Latin Quarter in Galway in County Galway, Connacht, Ireland — Irish West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
The Spanish Arch/An Póirse Caoch
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 7, 2025
1. The Spanish Arch/An Póirse Caoch Marker
The Spanish Arch is a bulwark constructed as an extension to the medieval town walls. Completed in 1584, it was built to protect and defend the quays from which Galwegians traded extensively with Britain, Europe and beyond. It was originally known as Ceann an Bhalla in Irish meaning 'head of the wall', but over time has become better known as the Spanish Arch. The wall stands to a height of 6m over ground level and incorporates a line of machicoulis, a defensive feature through which stones or boiling liquids could be dropped on attackers at the base of the wall.
A pictorial map of the 1650s shows the bulwark with four arches, of which only two survive: the Spanish Arch and the Blind Arch, so-called because you cannot see through it. It also depicts battlements over the arches and five cannon facing seawards. At that time, the sea ran right up to the base of the wall which later was damaged by the tsunami that followed the devastating Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
The Spanish Arch is today one of Galway's most recognisable landmarks and bears testament to its importance as a medieval seaport.
Taispeánann léarscáil phictiúrtha de na 1650idi an bábhún ina bhfuil ceithre háirse, ach nach bhfuil le feiceáil anois ach dhá cheann acu: An Póirse Caoch agus The Blind Arch, mar a thugtar air toisc nach féidir feiceáil trid. Feictear freisin táibhli thar na háirsí agus cúig ghunna mhóra ag breathnú amach i dtreo na farraige. Ag an am sin, rith uisce na farraige suas go dtí bun an bhalla ach rinneadh damáiste dó i ndiaidh an tsúnámaí a tharla mar gheall ar chrith talún tubaisteach Liospóin sa bhliain 1755.
[Illustrations, only in English and counterclockwise from top left, read]
this page online
• Pictorial map of Galway, 1650s
• Postcard of the Spanish Arch and Spanish Arch Studios, c. 1950
• The Spanish Arch and Comerford House, 1986.
• The Spanish Arch and Fishmarket, c. 1890s.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1584.
Location. 53° 16.19′ N, 9° 3.242′ W. Marker is in Galway, Connacht, in County Galway. It is in the Latin Quarter. It can be reached from The Long Walk. Marker is on the Spanish Parade plaza, adjacent to the Spanish Arch's north side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Galway, Connacht H91 YD2W, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 7, 2025
2. The Spanish Arch/An Póirse Caoch and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Galway Democratic Republic (here, next to this marker); St. John's Wort •
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 7, 2025
3. The Spanish Arch/An Póirse Caoch and Blind Arch and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
