Spanish Arch
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The Spanish Arch and the Caoċ Arch in Galway city, Ireland, are two remaining arches on the Ceann an Bhalla.
attractions: Eyre Square, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, Galway City Museum, The Latin Quarter, McGinn's Hop House, Great Escape Rooms, Murphy's Ice Cream, Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Garveys Inn, restaurants: The Dough Bros, McDonagh's, The Skeff Bar, An Púcán, The Quays Bar and Restaurant, The Front Door Pub, Monroe's Tavern, McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant, O'Connell's Bar, The Dáil Bar
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The Spanish Arch and the Caoċ Arch in Galway city, Ireland, are two remaining arches on the Ceann an Bhalla.
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The Docks in Galway, including the Spanish Arch, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. The area is located along the River Corrib, known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful views of the water. Visitors can take a stroll along the river and watch the boats come and go, or take a tour on one of the many boats available for hire. The Docks also host several events throughout the year, including live music and cultural festivals, making it a great spot for entertainment. The Spanish Arch, an iconic landmark located in the area, is a 16th-century structure that was originally built as a defensive barrier to protect the city's quays. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for photography. The arch is also home to the Galway City Museum, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and heritage. The area is home to several restaurants and pubs, offering a variety of dining options, from casual seafood to fine dining. The Docks also host several events throughout the year, including live music and cultural festivals, making it a great spot for entertainment. The area is also home to a number of art galleries and shops, which sell a variety of handmade crafts and souvenirs. Overall, the Docks in Galway, including the Spanish Arch, is a great spot to experience the city's maritime heritage, culture, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Siphesihle MlangeniSiphesihle Mlangeni
10
Located on the left bank of the Corrib River, The Spanish Arch is a true Galways historical valuable site, dated to pre-medieval times. It 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.
Patrick KarangwaPatrick Karangwa
10
Everytime I visit Galway I wonder how come they have done nothing to make the Spanish Arch more attractive or interesting. Okay, the museum is there now but even the sign over the arch is faded and hard to read and the surrounding area is sort of grubby. It is a very old arch, Columbus was only starting to slaughter Latin Americans when it was built. The red and white house adjoining it is ugly and there is no indication that it is historically important or should be preserved and now it is surrounded by ugly temporary fencing. All that said, it was nice to sit with the people begging and drinking cans and watch the seagulls over Claddagh in the sunshine and it benefitted greatly from lack of the tour buses full of Americans. Maybe the addition of more attractive and informative signage would help. The overwhelming reaction is disappointment or even "meh".
Cathy PowerCathy Power
50
The Spanish Arch opens onto a plaza which was the place where the citizens of Galway traded with the Gaelic residents of the Claddagh and beyond. Some parts of history are embarrassing and dishonourable and the walls of Galway fall into that category. The walls were built to keep the Gaelic Irish out of the city and, o. The seaward side of the arch, the Long Walk of today was the Long Wall of yesteryear and was built to prevent the people of Claddagh entering the city from the river bank. There was a rope footbridge connecting Claddagh to the city. This was where the bridge is today. Older images of Galway often show the fisherfolk standing in the plaza area selling fish to the citizens
Fergal JenningsFergal Jennings
20
Good place to relax.. The Spanish Arch is a charming historical site in the heart of Galway. Dating back to 1584, it is a fascinating piece of the city’s medieval walls and a testament to Galway’s rich maritime history. The structure itself is simple yet sturdy, with two arches that have stood the test of time. The arch is located in a picturesque area by the River Corrib, offering scenic views and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk or to take some memorable photos. The nearby Latin Quarter is vibrant and full of life, with plenty of shops, pubs, and street performances adding to the experience.
mav3rickmav3rick
00
In the 18th century the Eyre family of Eyrecourt, County Galway, created an extension of the quays called The Long Walk and created the arches to allow access from the town to the new quays. The designation "Spanish" is not historical to this period and was likely known as the Eyre Arch when built. In 1755, the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Until 2006, part of the Arch housed the Galway City Museum. At that time, the museum was moved to a new, dedicated building located just behind the Arch. The Long Walk is a promenade to one side of the Arches.[1]
Dieter SchardtDieter Schardt
00
Nearby Attractions Of Spanish Arch
Eyre Square
Eyre Square
Galway Cathedral
Galway City Museum
The Latin Quarter
McGinn's Hop House
Great Escape Rooms
Murphy's Ice Cream
Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church
Garveys Inn
Eyre Square
4.5
(5.6K)Click for details
Eyre Square
4.5
(4.9K)Click for details
Galway Cathedral
4.6
(2.3K)Click for details
Galway City Museum
4.4
(1.1K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Spanish Arch
The Dough Bros
McDonagh's
The Skeff Bar
An Púcán
The Quays Bar and Restaurant
The Front Door Pub
Monroe's Tavern
McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant
O'Connell's Bar
The Dáil Bar
The Dough Bros
4.8
(2.3K)Click for details
McDonagh's
4.3
(1.9K)Click for details
The Skeff Bar
4.4
(1.9K)Click for details
An Púcán
4.5
(1.7K)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.2
(2.7K reviews)
Website
galwaytourism.ie
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