Galway Waterway Trails
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Rianta Uiscebhealaí na Gaillimhe

, River Trail , Although one of the shortest rivers in Europe at only 6km, the River Corrib is one of the fastest flowing. It is the heartbeat of Galway city, linking Lough Corrib to the wild Atlantic Ocean. Follow this trail to uncover some of its stories; from its bridges to the industries that used its strong current to create power, from some of the people associated with it, to the wide variety of wildlife that make the river their home., Canal Trail , Opened in 1852, the Eglinton Canal was an important link to the sea, a fresh water supply and an industrial 'highway' for many businesses. While once it echoed to the sounds of barges and voices carrying passengers and goods, today it is an oasis of calm as it meanders through Galway. This trail will take you on a journey through the heritage of the city, where you'll encounter stories of daily life, industry and wildlife., Coastal Trail , Galway city and port was, and still is, a gateway to the world and it developed as an important trading post on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Coastal Trail will take you from the Claddagh, along Salthill Promenade to Blackrock and its famous diving tower. Along the way you'll enjoy spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and you might be lucky to come across some of the birds and mammals that live along our beautiful coastline., GALWAY , Since its foundation Galway has developed and flourished around its waterways. The waters that surround it are full of stories and experiences that reflect all the layers that make up this beautiful place. We hope you enjoy discovering our city., The Fishmarket , This area is known locally as the Fishmarket. It was here that the women from the Claddagh area of the city, just across the river, sold their fish. Built around 1800, it replaced an older market on the town side of O'Brien's Bridge, which is further along the river. Once the site of Galway's medieval docks, it also became known as Spanish Parade, because of its location close tonish Arch., The Origins of Galway , The origin of the name Galway, from the Irish word Gaillimh, is uncertain. Some say it comes from the Irish words 'gal and 'amh', which mean 'stony river, and the River Gaillimh was the original name for the River Corrib. While others claim it has more mythical origins. According to tradition, the town is called Gaillimhor Galvia after the daughter of the mythical King Breasal. It is said that she drowned in the river., Christopher Columbus , Before Christopher Columbus began his journey west across the Atlantic Ocean with the hope of finding a passage through to the Indies, records show that he visited Galway in 1477. During his stay he observed that he had found sure evidenge that 'men of Cathay [China] have come from the West', as he noted in his copy of Imago Mundi, one of the most important geographical works of the time. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .