Eyre Square, Galway City
Eyre Square was officially renamed Kennedy Memorial Park in 1965 in honour of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway City a short time before his assassination. Now a public park, the plot of land originally took its name from Mayor Edward Eyre who presented the land to the city in 1710.
The square’s origins date back to medieval times and the large open space which could be found at the town gate, known as “The Green”. Mostly markets took place in the northern part of this space. The earliest recording of an attempt to glamourize the park was in 1631. A variety of ash-trees were planted and the park was enclosed by a wooden fence. Following that in 1801 General Meyrick raised a stone wall around the perimeter of the square, which was later known as Meyrick Square.
In the middle of the 19th Century, the whole park underwent a redevelopment in Georgian style. In the 1960’s a full-scale reconstruction started and iron railing were removed and raised around the backyard of St. Nicholas’ Church. In 1965 the park reopened with its new name.
Statues and attractions
Two large cast-iron cannons can be found in the park. They were presented in recognition of the service of the Connaught Rangers and the Irish regiment in the British Army, during the Crimean War. A statue of Irish language writer Pádraic Ó Conaire which was erected in his memory in 1935 once resided in the park, but has since been moved to the Galway City Museum. You’ll also find a bust of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the park.
Location
Add to Custom Tour
Create your very own Ireland tour with our Tailor Made Tours section. Once you've created an account and logged in, you can add your favourite attractions, accommodation and activities. And, when you're happy with your choices, just send them on to one of our Ireland experts and we'll design a custom itinerary and quote tailored just for you.
Features In:
Experience the North and West Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Tour Ireland's north and west.
Starting from $2,844 pps
Best of All Ireland Self-Drive Tour 15 Days
Experience the best of Ireland north and south.
Starting from $1,564 pps
Journey Through the West Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
Experience an unforgettable beauty.
Starting from $1,135 pps
Best of Ireland South Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
Traverse the south in style.
Starting from $5,421 pps
The Ireland Experience Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Including some of Ireland's top attractions.
Starting from $934 pps
Traditional Pub & Folklore Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Awaken your Celtic soul with Irish music and traditions.
Starting from $980 pps
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
The very best of Ireland in just under two weeks.
Starting from $1,125 pps
Experience the North and West Self-Drive Tour 8 Day
Explore stunning scenery and fascinating cities.
Starting from $929 pps
Northern Welcome Escorted Bus Tour 8 Days
Explore stunning Northern Ireland
Starting from €1,433† pps
Ancient Ireland Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
Jump back in time and walk in ancient footsteps.
Starting from $1,146 pps
Traditional Pub & Folklore Chauffeur-Drive Tour 6 Days
Relax and enjoy the culture.
Starting from $2,230 pps
Best of Ireland South Self-Drive Tour
Take in Ireland's south at your own pace.
Starting from $1,550 pps
Best of Ireland South and West Self-Drive Tour 15 Days
Enjoy the best of the South-west
Starting from $1,581 pps
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
History, heritage, breath taking scenery. An unforgettable tour.
Starting from $1,031 pps
Ancient Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Uncover the secrets of Ireland's ancient past.
Starting from $1,011 pps
Ancient Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
A unique tour of ancient Ireland with a driver/guide.
Starting from $2,840 pps
Traditional Pub & Folklore Self-Drive Tour 6 Days
Get acquainted with Ireland's culture and traditions.
Starting from $877 pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of Ireland.
Starting from $2,957 pps
Best of All Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
The ultimate chauffeur drive tour - Ireland north and south.
Starting from $5,391 pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur-Drive Tour 11 Days
Best of Ireland with driver/guide.
Starting from $3,845 pps
Ancient Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 11 Days
The essential Ancient Ireland Tour with your very own guide.
Starting from $4,000 pps
Castles of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Enjoy the best castles in Ireland
Starting from $1,373 pps
Traditional Pub & Folklore Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Enjoy the best of Irish tradition.
Starting from $2,844 pps
Journey Through the West Chauffeur Drive Tour 11 Days
Ireland's wonderful west.
Starting from $3,986 pps
The Ireland Experience Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
See Ireland's best...
Starting from $3,311 pps
.jpg)
