EYRE SQUARE,
Eyre Square is the geographical focal point of the east city. On its west side is browne's Doorway of 1627, part of the home of one of the city merchants. The whole southern side of the square is taken up by the Great Southern Hotel. In the centre, there's the JFK Memorial Park, a statue of the hell-raiser Pádhraig O'Conaire and a modern sculpture evoking the sails of a Galway Hooker (ie. a native boat). The square is a popular gathering place and is full of life, especially in Summer.






PÁDHRAIG O'CONAIRE; Albert Power's sculpture of famous Galway author Pádhraig Ó O'Conaire (1882 - 1928) sits at the top of Eyre Square. This much loved limestone monument was unveiled in 1934. The statue depicts the writer, sitting at his work. Pádhraig grew up in the docks area, just around the corner from where his statue stands today. He was a great lover of the Irish language and in his lifespan, he produced 24 books all in his native tongue.

LYNCH'S CASTLE; Situated on the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch's Castle is a rare window back into old Galway. It was the home of the main branch of the Lynch family - the most powerful "Tribe" of Galway's history. Its magnificent facade shows the arms of Henry VIII. Lynch's Castle is last remaining of the fourteen merchant homes, shown in the 1651 Pictorial Map of the city. If the building is open step into the foyer which contains an interesting exhibit. Examine the Pictorial Map of 1651 on the wall - it provides a wonderful portrait of life in Galway just before its fall from grace.












COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS OF MYRA;
This 14th century church, dominating Shop Street, Galway's main shopping district, still retains it's original form and is the biggest Medieval parish church in the country. Inside the ornate tombs are well worth a visit, see the tombstones and altar-tombs on view in the Lynch Aisle, which was once the private chapel of the Lynch family. It is said that Christopher Columbus came here to hear mass and pray before his voyage to the New World.






LYNCH MEMORIAL WINDOW;
This unusual structure is there to remind us of one of Galway's myths. A plaque tells you it commemorates the 'stern and unbending justice' of the local magistrate Robert Lynch Fitzstephen, who hanged his own son from the window of his home. Lynch's son murdered a Spanish merchant in 1493. Lynch's Window is located on Market Street at the side of St. Nicholas' Church.







SPANISH ARCH;
Once a fish-market and an extension of the city walls through which ships unloaded their cargo, most of the produce landed here came from Spain, hence the name. Originally longer, with four arches instead of two, and with battlements at the top, it was an imposing fortress. The sea came right up to the outer wall. The Galway City Museum is at the arch and opens Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5.15 pm (except during lunch).





THE CITY WALLS;
After the arrival of the Normans in the 13th century the fortification of Galway began. By 1650, the city walls streched from the Eyre Square on one end to the Spanish arch on the other. Sections of these walls can be still be seen, with recently renevated sections next to the Spanish Arch and in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre.











NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY;
Situated on the banks of the river Corrib the University was built in the 1940s . Its beautiful stone quadrangle is one of the city's most prominant landmarks. It plays an important role in the cultural life of Galway. It is the venue for many musical, literary and sporting events. On campus there is an art gallery, a museum and a theatre, as well as cafes and restaurants and the infamous college bar or SU Club. It is a ten minute walk from the city centre.