Eyre Square Tours and Activities

Eyre Square showing a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Eyre Square


Peruse the modern art and floral displays of this park that takes you away from the bustle of the city.

Eyre Square is a rectangular plaza in the heart of Galway. Located beside some of the city’s principal shopping streets, it is an ideal place to take a break from sightseeing or relax with a book. Inspect the many intriguing statues, memorials and works of art that decorate the park.

See the portrait bust of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who visited this park in 1963 to make a speech. Notice the Browne Doorway, which was initially the entrance to a 17th-century house. It now stands alone in the center of the square, having been moved from Abbeygate Street in 1904.

Other important works include a statue of War of Independence hero Liam Mellows and the Quincentennial Fountain that represents 500 years of Galway city’s incorporation with the red sails of an Irish fishing boat. Watch kids run around the small jets of water surrounding the bronze statue.

Enjoy the tranquil setting among rose bushes and other floral displays. Meander around the trees and find a spot in the shade in summer. Stroll down the pedestrianized road on the side of the park.

Wander through the connecting commercial boulevards of William Street and Shop Street. Peruse recognizable brand stores and boutiques for memories from your Galway trip.

Find out about the rich past of this green plaza, which dates back to the 1600s when trees were first planted here. It takes its name from the 18th-century Mayor Edward Eyre, although its official title was changed to Kennedy Memorial Park after the president’s assassination.

Eyre Square is just east of the River Corrib in the center of Galway. Arrive in the city at Galway Rail Station and walk northwest for one block to reach the plaza. Many bus stops surround the square, which is near the statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde sitting facing each other on a bench. Leave the car in the parking lot beneath the park.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Eyre Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great atmosphere, we were there when the arts festival was on, it was alive and busy and so much fun

Popular places to visit


Top Eyre Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Eyre Square Hotel
Eyre Square Hotel
3 out of 5
Forster Street, Eyre Square, Galway
Eyre Square Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway
4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway
Menlo Park Hotel
Menlo Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Terryland, Headford Road, Galway, Galway
Menlo Park Hotel
Victoria Hotel
Victoria Hotel
3 out of 5
Queen Street, Eyre Square, Galway
Victoria Hotel
The Galmont
The Galmont
4 out of 5
Lough Atalia Road, Galway, Galway
The Galmont
Nox Hotel
Nox Hotel
3 out of 5
Headford Rd., Galway, Galway
Nox Hotel
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
4 out of 5
Sandy Road, Galway, Galway
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
The Hardiman
The Hardiman
4.5 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway
The Hardiman
Harbour Hotel
Harbour Hotel
4 out of 5
New Dock Road, Galway City, Galway, Galway
Harbour Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.