Page 186 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

184 BACK ROADS IRELAND

1 Galway
Co Galway
Situated on a narrow neck of land between Galway Bay and Lough
Corrib, Galway is the only maritime city in Ireland that actually looks
out across the sea and has a tang of salt about it. Despite being one
of the fastest growing cities in Europe, it has a village atmosphere and
is famous for its summer festivals, thriving arts scene, historic pubs
and painted shopfronts. It is also where Irish is most widely spoken –
a reminder that it is the cultural hub for the broader hinterland of
Connemara and the Aran Islands, Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht. From
Eyre Square, the main drag leads to the riverfront, a Continental-
style promenade where locals come to enjoy the “craic” – fun.

A two-hour walking tour quays, and a reminder of Galway’s
From Eyre Square Centre car park exit once extensive trading links with the
onto Eyre Square 1, a former market rest of Europe. Behind the arch is the
Above Galway’s brightly painted shopfronts square and jousting ground, once glass-fronted Galway City Museum
are a feature of the city Below Swans by the located outside the old city walls, 5 (open Tue–Sat, Sun pm), which has
quayside, Claddagh harbour and now a pleasant exhibitions on Galway
green space. In the themes, an eclectic
fountain in the centre, permanent collection –
VISITING GALWAY Galway’s maritime a Victorian child’s tricycle,
Parking traditions are celebrated an 18th-century reliquary
Most of the city centre is pedestrianized, by the sculpture of a of St Ursula – and good
so it is best to park in the Eyre Square hooker – the traditional views over the river.
Centre or Forster Street car park opposite Galway fishing boat, Under the arch is Nimmo’s
St Patrick’s Church. There is also a multi- examples of which can (see right), a good spot
storey car park off Quay Street, next to
Wolfe Tone Bridge. Parking discs for be seen sailing in for lunch. Look across
on-street parking can be bought at Galway’s harbour. Lynch family crest, to the far bank of the
shops, newsagents and the tourist office. Leaving the square, Lynch Castle River Corrib at this point
Tourist Information stroll down William Street to see Claddagh, the
Aras Failte, Forster St; 091 537 700; and Shop Street, Galway’s main drag. oldest fishing village in Galway,
www.discoverireland.ie/galway; On the right is Lynch’s Castle 2, the which gives its name to the
open Mon–Sat home of one of Galway’s ruling Claddagh ring (see right).
families in the 16th century. Further From the Spanish Arch, follow
WHERE TO STAY IN GALWAY down Shop Street, fork left for High Fishery Walk 6 – the wooden
Heron’s Rest moderate Street. On the corner of Cross and walkway is clearly marked –
The owner of this boutique B&B near Quay streets is Dillon’s Jewellers 3, upstream. Continue past Wolfe Tone
the Spanish Arch has brought the which has a quaint museum (open Bridge towards the Salmon Weir
village to the city with her careful daily; pm only Sun) dedicated to the Bridge, following the river as it
attention to detail, individually styled history of the Claddagh ring (see box). curves right onto Waterside. On the
rooms and gourmet breakfasts. She is
also a mine of information on events Continue down to the river and turn opposite bank is the Roman Catholic
in Galway and its history. left to the Spanish Arch 4, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, an imposing
16a The Longwalk, Spanish Arch; 091 remnants of the city wall extension modern structure built of local
539 574; www.theheronsrest.com; (1584), built to protect the river limestone and Connemara marble,
open Apr–Oct
The House Hotel moderate
Fashionable boutique hotel. Rooms
are beautifully appointed and have all
the comforts of a top-range hotel.
Great location in the Latin Quarter.
Lower Merchants Rd; 091 538 900;
www.thehousehotel.ie
The Meyrick moderate
Formerly a traditional Victorian railway
hotel, the Meyrick has been given a
contemporary facelift but retains its
large, graceful bedrooms. The Oyster
Bar is well worth a visit.
Eyre Square; 091 564 041;
www.hotelmeyrick.ie

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