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Neighborhood · Galway, Galway
Latin Quarter e Shop Street
Galway's medieval centre, from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch, with pedestrian streets, street musicians, painted-front pubs, Lynch's Castle and the church of St Nicholas, dating from 1320.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Latin Quarter e Shop Street
The Latin Quarter is the name given to Galway's historic centre, the run of pedestrian streets that descends from Eyre Square to the river Corrib: William Street, Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street. It's the heart of the city, with shops, bookshops, cafés, restaurants and painted-front pubs, and with musicians and street performers playing on the corners during the day.
At the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street stands Lynch's Castle, a 16th-century stone tower-house of the Lynch family, the most powerful of the 14 "tribes" of merchants who ran Galway. The façade has carved coats of arms and gargoyles and today houses a bank branch. A short walk away is the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, dating from 1320, the largest medieval church in Ireland still in use; local tradition says Christopher Columbus prayed there in 1477. Beside the church is the Galway Market on Saturdays, and on some other days, with producers, food and crafts.
At the top of the quarter, Eyre Square, officially John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, commemorates the US president's visit in 1963 and has the fountain with the sails of a typical bay boat, the hooker. At the other end, Quay Street slopes down to the river with the highest concentration of pubs with traditional music.
The quarter is lively from late morning until late at night, especially on weekends and in summer, when the pavements turn into a stage. It's the best place in the city to dine and hear music.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to walk from Eyre Square to the river at a leisurely pace; one night for the pubs.
Best time
From late morning until late afternoon, with street musicians. On Saturday mornings the market beside the church of St Nicholas operates. In the evening, the pubs on Quay Street have music.
How to get there
The quarter begins at Eyre Square, next to the train station and bus station. Walk down William Street and continue along Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street to the river — all on foot.
Tip
Stop on Shop Street to listen to the street musicians and go into the church of St Nicholas, right next door, which many visitors miss. At night, arrive early at the pubs on Quay Street to get a spot near the musicians.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Latin Quarter e Shop Street
Why is it called the Latin Quarter?
It's a tourist name adopted at the end of the 20th century for Galway's medieval center, inspired by a Parisian neighborhood. There is no record that Latin was spoken there.
When does the Galway Market operate?
The Galway Market operates on Saturdays beside the church of St Nicholas, with extra days at certain times of year. Confirm before going.
Did Columbus really visit Galway?
Local tradition says Christopher Columbus passed through Galway in 1477 and prayed in the church of St Nicholas. A note by Columbus himself mentions Galway, but the details of the visit are not confirmed.