O'Briens Bridge, Galway
Until the Salmon Weir bridge was built in 1819, the way to cross the Corrib River in Galway was via the Old West Bridge, built in 1342. The Corrib is a short but lively current that passes through Galway to Galway Bay. This bridge was the one way to cross into the car-Connaught suburb of Galway.
In 1558 a gate and tower were built on the west end and a second gate and tower in the middle. In 1852 the old West Bridge was taken down. Strong walls were built on either side of the river and O'Brien's Bridge was built in its place. It has two main arches spanning the river channel. Patrick Nugent was the bridge contractor.
In 1889 the bridge was named in honor of William Smith O'Brien, a deceased MP once a leader of the Young Irelanders, a revolutionary group. The bridge is a vital link between the north and south sides of Galway. Going "west" is an expression long used by Galwegians for their adventures in the wild old West End of the city.
In 1558 a gate and tower were built on the west end and a second gate and tower in the middle. In 1852 the old West Bridge was taken down. Strong walls were built on either side of the river and O'Brien's Bridge was built in its place. It has two main arches spanning the river channel. Patrick Nugent was the bridge contractor.
In 1889 the bridge was named in honor of William Smith O'Brien, a deceased MP once a leader of the Young Irelanders, a revolutionary group. The bridge is a vital link between the north and south sides of Galway. Going "west" is an expression long used by Galwegians for their adventures in the wild old West End of the city.
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O'Briens Bridge on Map
Sight Name: O'Briens Bridge
Sight Location: Galway, Ireland (See walking tours in Galway)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Galway, Ireland (See walking tours in Galway)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Galway, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Galway
Creating your own self-guided walk in Galway is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salthill Seaside Walking Tour
If you fancy a quality break by the sea, while in Galway, you don't need to go far. The small seaside spot called Salthill is only 3km away from the downtown shops, clubs and pubs, and you can get here on foot easily.
Speaking of pubs, there's no shortage of them in Salthill either. In fact, one of the local waterholes – O'Connors – bills itself as the first singing pub in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Speaking of pubs, there's no shortage of them in Salthill either. In fact, one of the local waterholes – O'Connors – bills itself as the first singing pub in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Galway Introduction Walking Tour
Before setting sail for the New World, Christopher Columbus paused to pray in Galway’s St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, seeking guidance and protection for the perilous journey ahead. Today, you can walk the same streets that once inspired this legendary explorer.
Galway, often called the “City of the Tribes,” sits on Ireland’s west coast, overlooking Galway Bay and serving as a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Galway, often called the “City of the Tribes,” sits on Ireland’s west coast, overlooking Galway Bay and serving as a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles