The history of the town and county of the town of Galway, from the earliest period to the present time (vol. n/a)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Decline of the Corporation of Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   The corporation of the town and county of the town of Galway had, by the early 19th century, lost its former state and insignia. Its ancient offices of alderman, chamberlain, and burgess had fallen into disuse, its possessions were alienated, and it was upheld mainly for the patronage and parliamentary representation it conferred on a single respectable family.

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   The corporation of "the town and county of the town of Galway" is at present little more than a name : the ancient state and insignia of that formerly proud and opulent body have been entirely laid aside; the eld and creditable offices of alderman, chamberlain, burgess, etc., have fallen into disuse, and its possessions have been alienated; so that it now seems to be upheld by the respectable family in which it has become almost hereditary, merely for the valuable patronage which it confers, 9 and for the parliamentary representation of the town, which is commanded by

   sion however, of one of the persons by whom it was made, no doubt remains of its having been deficient in the number of inhabitants. The people in the vicinity of the town, apprehensive that a military ballot, or some similar project, was in view, evaded giving a true account ; and in many places the inquirers were deterred by menaces from venturing among the villages. Being, however, esteemed accurate in all other respects, it is here given as a curious document, intimately connected with /the modern description of the town. The total was given as 13,715.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 229

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Galway, a city whose corporation was once proud and opulent. By the early 19th century, the corporation of the town and county of the town of Galway was little more than a name. Its ancient offices of alderman, chamberlain, and burgess had fallen into disuse, and its possessions had been alienated. The old state and insignia were entirely laid aside. It survived mainly because it had become almost hereditary in one respectable family, kept alive for the patronage it conferred and for the parliamentary representation of the town. A census of the town, though thought to have undercounted its people, gave a total of 13,715.

2. Demolition of Galway's old fortifications and abbey-gate

   Galway · city · Galway · 1779–1792

   The old defensive walls and fortifications of Galway had been going fast to decay for over half a century before 1792. The abbey-gate was pulled down in 1779, and the remaining bulwarks were almost entirely demolished to make way for handsome new buildings.

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   Gal way is built on the extremity of a narrow peninsulated neck of land, which rises with a gentle ascent from the sea and river. It formerly contained within the walls (which described nearly an oval figure) 3,426 square perches, or 21 acres, 1 rood, and 26 perches, Irish plantation, by actual admeasurement. The character of this, like all other ancient cities, is that of a fortress, the greatest quantity of building crowded into the smallest space, with walls, gates and ditches of defence. For more than half a century before 1 792 the fortifications had been going fast to decay : the abbey-gate was pulled down in 1779, and the remainder of these mouldering bulwarks were falling to the ground. Since that time, however, they have been almost entirely demolished, and handsome buildings are rapidly extending on all sides, so that the town now covers nearly double the space which was formerly occupied within the walls. The old Spanish-built castles which periods of turbulence and danger rendered necessary for personal security, are gradually disappearing, and convenient modern edifices are rising on their ruins. Several of these ancient structures, though some centuries built, are still in good repair, and many of them are inhabited by numerous families. They are generally square, with a small court in the centre, and an arched gate- way leading to the street : but are, however, daily giving place to more commodious dwellings, better suited to the present improved state and manners of society. Dominick-street, at the west end of the town, which contains a number of excellent houses, chiefly inhabited by many of our most respectable gentry, was laid out and built within the last mentioned period. The town has also improved

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are moving across ground that was once packed tight behind walls. The town was built on a narrow peninsula rising gently from the sea and river, and within its walls it held about 21 acres, shaped nearly like an oval. Like all old cities, it was a fortress, with the greatest quantity of building crowded into the smallest space, defended by walls, gates and ditches. For more than half a century before 1792 those fortifications had been going fast to decay. The abbey-gate was pulled down in 1779, and the rest of the mouldering bulwarks were falling to the ground. Since then they have been almost entirely demolished, and handsome buildings are rapidly extending on all sides, so that the town now covers nearly double the space it once occupied within the walls. The old Spanish-built castles, which periods of turbulence and danger made necessary for personal security, are gradually disappearing, and convenient modern edifices are rising on their ruins. Several of these ancient structures, though built some centuries ago, are still in good repair and inhabited by numerous families. They are generally square, with a small court in the centre and an arched gateway leading to the street, but they are daily giving place to more commodious dwellings. Dominick Street, at the west end of the town, was laid out and built within this same period.

