Located in the center of Galway City, Eyre Square, established in 1710, contains sculptures, a playground and the Kennedy Memorial Park, dedicated to former U.S. President John F Kennedy who spoke there in 1963. A bust of Kennedy sits in the park as does a life-sized statue of Irish writer Padraic O'Conaire. To enter the park, visitors pass through the Browne Doorway, which the city officials took from a house owned by the prominent Browne family in 1905. The Browne and Lynch family's coats of arms adorn the door, and both clans were among the city's founders.
The Square contains a fountain based sculpture that pays homage to the Galway boating industry and two canons that commemorate local involvement in the Crimean War. The historic 1836 Bank of Ireland Building overlooks the square and Eyre Square Shopping Centre caters to shoppers with clothing stores, fast-food restaurants and gift shops.
Fans of Irish writer James Joyce flock to the Nora Barnacle House where his wife, Nora Barnacle, grew up. Joyce set his famous book "Ulysees" on June 16, the day he met Nora, and her small townhouse contains letters from Joyce, photos and other artifacts. A gift shop sells souvenirs, and the museum opens its door between May and September, though it allows visitors access by appointment during the rest of the year. Aside from the Joyce memorabilia, the two-room townhouse that once housed eight people provides visitors with an insight into living conditions in the late 19th century.
Nora Barnacle House
8 Bowling Green
Galway, Ireland
011-353-091-564743
Built in 1320, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church contains medieval statues and a banner that shows the family arms of the 14 founding clans of Galway. The church's name is derived from the 4th century patron saint of sailors, Nicholas of Myra, who locals believe to have been the inspiration for Santa Claus. Another legend asserts that Christoper Columbus stopped to pray at the church on his way to the New World in 1492. The church contains tombs of prominent 14th century figures, including a crusader named Adam Bure. Each Saturday the church grounds host a market where vendors sell local crafts and souvenirs.
St. Nicholas Collegiate Church
Lombard Street
Galway, Ireland
011-353-091-564648
stnicholas.ie
