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 Spanish arch, Galway by sourbugger
Despite the name which is actually only about 100 years old, the arch was built as an extension to the city walls in 1584. It provided safe shelter to unload boats safe from theives.
If you visit it, look for the architectural remains including a matramonial fireplace stored in one of the arches.
The grassy area around the arch by the river is very popular for 'chilling out' in the summer for tourists and locals alike. Leave a Comment Directions: Head to the river where it enters the sea
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The National University of Galway, Ireland (formerly known as University College Galway or UCG) was originally established as one of the Queens' Colleges in Ireland in 1845 and it officially opened in 1849. The buildings that make up the college proper nowadays were added to the original structure piecemeal, and this serves to enhance the attractiveness of the college.
The oldest and prettiest part of the college (the "Quadrangle") which contained the lecture halls and the old library and is a replica of the corresponding building at Oxford University and the stone from which it is built was supplied locally. Newer parts of the college sprang up in the 1970s and and were designed by architects Scott, Tallon, Walker.
The grounds of the university are open to the public and is well worth a visit. Aras Failte - a public information department was established in 1997 and the staff there will provide you with all the information you need. Aras Failte is located very close to the main Quadrangle building. Leave a Comment
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Eyre square in Galway is the focal point of the town. The city fathers made a real mess of it in the 1960s, and have had a go at at it again reecently. The plans for the current re-development were as good as far as they went, but they really have missed an opportunity to banish traffic from the area entirely and put in some kind of impressive focal point.
The square is still a place to hang out in the summer and soak up the rays (such as they are in Ireland) with a motley collection of new-age hippies, backpackers, young lovers and drunks taking up all the available green space. In former times it has been the scene of more important events , such as a speech given by JFK a few months before his assassination in Dallas. In 1965 the square was re-named the Kennedy memorial Park, but I've never heard that term being used. You can find a little bust of him next to the Children's playground area.
You can also see a picture of JFK's visit to Galway at the rear of the Tourist information office in Forster street or a bronze of his face at the side of the play park area on the square itself.
UPDATE : SEPT 2004 - the place still resembles a giant building site. During the work some skeletons were found. They carbon tested them, and they are medieval. This means the archaelogists had to have a good dig before the works continue.
UPDATE : AUG 2006 - all re-furishment work is now complete, and it looks fine. But where exactly did those millions of Euro get spent eh ? Leave a Comment
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 by sourbugger
Spurned by his fiancee at the ball, Walter wants to keep a close eye on this swarthy Spaniard, Gomez. The very next night he observes him entering the Blake family home and departing about an hour later. You can imagine what he must have thought.
Donning a disguise and calling out in a strange voice, he begins to chase Gomez through the backstreets of Galway, eventually ending up in the port area somewhere near the area where Spanish Arch now stands.
In one swift move he approaches Gomez from behind and runs a sword straight through him, kicking his body into the water's edge. He makes a sharp exit.
Very soon, some of the men find the body Gomez (including James Lynch, Walter's father) and a white scarf, which was only worn by members of the Lynch family.
Walter is pursued on horseback up into the hills that surround the town. When he is captured, he says quite a strange thing :
"Can you direct me to the prison". This was rather odd, as he lived next door to it.
What happens next... ? We will find out in Part 3 Leave a Comment
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 Lynch's castle, shop
street by sourbugger
Walter in now held in the dungeon of the jail next to his home in Lynch's castle. It is said that most of the town (about 3,000 souls) thronged the streets. They demanded that Walter be set free. James Lynch was certainly the mayor, but the job also meant that he was the chief magistrate and executioner. During the summary trial he found his own son quilty of murder.
The mob shouted that they would kill James if he went ahead with the execution. Many people think that this is the origin of the term 'Lynch mob'. It seems to fit, but it is in fact a Galway myth - the term has American origins.
It is said that on that night James descended into the dungeon.
Walter asked "Father do I have anything to hope for ?" to which the reply was :
"No my son, your life is forfeited by laws, at sunrise you must die".
What happens next ? Find out in part 4 Leave a Comment
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 Lynch's window by sourbugger
The story goes that James led his son, Walter, up a series of steps to the window where a noose stood ready. the crowd who has gathered (nearly all the town) were again shouting for Walter's release. it is said that James turned to his son and said : "For the care of the soul, take the last unhappy embrace of your loving father". As Walter came towards him - he pushed him out of the window ! Walter was swinging on the rope.
The crowd, totally stunned at the scene departed in one's and two's in silence.
What happened to the people left ? James was never seen in public again , he died within two years. Agnes Blake, Walter's intended, died of a broken heart within six months of a broken heart.
And the moral of the story ? The only reason Gomez went to the Blake's house that fateful night was because Agnes' father wanted to have a Spanish lesson. So the moral is : never learn a foreign language.
The only problem with this story is that if the story is true it certainly did not happen on these stones - they are a 19th century fabrication. The world's first tourist trap, in fact. Leave a Comment
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While I was there, Eyre Square was undergoing a serious facelift. It looks like it is going to really fit in well for the city once it's finished. The artist rendition of the final look is posted on the northside. There are also some monuments in this are to have a look at. There is also a dedication to JFK. Leave a Comment Directions: City center.
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 University Campus by Deefstes
Just a lovely place with old buildings and nice gardens. Well worth a stroll through the university grounds. Leave a Comment
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 by KozzmozzLeave a Comment
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It's now the Allied Irish bank on Quay St. The legend goes that Mr. Lynch Jr killed a Spaniard who he thought was after his girlfriend and that his father had to hang his son as punishment. Leave a Comment
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