3. Development of Dominick Street in Galway

   Dominick Street · street · Cork

   Dominick Street, situated at the west end of Galway town, features a number of excellent houses inhabited by respectable gentry. The street was laid out and built within the period leading up to 1792, replacing the old crowded defensive layout.

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   Gal way is built on the extremity of a narrow peninsulated neck of land, which rises with a gentle ascent from the sea and river. It formerly contained within the walls (which described nearly an oval figure) 3,426 square perches, or 21 acres, 1 rood, and 26 perches, Irish plantation, by actual admeasurement. The character of this, like all other ancient cities, is that of a fortress, the greatest quantity of building crowded into the smallest space, with walls, gates and ditches of defence. For more than half a century before 1 792 the fortifications had been going fast to decay : the abbey-gate was pulled down in 1779, and the remainder of these mouldering bulwarks were falling to the ground. Since that time, however, they have been almost entirely demolished, and handsome buildings are rapidly extending on all sides, so that the town now covers nearly double the space which was formerly occupied within the walls. The old Spanish-built castles which periods of turbulence and danger rendered necessary for personal security, are gradually disappearing, and convenient modern edifices are rising on their ruins. Several of these ancient structures, though some centuries built, are still in good repair, and many of them are inhabited by numerous families. They are generally square, with a small court in the centre, and an arched gate- way leading to the street : but are, however, daily giving place to more commodious dwellings, better suited to the present improved state and manners of society. Dominick-street, at the west end of the town, which contains a number of excellent houses, chiefly inhabited by many of our most respectable gentry, was laid out and built within the last mentioned period. The town has also improved

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

   As the companion tells it

   For more than half a century before 1792, Galway's old fortifications had been going fast to decay. Dominick Street, at the west end of the town, was laid out and built within that period, replacing the crowded defensive layout that had defined the place for generations. Galway stood on the extremity of a narrow peninsula of land, rising with a gentle ascent from the sea and river. Within its walls, which described nearly an oval figure, it contained 3,426 square perches, or 21 acres, 1 rood, and 26 perches, Irish plantation, by actual admeasurement. Like all ancient cities, its character was that of a fortress, the greatest quantity of building crowded into the smallest space, with walls, gates and ditches of defence. The abbey-gate was pulled down in 1779, and the remainder of the mouldering bulwarks were falling to the ground. Since that time they have been almost entirely demolished, and handsome buildings are rapidly extending on all sides, so that the town now covers nearly double the space it once occupied within the walls. The old Spanish-built castles, which periods of turbulence and danger rendered necessary for personal security, are gradually disappearing, and convenient modern edifices are rising on their ruins. Several of these ancient structures, though some centuries built, are still in good repair and inhabited by numerous families. They are generally square, with a small court in the centre and an arched gateway leading to the street. Dominick Street contains a number of excellent houses, chiefly inhabited by many of the most respectable gentry.

4. Galway corporation's admiralty jurisdiction dispute

   Galway · city · Galway · 1701–1704

   The corporation of Galway claimed admiralty jurisdiction over the bay under its charters. Prince George of Denmark sought a quo warranto against the town in 1704, and legal proceedings were commenced, but after the town sheriffs defended the claim under several charters, no further action was taken and the mayor retained the empty title of admiral of the bay.

