For many centuries Galway had close ties with Spain and the town was once Ireland’s most important trading port with the country. Spanish Arch was renamed last century in memory of that time. Before that, the 16th-century arch was called Ceann an Bhalla, meaning Head of the Wall. It was added to the town’s walls to protect merchant ships from looting. Overlooking the sea and next to Galway’s City Museum, it’s now a popular area for sunbathing and relaxing in summer.