Connacht - Culture

Located in the far western part of Ireland, this region is steeped in old Irish culture. Here you will find the native Irish language is most predominant, with English spoken primarily to accommodate guests. If you travel to this part of Ireland, one place you will surely want to visit is Galway.

Eyre Square is located in the centre of Galway. The square was originally called the 'Fair Green' for its landscape and design. In 1710 Mayor Edward Eyre, who had inherited this area of land from his father, changed the name. The square is in the heart of the city. The John F. Kennedy Memorial can be found in the centre of the park. It commemorates the President's visit there in 1963. From this spot, he addressed the people of Galway. Today there is a large bronze plaque erected in his honour.

The statue of Padraic O'Conaire also stands in J.F.K. Memorial Park. It was sculpted by Albert Power in recognition of this great writer's contribution to Irish literature. A native of Ireland, Padraic O'Conaire returned to the city in 1914 after finishing his education in Blackrock College, in Dublin. Most of his writing was about the lifestyle and the culture of the common folk who lived in that region. It is said he travelled the roads of Galway with his donkey and cart looking for material to write about. He would also teach and tell stories about his travels. Padraic O'Conaire was credited as one of the initiators of the Irish Literary Revival. He is regarded as one of the finest Irish short story writers of the last century. He died in Dublin in 1928.

A tour of Kirwan's Lane is an absolute must for anyone who travels to Galway. Kirwan's Lane is one of Galway's last remaining medieval streets. It is located off Quay Street, in the old quarter of the city. Recently the old lane was restored to its former glory, using original stones. The windows and doorways overlooking the lane have been rebuilt in the same style as those of the 17th century. This old lane features an ancient 100 seat theatre, first constructed by Richard Martin for his wife in 1783. Theobald Wolfe Tone was among those who acted here. The Martin Family Crest can still be seen on the original window at the far end of Kirwan's Lane.

The city also is filled with ancient churches. One of the most famous is a church that was built and dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the traveller. That church was built in 1320. In 1484, the church was rendered collegiate and was controlled by a warden and eight vicars. Since then, the structure has been repeatedly rebuilt and renovated. The tower, for example, was added in the 1500s. St. Nicholas' Church contains fine examples of Galway's medieval stone carvings. This church also is renowned as the place where Christopher Columbus said last prayers before his epic journey to the New World. Services are still conducted in the sanctuary every Sunday.

Also in the city of Galway, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven is the last of the great stone cathedrals built in Europe. It is located on University Road in Cathedral Square. Some say it is the most impressive building in Galway. The Cathedral overlooks the Salmon Weir Bridge. Its Renaissance style building was opened and consecrated by the late Cardinal Cushing in 1965. It features a marble floor and brown cedar ceiling. Irishmen handcrafted all of the woodwork, stained glass and mosaics.

The Franciscan Friary, also known as 'The Abbey' is located in Galway. It was originally founded in 1296 on St. Stephen's Island. In 1438, Pope Eugenius IV decreed a school for advanced theological study be established at the Friary in Galway. The old church became a courthouse in the 1600's. In 1820 the present friary was built. The 'Abbey' was extensively refurbished in 1997-98. Today Friars provide church services. The Friars also act as Chaplains to the local schools.

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