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   frequently interrupted the corporation, and complained to the lords of the admiralty of the claims made by the town to this jurisdiction. In 1701 the secretary of state endeavoured by letter to deter the mayor from persisting in the right ; but the corporation having still continued to exercise it. prince George of Denmark, lord high-admiral of England, presented a memorial to queen Anne in council for a quo warranto against the town. Her majesty accordingly, by order dated 4th December, 1704. referred the matter to the duke of Ormond, who. on the 7th of March following, directed the attorney and solicitor-general of Ireland to examine and report on the occasion. They accordingly issued their summons, and a common council having immediately been railed in the town, it was resolved to defend the right and forthwith to lay their title before these law officers ; whose report does not apn°ar to have been favourable, for proceedings were soon after commenced. In answer to these the townsheriffs returned, that the admiralty was held Under several chai-ters ; and a voluminous plea to that effect was soon afterwards put in, which still remains of record in the office of the Treasurer's Remebrancer of the Exchequer. After this no further proceedings were taken : and the

   mayor- has been ever since left at liberty to assume, if he pleased, the empty title of admiral of the bay.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 230

5. Galway's commercial decline under anti-Catholic enactments

   Galway · city · Galway

   Galway was formerly one of the greatest commercial towns in the British dominions, ranked second only to Dublin after the 17th-century civil wars. Its subsequent decline is attributed to its predominantly Catholic population, which felt the severe effects of punitive legislative enactments in Ireland.

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   spacious, and is capable of affording protection to the largest fleets. 2 The town itself, to which vessels of upwards of four hundred tons burden can come up, is admirably situated for commerce with Europe and the Indies, and is celebrated for having formerly been one of the greatest commercial towns in the British dominions. 3 Even after the civil wars of the seventeenth century, when the town was much reduced from its former opulence, the cities of Ireland ranked in the following order : Dublin, Galway, Waterford, Cork, and Londonderry;^ but it is now surpassed not only by all these, but also by many other places then scarcely known or heard of. This change is easily accounted for : Galway was always a Catholic town, and therefore felt more severely than others the fatal effects of those impolitic enactments which so long and so heavily afflicted the greater part of his majesty's subjects in Ireland. It would not, however, be surprising, even after all it has suffered, if it should, from its situation, yet become one of the principal emporiums for trade between these countries and the new world. 5

   2. — Climate and Salubrity.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now through Galway, a city that once stood among the greatest commercial towns in the British dominions. After the civil wars of the 17th century, when it was much reduced from its former wealth, the cities of Ireland ranked Dublin first, then Galway, Waterford, Cork, and Londonderry. Today it is surpassed not only by all of those but by many places scarcely known back then. The reason is straightforward. Galway was always a Catholic town, and so it felt more severely than others the effects of the punitive enactments that long afflicted the greater part of the king's subjects in Ireland. Its harbour is spacious enough to shelter the largest fleets, and vessels of over 400 tons can come right up to the town. Its situation is well placed for trade with Europe and the Indies. The source even suggests that, despite all it has suffered, its position might yet make it one of the principal emporiums for trade with the new world.

6. Galway town and its natural advantages

   Galway · city · Galway

   Galway is situated on the River Corrib, which drains Lough Corrib into the Atlantic. The bay is described as one of the noblest entrances in the world, extending nearly thirty miles east of the Aran Islands.

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   Galway is advantageously situated on the side of a broad and rapid river, to which it gives name, and by which the extensive Lake Corrib pouvs its redundant waters into the ocean. 1 It lies in 53 deg. 16 north latitude, and 8 deg. 58 west longitude from Greenwich; is distant from Dublin, in nearly a direct line, bout 104 Irish miles, and is the most westerly town of consequence in Europe. The bay is esteemed one of the noblest entrances in the world : it extends nearly thirty miles eastward of the isles of Arran, and contains innumerable roads and harbours. The haven is safe and

