More Information: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-city-landmarks/
Circle of Life Commemorative Garden
The National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden is located adjacent to the Promenade in Salthill overlooking Galway Bay. The title of the garden, “Circle of Life”, takes its name from its centrepiece which consists of five 2 metre tall standing stones positioned in a circle and each with a carving and inscription symbolising the connectivity and interdependence of man at the different stages of his journey through life. These, and the garden’s many other stone features, sculpture and inscriptions, are designed to create an inclusive place of beauty, inspiration which is welcome to all. The garden is a wonderful space to relax and reflect during your visit to Galway.
Eyre Square
Eyre Square (‘An Fhaiche Mhór’ in Irish) in the heart of Galway City, is officially known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The square has a rich history dating back to medieval times when markets took place on the green in front of the town gates. In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially presented the plot of land to the city. It remains a popular gathering place for visitors and natives alike and the grass areas are often packed on sunny days. There is also a playground here and seasonal markets take place throughout the year. A bust of the US President Kennedy, who was made a Freeman of the city, marks the spot where he made a speech to approximately 100,000 Galway people in 1963, on his last trip before his assassination.
Over the years, the square has undergone a number of name changes and facelifts to become the present square, which received the Irish Landscape Institute Design Award in 2007. There are a number of ornate fixtures in the park, such as the historic Browne family mansion doorway (1627) and the Quincentennial fountain (1984) which is a representation of the Galway Hooker, which is a traditional fishing boat unique to Galway.
Galway Cathedral
Located on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway Cathedral is one of the largest and most dominating buildings in Galway. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1958 and was completed in 1965. It is located on the site of the former city jail and features a dome at a height of 145ft. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway. Inside the visitor will find the rose windows and wall paintings, which echo the broad tradition of Christian art, particularly impressive.
Galway City Museum Situated behind the famous Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum houses exhibitions which explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway City, focusing on the medieval town, the Claddagh village & Galway, 1800-1950. In addition, the Museum mounts temporary exhibitions & hosts a variety of exhibits from other museums, galleries & special interest groups. The building itself affords spectacular views of the Claddagh, the Spanish Arch, the River Corrib and Galway Bay.
Galway City Museum reopened on 16th April 2007 with the launch of its permanent exhibition. Among the highlights on show is a rare 17th century altar piece, the new location of the statue of Pádraic Ó’Connaire and the Galway City hooker boat, named ‘Máirtín Oliver’ by the general public. Other highlights include the Galway Civic Sword and Great Mace. The Civic Sword dates from the time of the Charter of King James I. The Great Mace, a massive piece of ornamental silverwork, was made in Dublin in 1710, and was presented to the town by Edward Eyre, Mayor of Galway, in 1712.
The ground floor of the Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts dating back to Prehistoric and Medieval times, while the first and second floors host exhibitions reflecting the history, stories and experiences of the people of Galway. The galleries host a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. New exhibitions include prehistoric and medieval Galway, Padraic Ó’Conaire – the man and the statue, Lamb in Connemara (paintings by Charles Lamb), dancehall days, cinema in alway, the Arts in Galway, and modern languages (craft exhibition).