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On E bank of the River Corrib at its outflow into Galway Bay. Its foundation dates from the 1230s when Richard de Burgh erected a castle on the site of the O'Flaherty stronghold of Bun Gaillimhe (Lynn 1986, 101). The construction of its defences dates from the 1270s and it was confirmed as a royal borough in 1396. The walled town covered an area of c. 60 hectares but an extra mural suburb also existed at the Claddagh, on W bank of the river (see GA094-091002-). Three friaries (GA094-091----, GA094-099003-, GA094-102----), a hospital, a (nunnery and an infirmary (GA094-105----, GA094-106----, GA094-113----) also stood outside the walls. The visible remains comprise substantial portions of the town walls, the collegiate church of St Nicholas, and the remains of c. 20 late medieval houses (Higgins 1984-6). In the 17th century a series of artillery fortifications (GA094-032----, GA094-057----, GA082-083----, GA094-099002-, GA094-112----, GA094-022----) were erected around the town. (Killanin and Duignan 1967, 284-8; Hardiman 1820; Casey 1988b)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993).
Date of upload: 05 August 2010
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