   1 The importance of this extensive lake towards facilitating the internal navigation of the western parts of Ireland was briefly pointed out in a preceding note. Here a few interesting and, to this part of the kingdom, highly valuable extracts, on th» same subject, will be given, principally from the reports of the scientific and ingenious Mr. Alexandei Nimmo to parliament, on the survey of the bogs of this district. The lake (which, according to these reports, has 50 miles of shore, occupies 30 000 Irish acres, and contains about 1,000 acres of arable land in its isles) . contracts into a very spacious river about 21 miles above Galway, which, flowing by the town, communicates with the Atlantic. The fall from the summit level of the lake to the sea is considerable ; but to the Wood-quay, above the town, it is trifling, and the river is in parts very shallow running over a bed of rocks and hard gravel. It is not navigable from the sea to the Wood-quay owing to the shallowness and the rapidity of the water, and none but small boats can come down ; but, unless in very dry seasons, it is thence navigable by boats drawing four feet of

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 226

   As the companion tells it

   Galway sits on the River Corrib, which drains Lough Corrib into the Atlantic. The bay is esteemed one of the noblest entrances in the world, extending nearly thirty miles east of the Aran Islands. This is the most westerly town of consequence in Europe, about 104 Irish miles from Dublin. Lough Corrib is a vast body of water, with 50 miles of shore and 30,000 Irish acres, holding about 1,000 acres of arable land in its islands. It contracts into a spacious river about 21 miles above the town. The fall from the summit level of the lake to the sea is considerable, but to the Wood-quay above the town it is trifling, and the river runs shallow over a bed of rocks and hard gravel. It is not navigable from the sea to the Wood-quay owing to the shallowness and rapidity of the water, and only small boats can come down. Unless in very dry seasons, it is navigable from the Wood-quay by boats drawing four feet.

7. Lombard-street named for Italian Lombard merchants

   Galway · city · Galway

   Lombard-street in Galway was named after the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy who formerly resorted to the area for trade. Houses were built there by the late Michael Rush near the churchyard.

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   Although most of the dwelling-houses are old, there are, however, several excellent private buildings interspersed throughout the town. Amongst these the following will attract particular attention : — the handsome dwelling of Mr. Daly, the late mayor, situate in Back-street (which street was so called from its backward situation), and that opposite to it, built by the late Martin Lynch; the elegant dwellings and spacious stores, in the same street, built by Messrs. Walter and John Joyce; the residence of the late Lord Ffrench, facing Middle-street (so named from its central situation); the large houses in Shop-street (so called because in this street the first shops were opened), built by the late Nicholas Lynch, of Barna; and those recently raised by Mr. Morgan Connolly; the new buildings and shops erected by Mr. Thomas Hynes, on the site of the old free-school, in Highstreet (a street so termed from its high or elevated situation); the handsome houses in Watergate-street, built by the late Nicholas Burke Edmond; several good houses at the Spanish-parade (a small square at the S.W. corner of the town, where the Spanish merchants were formerly accustomed to assemble); those built by the late Michael Rush at the churchyard leading to Lombard-street (a part of the town so called from the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy, who formerly resorted here for the purpose of traffic).7 To these, as more recent improvements, may He added the road in the east suburbs, leading by Erasmus Smith's new school to Oranmore, the alterations making by Mr. Eyre at the green, the projected quay, the handsome bridge lately built over the river at Newtown-Smith, and the intended street to the new court-house, which, with many other private buildings in progress, add considerably to the extent and appearance of the town.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, Lombard-street takes its name from the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy who formerly came to this part of the town for the purpose of traffic. The late Michael Rush built houses there by the churchyard, among several private buildings that marked the town's improving appearance.

8. Lynch's Castle and court in Abbeygate-street

   Galway · city · Galway

   The court of the Lynches of Castlecarra, built in the Spanish style, stood at the corner of Abbeygate-street. Lynch's Castle in Shop-street had a singular tenure: an apartment at the rear belonged to Colonel Anthony Ffrench while the rest was the fee property of the Staunton family.

