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Because Galway was once a walled city, evidence of which can still be seen in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, it makes life very easy when it comes to sightseeing. It’s less than a mile from one end of the city centre to the next, and many of the streets in this area have also been pedestrianised so you can literally see almost everything in a day.
There is only one official museum which you will find in the Spanish arch. But, if its evidence and remnants from Galway’s past which you want, you will find both on display in numerous buildings throughout the city. For example Blake’s Castle on Quay Street now serves as a seafood restaurant while Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street is home to the main branch of Allied Irish Bank in the city.
Kirwan’s Lane is another prime example of how the native Galwegians have incorporated their history into modern day life. This medieval passageway has been completely restored in recent years and is now home to a number of small art and craft shops.
The river Corrib also adds greatly to the appeal of the city and walking from the Spanish Arch to the Salmon weir bridge you will see numerous locals and visitors pack the river banks in an attempt to catch one of the thousands of Atlantic salmon which are netted here every year. Across the river is Claddagh, the original fishing village from which the Galway of today was to develop. The area was ruled independently until 1934 but is now considered part of the main city.
The City of the Tribes also has the advantage of serving as a gateway to some of the rest of Ireland’s most popular tourist locations. Connemara, the Burren, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands are all located less than a couple of hours from the city centre and all can be reached by public transport leaving from Eyre Square. In the case of the latter because you can’t catch a boat in Eyre Square, you can either take a bus which travels to the harbour at Rossaveal or get a boat at the city’s docks.
Sporting activities are also extremely popular among visitors to the city. Water-sports, horse-riding, hiking tours and both river and deep-sea angling are among the favourites which can be found in the city and in the surrounding area. And for the classier among you who might be partial to a round of golf during your stay, you might be interested in the fact that Galway just happens to be home to some of Ireland’s best eighteen hole courses.
Local Attractions
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