The Spanish Arch, Landmark, Galway

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: June 15, 2013 5:24 pm
  • Updated: December 12, 2017 10:59 am
Location: Galway
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The Spanish Arch, located on the banks of the river Corrib was built in 1584. It was originally 4 archs providing an extension of the famous city walls, designed to protect the quays. In 1755, the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

In 1270, the Normans began to surround the new town of Galway with a large stone wall to protect against the Irish. The fortification of the town was completed circa 1583, with the erection of a citadel that would later become known as the Spanish Arch. The Spanish Arch was built to access The Long Walk and the harbourm outside city walls at that time. This is where Spanish traders unloaded & loaded their ships for many centuries. The influence of Spain can be noted in the song 'The Galway Girl' by Steve Earles as the opening line is 'I took a stroll by the old Long Walk' and refers to a dark-haired, blue-eyed Galway girl who evidently got her features from Spanish sailors!!!

 

1. The Spanish Arch, Landmark, Galway

Altitude: 4 m

The Spanish Arch, located on the banks of the river Corrib was built in 1584. It was originally 4 archs providing an extension of the famous city walls, designed to protect the quays. In 1755, the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

In 1270, the Normans began to surround the new town of Galway with a large stone wall to protect against the Irish. The fortification of the town was completed circa 1583, with the erection of a citadel that would later become known as the Spanish Arch. The Spanish Arch was built to access The Long Walk and the harbourm outside city walls at that time. This is where Spanish traders unloaded & loaded their ships for many centuries. The influence of Spain can be noted in the song ‘The Galway Girl’ by Steve Earles as the opening line is ‘I took a stroll by the old Long Walk’ and refers to a dark-haired, blue-eyed Galway girl who evidently got her features from Spanish sailors!!!