Salmon Weir Bridge Travel Guide

The Salmon Weir Bridge is one of Galway's most recognizable and historic landmarks. Built in 1818, it crosses the River Corrib, connecting the Cathedral on one side with the courthouse on the other. The bridge provides stunning views of the river and its surroundings. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.Historically, a wooden bridge existed on this site as early as 1235. King Henry III granted it to Richard de Burgh, Earl of Ulster. This earlier bridge was known as Friars' Bridge, as it connected a Franciscan abbey with the mainland. The Franciscans controlled the fisheries and built a weir to trap salmon, giving the bridge its name. The Friars' Bridge was destroyed and replaced in 1651 by a stone bridge called Gaol Bridge, linking the courthouse to the prison.The current bridge, designed by James Savage, was constructed from limestone with three arches. In 2023, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, Droichead an Dóchais (Bridge of Hope), opened beside the Salmon Weir Bridge to ease congestion. Despite the addition, the Salmon Weir Bridge remains a vital part of Galway, offering a tangible connection to the city's rich history. Today, the bridge is a prime location to observe salmon swimming upstream, particularly between May and September.