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   in Middle-street, in which the assemblies are at present held ; Joyes' or Joyce's house, at the corner of Market-street, in Abbeygate-street. This family was the head of the name. Kitrwan's mansion, facing the south aisle and tower of the church ; the court of the Lynches, of Castlecarra, built in the Spanish style, at the corner of Abbeygate-street; the Martins', of Gregans, dwelling in Marketstreet, nearly opposite the Franciscan convent; that of the Martins, of Gort-naclevy at the corner of Watergate-street, near the Dominican convent ; and the Skerritts' ancient residence, which faced the south side of the church. The arms of these different families may be seen in buildings, together with the names of the many places sculptured in stone on these founders and the dates of their erection. Under many of these old houses there are

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

9. New bridge at Newtown-Smith over the river

   Newtownsmith · street · Galway

   A handsome bridge was lately built over the river at Newtown-Smith, part of recent improvements in the east suburbs of Galway. A road led by Erasmus Smith's new school to Oranmore, along with a projected quay and intended street to the new court-house.

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   Although most of the dwelling-houses are old, there are, however, several excellent private buildings interspersed throughout the town. Amongst these the following will attract particular attention : — the handsome dwelling of Mr. Daly, the late mayor, situate in Back-street (which street was so called from its backward situation), and that opposite to it, built by the late Martin Lynch; the elegant dwellings and spacious stores, in the same street, built by Messrs. Walter and John Joyce; the residence of the late Lord Ffrench, facing Middle-street (so named from its central situation); the large houses in Shop-street (so called because in this street the first shops were opened), built by the late Nicholas Lynch, of Barna; and those recently raised by Mr. Morgan Connolly; the new buildings and shops erected by Mr. Thomas Hynes, on the site of the old free-school, in Highstreet (a street so termed from its high or elevated situation); the handsome houses in Watergate-street, built by the late Nicholas Burke Edmond; several good houses at the Spanish-parade (a small square at the S.W. corner of the town, where the Spanish merchants were formerly accustomed to assemble); those built by the late Michael Rush at the churchyard leading to Lombard-street (a part of the town so called from the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy, who formerly resorted here for the purpose of traffic).7 To these, as more recent improvements, may He added the road in the east suburbs, leading by Erasmus Smith's new school to Oranmore, the alterations making by Mr. Eyre at the green, the projected quay, the handsome bridge lately built over the river at Newtown-Smith, and the intended street to the new court-house, which, with many other private buildings in progress, add considerably to the extent and appearance of the town.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

   As the companion tells it

   Lately built over the river, the handsome bridge at Newtown-Smith is among the more recent improvements to Galway. The town's dwelling-houses are mostly old, but several excellent private buildings are interspersed throughout. In Back-street, so called from its backward situation, stands the handsome dwelling of Daly, the late mayor, and opposite it a building by the late Martin Lynch. Walter and John Joyce built elegant dwellings and spacious stores in the same street. The late Lord Ffrench's residence faces Middle-street, named for its central situation. In Shop-street, where the first shops were opened, the late Nicholas Lynch of Barna built large houses, and Morgan Connolly recently raised more. Thomas Hynes built new buildings on the site of the old free-school in High-street, so termed from its elevated situation. The late Nicholas Burke Edmond built handsome houses in Watergate-street. Several good houses stand at the Spanish-parade, a small square at the southwest corner of the town where Spanish merchants formerly assembled. The late Michael Rush built houses at the churchyard leading to Lombard-street, named from the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy who formerly resorted to Galway for trade. To these improvements may be added the road in the east suburbs leading by Erasmus Smith's new school to Oranmore, the alterations being made by Eyre at the green, the projected quay, and the intended street to the new court-house, all adding considerably to the extent and appearance of the town.

10. Newcastle shoal as navigation hazard on Lough Corrib

    near Newcastle · street · Galway

    Newcastle is identified as one of the two serious navigation difficulties on Lough Corrib, along with Buachaly Shoal. These shoals could be deepened for a small sum to admit vessels of greater magnitude.

