I Lost My Heart to a Galway Girl! Quiz

Answer: The Atlantic Ocean

As Galway is on the west coast of Ireland, it is the Atlantic Ocean that washes up against the shores of Galway Bay. Galway Bay is a rich source of seafood. Local delicacies include mussels, crab, mackerel, oysters and lobster.

Answer: Eyre Square

Eyre Square is a municipal public area situated in the heart of Galway City. It is surrounded by shops, pubs, restaurants and the bus and train station. The name of the square comes from the man who presented the plot of land to the city in 1710; he was also the mayor of the city at the time.

His name was Edward Eyre. In 1965 the square was officially renamed the Kennedy Memorial Square after American president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963.

Answer: Spanish

The Spanish Arch has no known association with Spanish workers in Galway. It was originally part of the walls surrounding the city. It was erected in 1584, and is also known as the Blind Arch. One of its features is a wooden carving called Madonna of the Quays. The arch serves as the entrance into the Galway City Museum.

Answer: rings

The Claddagh ring has a distinctive design. Each ring bears the design of a pair of hands clasping a heart with a crown on top of the heart. The Claddagh ring symbolises friendship, and there are different customs associated with wearing a Claddagh ring.

The ring is mainly worn by women, and it is a customary belief that if the crown is facing towards the woman's body it means she is in a relationship; if it is facing outwards, she is single. In some parts of Ireland, the opposite applies.

Answer: The King's Head

The King's Head pub is linked with the beheading of King Charles I in 1649. The link arises from archaeological evidence that a building existed on the grounds where the pub is today, which dates back to the 13th century. The link between King Charles I's executioner and the pub also has valid claims.

After Oliver Cromwell's army laid siege to Galway and gained control of the city, one of his Colonels, Col. Peter Stubbers, took control of the city. Col. Peter Stubbers removed the existing mayor from office and seized his property, which happened to be the site on which The King's Head pub now stands.

At the rear of this property lived a Mr. Richard Gunning who is reported as being the man who executed King Charles I. As a reward, Mr. Gunning was given the residence, which is also part of the site where the pub stands.

Answer: Croke Park

Croke Park is actually located on the opposite side of the country in Dublin city. Croke Park is the headquarters to Ireland's native sporting organisation, the GAA. In Galway, Pearse Stadium is the home of GAA. Terryland Park is where Galway United Soccer Club plays, and the sports grounds are home to both rugby and greyhound racing.

Answer: Mob

According to stories from Galway's past, one explanation of the origins of the term 'to lynch someone' originated in Galway circa 1493. The mayor of Galway at the time was a man by the name of James Lynch, and in that same year his son was found guilty of murdering a Spanish sailor.

As mayor he was also charged with upholding the peace and had no choice but to condemn his son to death. A large mob gathered to rescue James Lynch's son, and in order to prevent this happening, James Lynch hanged his son from the top window of their residence.

Answer: NUIG

The NUIG, or National University of Ireland Galway, was founded in 1845 and was built on the banks of the River Corrib. Previously known as UCG (University College Galway), the University is home to over 16,000 students and more than 2000 staff. NUIG is one of several National Universities in Ireland.

As well as a campus, there is also the University College Hospital which serves the general population of Galway City and the surrounding areas.

Answer: The Galway Arts Festival

As well as the arts festival, there is also the Film Festival, the Galway Races and many more events. Even the surrounding towns have some excellent festivals, such as the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival (or the Crinníu na mBád) in Kinvara.

Answer: The Saw Doctors

The Saw Doctors are a band from the west of Ireland, whose music could be described as a mix between traditional Irish music and rock music. Their songs are sometimes whimsical and often have comic undertones. Two of their better known songs are "N17" and "I Used to Love Her".