On entering Williamsgate Street, you are entering what was once the site of the Great Gate of Galway - a massive defensive structure. Before you enter, notice the stone set on the second floor of the Imperial Hotel (Eyre Square). It shows a ship, a galleon in full sail. These are the traditional arms of Galway, and probably once stood over the very gate you are entering.

As you descend the street, note the 'kink', or s-shaped bend, in the road. This marks where a barracks was built by the conquering Cromwellian army in 1651 to keep Galway subdued. Let me warn you at this point that Galway still contains many of its remnants and it is necessary to keep your eyes sharp to see them! For example, on the Carl Scarpa shop on the left, you can see a surrounding a window the decorative moulding that once surrounded a medieval window.

Continue on until you see Lynch's Castle (3) on the right-hand side. This was the home of the main branch of the Lynch family - the most powerful 'Tribe' and the one which supplied more Mayors of the city in its heyday than any other family. Notice the intricate carving - much like that on the Browne Doorway, but more plentiful. If the building is open (it is now a bank) step into the foyer which contains an interesting exhibit. Examine the Pictorial Map of 1651 on the wall - it provides a wonderful portrait of life in Galway just before its fall from grace.

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Western Heritage Specialists in Heritage and Cultural Tourism Western Heritage Tours offer a series of tours and field trips in the West of Ireland, dealing with the history, archaeology, ecology and culture of this fascinating region.