Eyre Square, Galway (must see)

Medieval markets in old Galway would take place on The Green, a vast open space before the town gates. In 1631 the space was officially enclosed. Tree plantings were made and the square was bounded by a wood fence.

The part of this enclosed land that became Eyre Square was formally donated to the city in 1710 by the Mayor of Galway, Edward Eyre. Edward and his family had profited by the redistribution of lands and assets following Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland. Of course, the new square became Eyre Square.

The name changed again to Meyrick Square in 1801, when General Meyrick installed a stone wall around the square. In the 19th century the park was redeveloped in a Georgian style. In the 1960s a full reconstruction of the park was undertaken.

In 1965 the square was officially renamed "John F. Kennedy Memorial Park" in memory of the U.S. President. JFK had visited Galway and had given a speech in the square on June 29, 1963. A monument by sculptor Albert O' Toole Honoring JFK's visit was erected in 1965.

Among the monuments to be found in the square are two cast iron cannons from the Crimean War, a statue of writer Padraic O'Connaire, and the Quincentennial Fountain, built by Eamon O'Doherty in 1984. The fountain features a representation of the Galway Hooker, a fishing and small cargo vessel traditional to the coastal city.