Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Galway
The site of many festivals and home to countless attractions, Galway is an exciting and interesting holiday destination. It is also the fastest-growing city in Ireland. So consider that a warning: Once you visit, you may just wish to stay! Depending upon the time of year, Galway has a number of fun events and activities going on. Here are the top five landmarks that are open all year-round:
1. Lynch’s Castle
Once the formal residence of one of Galway’s fourteen tribes, Lynch’s Castle now contains something quite mundane: the headquarters of Allied Irish Bank. Despite its current occupation, however, the building remains impressive—and one of the city’s most visited-attractions. The façade features the castle’s original coats of arms, and authentic stone fireplaces may be found inside. A special exhibition room filled with artifacts from the Lynch family’s reign is open from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays. Take the informative tour to learn how the family’s legacy influenced Galway’s history—and even how unfortunate events led to the coining of the term “Lynch Law.”
2. Galway Cathedral
Among the largest and most beautiful buildings in the city, Galway Cathedral is nearly impossible to miss. The imposing structure stands on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge. It was built from 1958 to 1965, on the site of the former city jail. Its signature octagonal dome, an integral and iconic component of the urban skyline, reaches a soaring height of 145 feet. Beneath it, you will find a stunning interior complete with rose windows and colorful wall paintings. As the last large church in Ireland to be made of stone, Galway Cathedral is of great importance to its patrons.
3. St. Nicholas’ Church
Another place of worship in the heart of Galway, St. Nicholas’ Church is important for another reason. It is the largest medieval parish church in continuous use in all of Ireland. Its oldest sections date back to 1320, but the building has been renovated and expanded since then. Today, the architecture reflects a long legacy—and legend has it that the church was built upon the ruins of an older structure, whose remains were incorporated into the church’s construction. Another story says that Christopher Columbus prayed here in 1477 before sailing off to discover the New World.
4. The Spanish Arch and the Galway City Museum
Undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Galway, the Spanish Arch welcomes visitors to the left bank of the Corrib. It is located where the river meets the sea, and it has stood on the same spot since the 16th century. Once a bastion to protect merchant ships from looting, the arch was originally called the “Ceann an Bhalla” (Head of the Wall.) The name was eventually changed in honor of the Spanish merchant galleons that docked near it. Today, the Spanish Arch acts as the gateway to the Galway City Museum. The museum’s galleries focus on the medieval town, the Claddagh village and Galway from 1800 to 1950. There are also temporary exhibitions and special events. Spectacular views of the Claddagh, the River Corrib, Galway Bay and (of course) the Spanish Arch act as additional displays.
5. Salmon Weir Bridge
Crossing the Corrib from the Cathedral to the city’s courthouse, Salmon Weir Bridge beautifully showcases the historical city. People flock here to admire panoramic views that extend as far down as Wolfe Tone Bridge. Salmon Weir was originally granted by Henry III to the Earl of Ulster, and the historical site changed hands several times before it eventually became the property of the state. During the summertime, locals gather to see the shoals of salmon make their way up the Corrib to spawn, and also to watch anglers fish in the waters below. Throughout the year, however, Salmon Weir Bridge remains one of Galway’s most popular and beloved pieces of architecture.
Recommended Hotels in Galway: Flannery’s Hotel Galway, the Glenlo Abbey Hotel
