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Guide Location: Ireland » Galway
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 1 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 2.4 km
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 1 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 2.4 km
Image Courtesy of Flickr and psiphim6
Author: anna
Also called Gaillimh which means "stony", Galway is one of Ireland's fastest developing cities. It has 800 years of history and retains its medieval atmosphere. Galway is also called the "City of the Tribes" as it was founded by fourteen families or tribes. The symbols associated with each tribe are displayed on Eyre Square, and you can even see in the city the residence of one of the tribes/families - Lynch Castle. Galway has been visited by the likes of Columbus, John F. Kennedy.
Tour Stops and Attractions
1) Eyre Square
This is the place where locals go for a picnic, a walk or to just meet. Ever since medieval times, this place has had a special significance for Galway as a central market place, a site to elect the mayors and just a square for the people living here and travelers to meet. Named after the mayor who made it public and the dedicated it to honor President John F. Kennedy, the square represents the real life of the city.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and boocal
2) Lynch's Castle
This was once the house of the most powerful family in the city. It was designed in the Irish Gothic style and beautifully executed in limestone. Many Galway mayors were elected from the Lynch family. It is believed that the castle was built in the period between 1484 and 1509, during the reign of King Henry VII, and this is visible on the building.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and wjmarnoch
3) Saint Nicholas Church
This is the largest medieval church in the country. It dates back to 1320 and was built to worship Saint Nicholas of Myra who is the patron saint of sailors. It is believed that the church was visited in 1477 by Christopher Columbus. In the past, the elections for the mayor were held within its walls.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Mark Grealish
4) Galway City Museum
Located near the famous Spanish Arch, the main museum of Galway was founded in July 2006. The museum is here to tell the story of the city and its surroundings. It overlooks the River Corrib and the old villages here. The Galway City Museum houses objects dating from medieval times up to the present.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and boocal
5) Spanish Arch
This arch was earlier an extension of the city walls and was meant to protect the town's quays. However, there is no proof that this arch has anything to do with the Spanish living in the city. It was built between the years 1519-1520. In 1755, the arch was partially damaged by a tsunami. This arch was also home to the Galway City Museum.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and EamonnPKeane
6) Galway Arts Centre
Galway Arts Centre is an art gallery open from Monday – Saturday and admission here is free. More than an art exhibitions center, Galway Arts Centre offers classes in art and also in writing and photography and other forms of art. Its mission is to promote art among young people, to encourage new artists, and present Galway to tourists.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and john_a_ward
7) Galway Cathedral
This Roman Catholic cathedral has the official name: The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. Built on the site of the old city jail, it is one of the most magnificent edifices in the city. Its construction took seven years, starting from 1958. The predominant style in its architecture is Renaissance. The Cathedral's special charm makes it a symbol of the city.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and emarocca
8) National University of Ireland
Also known as "The Quadrangle," the NUI first opened its doors in 1849, under the name of Queen's College. The building is in the Tudor Gothic architectural style. In 1908 it was renamed the University College, Galway and later, in 1997, it became the National University of Ireland, Galway. Among its famous alumni, one can count actors and athletes.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and bea y fredi
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