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Monument · Galway, Galway
Spanish Arch
Stone arches dating from 1584, remnants of Galway's walls, at the spot where the River Corrib meets the bay, beside the Galway City Museum and the colourful houses of the Long Walk.
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 Spanish Arch
The Spanish Arch is the surviving section of Galway’s walls on the banks of the River Corrib, near where it flows into the bay. The arches were built in 1584 as an extension of the wall to protect the quay where ships unloaded wine, salt and spices. The name recalls the city’s trade with Spain, which was strong at the time, although the arches were not built by Spaniards.
The small square around the arches is one of the city’s meeting points. On sunny days students and locals sit on the grass and on the river wall, and musicians play at the end of Quay Street. From there the Long Walk begins, a row of houses painted in different colours along the quay — one of the most recognised images of Galway.
Next to the arch is the Galway City Museum, with displays about the city’s history, fishing, the Atlantic and life in the Claddagh, and a Galway hooker — the bay’s traditional dark‑sailed boat — hanging in the foyer. From the museum’s top floor you can see the river, the Claddagh and the bay.
On the other side of the river, linked by the Wolfe Tone Bridge, is the Claddagh, the former fishing village that gave its name to the traditional ring, with a Dominican church and the waterfront where swans gather. From there the walk continues along the shore to Salthill.
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
Half an hour for the arch and the Long Walk; plus 1 hour for the Galway City Museum.
Best time
On sunny days, late in the afternoon when the square fills up. The museum often closes on Mondays for part of the year; check opening times.
How to get there
It is at the end of Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, a 10‑minute walk from Eyre Square. The Wolfe Tone Bridge next door takes you to the Claddagh.
Tip
Cross the Wolfe Tone Bridge and look back: from the Claddagh you get the best view of the colourful Long Walk houses with the Spanish Arch beside them. Go up to the museum’s top floor to see the river from above.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Spanish Arch
Was the Spanish Arch built by Spaniards?
No. It was built in 1584 by the city itself, as part of the walls. The name recalls Galway's trade with Spain.
What is the Long Walk?
A row of colorful houses along the quay, next to the Spanish Arch. The best view is from the Claddagh, on the other side of the river.
Is the Galway City Museum nearby?
Yes, next to the arch, with exhibits on the city's history and the bay's traditional boat in the foyer.