Archaeology, castles and ruins, Galway

This museum is a bit of a jumble but has lots of bits & pieces from days gone by. A good place to spend an hour or so - especially if you need to shelter from the Irish weather!!! Be sure to check out the view from roof which is worth the entrance fee by itself.

The Spanish Arch stands on the left bank of river Corrib. It was built in the 16th century to protect the port which was located outside the of the city walls. Back then it was called Ceann an Bhalla (Head of the Wall). The name Spanish Arch is much younger, it derives from the 19th century when Spanish merchants landed here with their boats.

Visit The Old Quays Spanish Arch. This photo is from the inside of the arch.
At this place the Spanish traders loose their goods and merchendaies to sell inside the town of Galway.

I was expecting something more, perhaps. Not that there is anything wrong with the arch...but it gets just a tad overhyped in guidebooks. Pretty and interesting, but not really something that takes more than twenty minutes (tops!) to see.

However, I didn't get a chance to tour the museum. Perhaps there's more to the arch than can be seen from outside.

It is unfortunate that one of the only remaining parts of the city’s midieval wall is incorporated into a mall. It is near Eyre Square.

Built 1584, it is part of the original city wall of Galway stretching to the River Corrib. I’m not sure why it’s called Spanish arch. It really isn’t that impressive.

It takes all of about 30 seconds to take in. There's not much to it. You'll see it most likely once you walk the pedestrian strip. But see it just to say you saw it.

A stroll to Clifden Castle from Clifden town
While in Clifden take a stroll to the Castle. I think the castle was private property but there are good views.