souvenir for visitors to the city.