We started our morning with a walking tour of Galway. We started in Eyre Square / John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. It was interesting to learn how important JFK was to the Irish people.
Walking along the street in the rain, it was a true Irish experience. We learned all about the history of Galway.
The city is beautiful. It was a port city back in history. The Vikings called this place home. The Portuguese and Spanish also settled here when they were fleeing their countries. That is one of the reasons for the name “Latin Corner”. You can see their influences throughout the area.
Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish writer, is from Galway. There is a bronze statue dedicated to him.
Another interesting learning was about the famous Irish Claddagh ring, it was created in Galway. This traditional Irish ring has a heart that represents love, a crown that represents loyalty, and two clasped hands representing friendship. There is actually a battle between two jewelry stores claiming to have made the original ring.
If you are into music, Galway has been the inspiration for two songs with the same name “Galway Girl”. Both Steve Earle and Ed Sheeran wrote popular songs. Outside the Quays Bar, on Forster Street, you will find a bronze statue of the Galway Girl. Stop by and take a picture.
There is a legend that ‘Santa Claus” is buried in a church in the Latin Quarter. Whether it really is St. Nicolas or not it makes for a fun story.
While walking around, it’s hard not to go shopping. There are amazing local stores that you should check out, especially if you are looking for a Irish sweater or had. There are so many options to choose from.
Enjoy!
T