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    water, and carrying generally from ten to twenty tons, with one square sail and four men, to Cong (which, though now but a small village, was anciently a place of considerable note, and the occasional residence of our provincial kmgs) . They seldom sail unless before the wind ; and though the lake has many islets and sunk rocks, the only serious difficulty in the navigation is at Buachaly Shoal, about four miles up the lake, and at Newcastle. These shoals could be deepened for a small sum and the whole made to admit vessels of much greater magnitude. This tine navigation, which extends about thirty miles, and into a sea-port town, seems to deserve much more attention than it has vet received. A good chart, with soundings and sailing directions, should be published, the shoals or rocks cleared or beaconed, and a communication opened with the sea. Two docks only would be required, which, exclusive of property of no great value, it was estimated would cost about £6,000. These, if of sufficient dimensions to admit vessels of burden, would give Galway all the advantages of wet docks,

    K K

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 226

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Newcastle, you're passing one of the two serious navigation hazards on Lough Corrib. The other is Buachaly Shoal, about four miles up the lake. The lake stretches roughly thirty miles and carries boats of ten to twenty tons with a single square sail and four men, usually sailing only before the wind. Though there are many islets and sunk rocks, Newcastle and Buachaly Shoal are the only real difficulties. It was noted that these shoals could be deepened for a small sum, and the whole navigation made to admit vessels of much greater magnitude. A good chart with soundings and sailing directions was called for, the shoals cleared or beaconed, and communication opened with the sea. Two docks alone would be needed, estimated at about £6,000, which, if large enough to admit vessels of burden, would give Galway all the advantages of wet docks.

11. Shamefully neglected streets of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway's streets were described as perhaps the worst paved and least attended to in the country, with numerous holes in the pavement and heaps of accumulated dirt making them nearly impassable, especially on dark winter nights. The author called for a local parliamentary tax for paving, lighting, cleansing and establishing a nightly watch.

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    From these pleasing prospects of improvement, it is painful to turn to the shamefully neglected state of the streets, which, for many years past, have been perhaps the worst paved, and least attended to, of any other in this country. From the numerous holes in the pavement, and the heaps of accumulated dirt with which they are almost continually filled, many streets are often nearly impassable, particularly in dark winter nights, when it is absolutely hazardous to venture abroad. Surely these are subjects which require the most serious and immediate attention. Although much has been said about the misapplication of the tolls and customs, which by the charters were to be applied "to the walling and paving of the town," yet it should be considered that there is not now, nor has there been for many years past (since the unprincipled alienation of the corporation property), any other fund whereout to defray the salaries of the mayor and the other municipal officers. The only remedy, therefore, for this daily increasing evil appears to be that of a local tax, to be imposed by the authority of parliament, for paving, lighting, and cleansing the streets and for establishing a sufficient police to keep a nightly watch. The advantages which the inhabitants, after a little experience, would find themselves to enjoy, would be so considerable, and the rateable contribution on each individual so trifling, that it is hoped this salutary and indispensable measure may be speedily carried into effect, with prudence, economy and zeal, for the improvement and interest of the town.

    4. — Population.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 228

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the streets here were once described as perhaps the worst paved and least attended to in the whole country. For many years they were full of holes in the pavement and heaps of accumulated dirt, so that many streets were often nearly impassable, particularly on dark winter nights, when it was absolutely hazardous to venture abroad. An observer writing about the town called these conditions shamefully neglected and said they required the most serious and immediate attention. Much had been said about the misapplication of tolls and customs, which by the charters were to be applied, in the source's words, to the walling and paving of the town. But those funds had long been the only money available to pay the salaries of the mayor and the other municipal officers, ever since what the author called the unprincipled alienation of the corporation property. The only remedy he could see was a local tax imposed by parliament, for paving, lighting and cleansing the streets, and for establishing a sufficient police to keep a nightly watch. He hoped the measure would be carried into effect with prudence, economy and zeal, for the improvement and interest of the town.

