Spanish Arch

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.

In pictures

Spanish Arch FAQs

Why is it called the Spanish Arch?
The Spanish reference to the ‘The Spanish Arch’ is believed to have been coined by the ruling classes of Dublin who once said “Galway is more Spanish than Irish” as a great many Spaniards visited and lived in the city during the late middle ages, when Spanish ships would sometimes moor their boats along the Long Walk and by the arches.
Why was the Spanish Arch built?
The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 and actually consisted of four arches which were part of the medieval defensive walls of Galway. The Spanish Arch was an access point to the city and served to protect the nearby quays where goods were loaded and unloaded onto ships.
Who founded Galway Ireland?
Galway was founded in the 13th century by a baron named Richard de Burgh who took the area and created a walled town after the English invasion in 1170.

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.

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