Galway Things to Do Tips by lina112 Top 5 Page for this destination

Dunguaire Castle Archaeology, castles and ruins Review

Dunguaire Castle, near Kinvara was built in 1520. It was owned by the Marytns of Galway, between the 17th and 20th century. It is a good example of a 16th century tower house built for protective purposes.

This picturesque castle, situated on the shores of Galway Bay, has been completly restored and it is possible to visit it during the day of enjoy a medieval banquet at night. Open daily from May to end of September from 9.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 4.30pm).

Website: http://www.galway.net

The University Public Buildings and City Landmarks Review

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.

Address: Galway city

St Nicholas Church Religious buildings Review

The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop of Myra in Lycia. Although he is best know today as the patron sanit of children or "Santa Claus", during the middle ages he was more commonly revered as the patron saint of sailors.

Christopher Columbus almost certainly worshipped here in 1477, and may well have been inspired by tales of St. Brendan the Navigator, an Irish monk who is believed to have sailed to America in the 6th century.

Directions: Just across the Salmon Weir Bridge leading over the River Corrib.

St Nicholas Church Religious buildings Review

Is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland still i contstant use. It was built in 1320 on the site of an earlier chapel. During the 16th century, when Galway´s prosperity was at its height, the church was extended and the aisles to the north and south were added, along with the sourth transept, the Blessed Sacramente Cahpel, and the belfry.

Directions: Just across the Salmon Weir Bridge leading over the River Corrib.

Saturday Market

The Saturday market offers a wonderful selection of natural foods and novel and traditional goods and gift ideas which are excellent value. It is no wonder that locals and visitors throng the market all day long every Saturday, rain, hail or shine.

Located in the laneway between Shop Street and Market Street, (past Easons on Shop Street), as you walk between the stalls every one of your senses will be arrested by the cornocopia of smells, tastes, sounds and vision and lively atmosphere created by the interaction betwen the stall holders and browsers alike.

Address: Between Shop Street and Market street.

Cathedral Religious buildings Review

Opened in 1965, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas is situated on the site of the former county jail (or gaol as it was known) which closed in 1939 and was notorious for its cruel treatment of prisoners. Happily a brighter atmosphere now prevails in this, the largest and possibly the most impressive building in the city. The copper domed roof is visible for miles around and the massive site on which it stands is one of the largest in the city centre. Nearly all of the raw materials used in the building were supplied from the local area and is a fine example of Irish workmanship. Inside the visitor will find the cut-stone and wood carvings and wall paintings, particularly impressive. The style of the building is Hiberno-Romanesque which is unique eleventh century native Irish mode and pre-dates the Norman invasion.

Directions: Just across the Salmon Weir Bridge leading over the River Corrib.

Website: http://www.galwaycathedral.org

Spanish Arch Archaeology, castles and ruins Review

The Spanish Arch, which is located on the banks of the river Corrib, was built in 1584. It was originally an extension of the famous city walls, designed to protect the quays. The Spanish Arch is, in fact, a misnomer, as there is no proven association between the Spanish in Galway and the building of the Arch. In the past it was known as The Blind Arch and it is located on the site more appropriately known as Ceann na Bhalla (The Head of the Wall). The Arch features a wooden sculpture, called Madonna of the Quays, which was sculpted by the well known artist, Claire Sheridan, who lived in the adjacent building during the 50's. Today The Spanish Arch is home to the Galway City Museum, which nestles into one of its impressive walls.

Celtic Cross Religious buildings Review

The large pseudo-Celtic cross by the north wall is a memorial to various parishioners who died during the First World War (1914-1918)

Address: St Nicholas Church

Directions: Just across the Salmon Weir Bridge leading over the River Corrib.