Spanish Arch

Historic Site in Galway

The Spanish Arch, Spanish Parade, Galway
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bob Linsdell

On the east bank of the Corrib River stand two historic arches, known as the Spanish Arch and the Caoc Arch. These arches are the remaining structures from the old “Front Wall” of the city and were part of a city wall extension from Martin’s Tower to the river, constructed in 1504.

The name “Spanish Arch” likely stems from Galway’s robust medieval trading relationships with Spain. In the 1700s, the Eyre family constructed an extension of the quays called the Long Walk and built an arch to facilitate access from the town to the quays. Originally named the “Eyre Arch,” the name “Spanish” ultimately prevailed.

The arches were severely damaged by a tsunami resulting from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, yet they and the Long Walk endured. In 2006, the Galway City Museum moved from its location at the arches to a new facility situated behind them. The Spanish Arch was also featured in the 1957 film “The Rising of the Moon.”

The Spanish Arch appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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Visiting Spanish Arch

Hours:

24 HOURS


Price:

Free

Address: Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway, Ireland
Duration: 20 minutes

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