Spanish Arch

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The Spanish Arch as it stands today, on the east bank of the Corrib.

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The area in front of the Arch

The Spanish Arch (Irish: An Póirse Caoch) in Galway city, Ireland, was originally an extension of the city wall from Martin's Tower to the bank of the Corrib, as a measure to protect the city's quays, which were located in the area once known as the Fish Market (now Spanish Parade). It was constructed during the mayoralty of Wylliam Martin in 1584, being called ceann an bhalla (the head of the wall).

In the 18th century the Eyre family of Eyrecourt, County Galway, created an extension of the quays called The Long Walk and created the arches to allow access from the town to the new quays. The Spanish Arch is located on the banks of the River Corrib directly across from The Claddagh.

Ballyknow Quay, Claddagh, Galway, with The Long Walk in the background

In 1755, the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Until 2006, part of the Arch housed the Galway City Museum. At that time, the museum was moved to a new, dedicated building located just behind the Arch.

The Long Walk is a promenade to one side of the Arches.

References

• "History of Galway", James Hardiman, 1820
• "Old Galway", Maureen Donovan O'Sullivan, 1942
• The Tribes of Galway", Adrian J. Martyn, 2005

External links

• Galway.Net Guide - Spanish Arch