Eyre Square is the main public square in central Galway, a green space with lawns, benches and paths a few metres from the train and bus stations. Its official name is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, after a speech the American president gave here in 1963, but most people call it Eyre Square. Historic and modern buildings with late Georgian, Victorian and modern styles surround it. Each winter the square becomes the Galway Christmas Market, with chalets, food stalls, a big wheel, carol singers and Santa's grotto.
From a meeting ground to a memorial park
The green area dates back to the mid-17th century, and the square has served the city as a meeting place for a long time. In the past, cattle, pigs, hay and turf were sold here. The Irish name, An Fhaiche Mhór, means "The Big Green".
Little remains of the old markets, but several street names in the city still point to where they were held. The square takes its name from an 18th century mayor, and a seated statue of the poet Patrick O'Connor sits in the square.
The Kennedy name and the 1963 visit
The official name, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, honours the speech the American president gave at the site in 1963. A bust now commemorates the visit.
Locals and visitors generally use the older name. The square was redeveloped and re-landscaped in 2006.
Buildings around the square
The square is lined with historic and modern buildings in styles that range from late Georgian to Victorian and modern. Despite later changes, the square keeps its original form and a unified streetscape.
The Eyre Square Shopping Centre was built on the site of an old timber yard. It has specialist shops, cafes, banks and a steady programme of exhibitions and events.
The Christmas market
The Galway Christmas Market has run for more than a decade and is now in its 14th year on the square. Chalets sell crafts and gifts, and artisan food producers from Galway city and beyond set up stalls.
The fun fair includes a big wheel and a helter skelter. Carol singers perform, and children can visit Santa's grotto. At the gingerbread house, you can warm up with hot chocolate. In the season, the lights and decorations stretch from William Street to Quay Street.
Around the square
The pedestrian streets that run south toward the Corrib, including Williams Street, Shop Street, High Street, Mainguard Street and Quay Street, hold a mix of high street brands and small artisan and handicraft shops. The Latin Quarter, a short walk away, has boutique shops, art galleries and cafes.
During the Galway International Arts Festival, a big screen in the Festival Garden on the square showed matches. The Black Box Theatre on Dyke Road is a short walk from the square.
Getting there
Galway is a short trip by train or bus from Dublin airport, which takes about three hours. Once you are in Galway, you will only need a car for side trips, because the square and the city centre are easy to reach on foot.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Eyre Square?
The square is open 24 hours a day, every day. The Christmas market runs only during its season, so check its dates before you visit.
Is Eyre Square wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
Why is Eyre Square also called John F. Kennedy Memorial Park?
The official name honours a speech given by the American president at the site in 1963. A bust now commemorates the visit.
How close is Eyre Square to the train and bus stations?
It is a few metres from the train and bus stations, so it is easy to reach on arrival or before a bus connection.
