The Spanish Arch
Where the river meets the sea 🌊
Positioned on the left bank of the Corrib River, The Spanish Arch is one of Galways historical gems, dating back to pre-medieval times.
The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 but is an extension of the 12th century Norman -built town wall, which stretched from Martin’s Tower to the riverbank. It housed soldiers who kept watch and manned cannons on the roof. Constructed by Wylliam Martin, the 34th mayor of Galway, it was first known as Ceann an Bhalla (‘the head of the wall’) but later became known as the Spanish Arch. This misnomer is thought to be a reference to the former merchant trade with Spain and Spanish galleons, which often docked here. In medieval times, European ships carrying cargo of wine and spices sold their goods at the docks. In fact, Christopher Columbus visited in 1477.
In 1755, The Spanish Arch was partially destroyed by a tsunami. In the 1800s, the Eyre family added the Long Walk extension. Until 2006, The Spanish Arch housed the Galway City Museum, which has now moved to a new location 50 yards away behind the original museum building.
A place to meet and relax
The Spanish Arch is located at the point where the river meets the sea and makes the ideal place to meet up with mates, to hang out and take in the beauty of the old Claddagh area of the city. Watch the Galway Hooker boats head out in the bay and seals follow the mackerel fishing boats home wait for cast offs. There are usually buskers playing down under the arch while revellers make the most of sunny days by the long walk or at the Middle Arch. Bliss.
Spanish Arch FAQs
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Spanish Arch Location Map
Explore medieval Galway and The Spanish Arch
See medieval Galway through an interactive model based on the Pictorial Map of Galway (circa 1651) which features the Spanish Arch during the middle ages.