Galway - the old Irish town, who had once been the largest seaport. There was conducted a brisk trade with the world, and the city itself, its wharves and quays were well fortified, and were not afraid of invasions.

Spanish Arch - a small fragment of the fortress wall, all that now remains of these powerful fortifications. This section of the city wall was built in 1584 and passed by the tower of St. Martin to the River Corrib, protecting the embankment, which then housed Fish Market. In the XVIII century, the city and port expanded, the city walls were completed and they were made arches, so that you can get to the new wharves and quays. One of these arches later it became known as the Spanish. The exact origin of this name is unknown; perhaps it is through the archway into the city got the goods from Spain. Originally called the Arch de Triomphe or the blind head wall. It is located on the banks of the River Corrib directly opposite the village of Claddagh (now - a suburb of Galway), home to the famous kladdahskih rings.

In 1755 Lisbon earthquake occurred, which resulted in a tsunami that destroyed part of the city walls of Galway. The victims and the Spanish Arch, its decorations were washed away or damaged.

At the end of the XX century there was located Galway City Museum, but in 2006 for the museum was prostroen new building. Spanish Arch now serves walled patio of the museum.

Arch is decorated with a wooden sculpture of the Madonna, made Claire Sheridan. This famous writer and sculptor lived for some time in a nearby building with arch.