12. Singular tenures of Galway's old buildings

    Galway · city · Galway

    Several old buildings in Galway had unusual multiple-landlord tenures. A house in Abbeygate-street was held in fee by three separate landlords, and the Salmon-house in High-street had its stone stairs and two closets owned by Edward Jones while the remainder belonged to Mr. Montgomery.

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    The singular tenures of several of these old buildings are worth noticing : — A large house in Abbeygate-street is the estate, in fee, of three several landlords ; the upper part belongs to the family of Darcy of Kiltolla. half the under story to the reverend James Ffrench, and the (remainder of the house to Mr. Patrick Francis, by purchase from the late celebrated dean Kirwan. A small shop nearly opposite the Exchange is the estate in fee of Miss Chawner, of Tipperary, and the remainder of the house belongs to Mr. Richard Burke in fee simple. The fee of another shop, in the same street, is vested in Mr. Dominick Ffrench ; that of the remainder of the house is in the Joyes' family. In

    the old building in High-street, commonly called the Salmon-house, the stone stairs leading to the new coffee-room, with two adjoining closets, is the estate of Edward Jones, esq., of Roscommon, and the remainder of the same house belongs in fee simple to Mr. Montgomery. An apartment at the rear of Lynch' s Castle, in Shop-street, is the estate of colonel Anthony Ffrench ; the rest of the building is the fee property of the Staunton family. There are many other similar tenures throughout the town, and they are generally held under distinct original titles.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old buildings here had some extraordinary tenures. A large house in Abbeygate-street was held in fee by three separate landlords at once. The upper part belonged to the Darcy family of Kiltolla, half the lower story to the Reverend James Ffrench, and the remainder to Mr. Patrick Francis, who had bought it from the late celebrated Dean Kirwan. A small shop near the Exchange was the fee estate of Miss Chawner of Tipperary, while the rest of that house belonged to Mr. Richard Burke. Another shop in the same street had its fee vested in Mr. Dominick Ffrench, and the remainder of the house in the Joyes family. The old building in High-street, commonly called the Salmon-house, was split too: the stone stairs leading to the new coffee-room, with two adjoining closets, were the estate of Edward Jones of Roscommon, and the remainder of the house belonged in fee simple to Mr. Montgomery. An apartment at the rear of Lynch's Castle in Shop-street was Colonel Anthony Ffrench's estate, while the rest of that building was the fee property of the Staunton family. Many similar tenures ran throughout the town, generally held under distinct original titles.

13. Spanish Parade: Spanish merchants' assembly square

    Galway · city · Galway

    The Spanish Parade was a small square at the south-west corner of Galway town where Spanish merchants formerly assembled. Good houses were built there, reflecting the town's historic Spanish trade connections.

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    Although most of the dwelling-houses are old, there are, however, several excellent private buildings interspersed throughout the town. Amongst these the following will attract particular attention : — the handsome dwelling of Mr. Daly, the late mayor, situate in Back-street (which street was so called from its backward situation), and that opposite to it, built by the late Martin Lynch; the elegant dwellings and spacious stores, in the same street, built by Messrs. Walter and John Joyce; the residence of the late Lord Ffrench, facing Middle-street (so named from its central situation); the large houses in Shop-street (so called because in this street the first shops were opened), built by the late Nicholas Lynch, of Barna; and those recently raised by Mr. Morgan Connolly; the new buildings and shops erected by Mr. Thomas Hynes, on the site of the old free-school, in Highstreet (a street so termed from its high or elevated situation); the handsome houses in Watergate-street, built by the late Nicholas Burke Edmond; several good houses at the Spanish-parade (a small square at the S.W. corner of the town, where the Spanish merchants were formerly accustomed to assemble); those built by the late Michael Rush at the churchyard leading to Lombard-street (a part of the town so called from the Lombards, a mercantile people of Italy, who formerly resorted here for the purpose of traffic).7 To these, as more recent improvements, may He added the road in the east suburbs, leading by Erasmus Smith's new school to Oranmore, the alterations making by Mr. Eyre at the green, the projected quay, the handsome bridge lately built over the river at Newtown-Smith, and the intended street to the new court-house, which, with many other private buildings in progress, add considerably to the extent and appearance of the town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the Spanish Parade sits at the south-west corner of the old town. It was a small square where Spanish merchants formerly assembled, and several good houses stood there. The town had many such fine private buildings, built by men like Martin Lynch, Nicholas Burke Edmond, and Michael Rush, scattered through streets named for their situation or their first inhabitants. The Spanish presence here was part of Galway's wider mercantile character, where traders from Italy and Spain came for the purpose of traffic, and the Lombards gave their name to Lombard-street. The town was growing in more recent times too, with new roads, a handsome bridge over the river at Newtown-Smith, a projected quay, and an intended street leading to the new court-house, all adding to its extent and appearance.

