Every major city that we’ve visited in Europe during our travels has been founded along a river, because of its access to food resources. Galway City is no exception to that concept. Its main river is the Corrib which was originally named the Galway River. According to local legend, the river derived its original name from Gallimh Inion Breasail, a daughter of a local chieftain, who drowned in the river. The earliest settlement at the mouth of the river was called “Dun Bhun na Gallimhe” (“The fort at the end of the Galway River”). The river flows from “Lough Corrib” (Lake Corrib) through Galway and into Galway Bay. It is one of the shortest rivers in Europe (only 3.7 miles), but is the second fastest (after the Shannon River) on the continent. Lake Corrib is the Anglicanised form of the name for the Irish god of the sea. The very first canal in Ireland was constructed during the 12th century. Known as “Friar’s Cut,” it allowed boats to pass from Lake Corrib to the sea at Galway.
As it travels from Lake Corrib towards the sea, it passes the ruins of Menlo Castle (built in the 16th century), the Martin Tea House Folly ( an early 19th century oratory, or stone church), and Terryland Castle (constructed during the 17th century). We will visit each of these sites in later postings.
As the river passes through Galway City - between the neighborhood of Claddagh and Galway’s Latin Quarter - a “Watch Tower” stands as a sentinel over it. At one time, the River was privately owned and locals had to purchase permits in order to fish its waters. It was constructed to keep track of these activities. Today, the Watch Tower serves as the river’s museum. A walking tour from the Watch Tower up to Lake Corrib ( or vice versa) makes an enjoyable day trip (although a bit long because of the winding trail that sometimes meanders away from the river).
As it travels from Lake Corrib towards the sea, it passes the ruins of Menlo Castle (built in the 16th century), the Martin Tea House Folly ( an early 19th century oratory, or stone church), and Terryland Castle (constructed during the 17th century). We will visit each of these sites in later postings.
As the river passes through Galway City - between the neighborhood of Claddagh and Galway’s Latin Quarter - a “Watch Tower” stands as a sentinel over it. At one time, the River was privately owned and locals had to purchase permits in order to fish its waters. It was constructed to keep track of these activities. Today, the Watch Tower serves as the river’s museum. A walking tour from the Watch Tower up to Lake Corrib ( or vice versa) makes an enjoyable day trip (although a bit long because of the winding trail that sometimes meanders away from the river).
Three point seven miles from the sea, Lake Corrib serves as the source for the Corrib River.
Along the banks of the lake is the 13th century Ashford Castle, which has been transformed into a five star luxury hotel.
As you exit the lake and start traveling down the river, you pass the ruins of this 16th century Menlo Castle. It was destroyed by fire in 1910. We took this photo from a delightful walking trail on the opposite side of the river.
Diagonally opposite Menlo Castle is the Martin Tea House Folly, a 19th century oratory, or early stone church.
This part of the river is used by rowing clubs from the nearby National University of Ireland, Galway as well as from local high schools.
As we traveled along the river, and just before getting into Galway City proper, we came across the ruins of the 17th century Terryland Castle.
Situated between Galway’s Latin Quarter and the neighborhood of Claddagh, this Watch Tower stands guard over the Corrib River as it enters Galway Bay.
Swans enjoy the relative calmness of the Corrib as it enters Galway Bay.
These colorful houses along the mouth of the Corrib River are reminiscent of the Rainbow Houses in Charleston, South Carolina.
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