Galway
The view across the Corrib from near the Spanish Arch to The Claddagh. This was a Celtic community of fishermen, outside the walls of the city that was governed by its own king, until 1954. An Cladach means ‘flat, stony shore’. The name is now best known for the rings that were originally made nearby and are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and have special meaning according to what finger they are worn on and what way up.
Galway was where I stayed when I went to Kylemore Abbey the other weekend. Straddling the River Corrib it was once an important port until east coast ports took over and it had important links with Spain in the past. It is now a thriving city with hi-tech industries and a university.
The main tourist area is the pedestrianised (yes really) Latin quarter up through Shop Street and WIlliam Street to Eyre Square. Packed with shops, cafes and bars it is a nice place to wander
The home of the Claddagh ring
The lively and varied Saturday market with lots of food stalls and local produce
I loved this sign!
One of the most important buildings on this walk is Lynch’s Castle, the finest 16th century townhouse in Galway and a massive lump of a building. Now a bank it has interesting carving on the outside including this strange gargoyle – I can’t quite work out what the bigger creature is doing to the smaller one!
Eyre Square is a large, pedestrianised area
The centrepiece is this sculpture of a Galway hooker – that’s a boat!
And lastly the Spanish Arch itself which was an opening in the City walls through which Spanish merchants unloaded their boats
I liked your captions
i think that creature is eating the small one lol .
So do I unfortunately!
We had a wonderful holiday in Galway, a few years ago now. Great fun, although some if it is a little hazy!
It is a lovely and lively place