14. Subterranean passages beneath old Galway houses

    Galway · city · Galway

    Under many of the old houses in Galway there were subterranean passages extending a considerable distance beyond the town walls. These were evidently intended for escape or refuge during sieges or other dangers in the early times.

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    in Middle-street, in which the assemblies are at present held ; Joyes' or Joyce's house, at the corner of Market-street, in Abbeygate-street. This family was the head of the name. Kitrwan's mansion, facing the south aisle and tower of the church ; the court of the Lynches, of Castlecarra, built in the Spanish style, at the corner of Abbeygate-street; the Martins', of Gregans, dwelling in Marketstreet, nearly opposite the Franciscan convent; that of the Martins, of Gort-naclevy at the corner of Watergate-street, near the Dominican convent ; and the Skerritts' ancient residence, which faced the south side of the church. The arms of these different families may be seen in buildings, together with the names of the many places sculptured in stone on these founders and the dates of their erection. Under many of these old houses there are

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 227

15. Wood-quay as limit of navigation from the sea

    Woodquay · street · Galway

    The River Corrib is not navigable from the sea to Wood-quay owing to shallowness and rapidity, though above Wood-quay boats drawing four feet can navigate to Cong. The fall from the summit level of the lake to Wood-quay above the town is trifling.

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    1 The importance of this extensive lake towards facilitating the internal navigation of the western parts of Ireland was briefly pointed out in a preceding note. Here a few interesting and, to this part of the kingdom, highly valuable extracts, on th» same subject, will be given, principally from the reports of the scientific and ingenious Mr. Alexandei Nimmo to parliament, on the survey of the bogs of this district. The lake (which, according to these reports, has 50 miles of shore, occupies 30 000 Irish acres, and contains about 1,000 acres of arable land in its isles) . contracts into a very spacious river about 21 miles above Galway, which, flowing by the town, communicates with the Atlantic. The fall from the summit level of the lake to the sea is considerable ; but to the Wood-quay, above the town, it is trifling, and the river is in parts very shallow running over a bed of rocks and hard gravel. It is not navigable from the sea to the Wood-quay owing to the shallowness and the rapidity of the water, and none but small boats can come down ; but, unless in very dry seasons, it is thence navigable by boats drawing four feet of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 226

    As the companion tells it

    A stretch of riverbank marking the limit of sea navigation, Wood-quay in Galway. The lake feeding the River Corrib has 50 miles of shore, occupies 30,000 Irish acres, and contains about 1,000 acres of arable land in its islands. It contracts into a spacious river about 21 miles above Galway, which flows by the town and communicates with the Atlantic. The fall from the summit level of the lake to the sea is considerable, but to Wood-quay, above the town, it is trifling. The river is in parts very shallow, running over a bed of rocks and hard gravel. It is not navigable from the sea to Wood-quay owing to the shallowness and the rapidity of the water, and none but small boats can come down. But unless in very dry seasons, it is navigable from there by boats drawing 4 feet to Cong. These findings come principally from the reports of Alexander Nimmo to parliament, on his survey of the bogs of this district.