Religious house

A Knights Templars' 'hospital' or 'convent' reputedly stood outside E gate of Galway town (GA094-100----). The location marked on the pictorial map of c. 1650 indicates a spot near the centre of Eyre Square. Hardiman refers to a 'circular foundation' shown on the map, and to its supression in 1312 (1820, 274). Not recorded by Gwynn and Hadcock (1970). Falkiner (1906, 216) suggests that it may have been a guest house or inn belonging to the order. No visible remains survive. 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

A Knights Templars' hospital or convent was established outside the east gate of Galway town, likely in the 13th or 14th century, and was situated near the present-day Eyre Square. It reflected the order’s role in both religious and charitable service, and its location highlights the strategic and social importance of the east gate area in medieval Galway.