Judging on the photo, (perhaps by Warner) it is from the close of the 19th century, maybe c. 1890, four decades before the Munster Bank opened up their branch there around 1930, which in time became Allied Irish Bank, which it still is today at the intersection of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street in Galway City.
Other than the chimney, and the shops downstairs, nothing much has changed. A truly beautiful building, covered in carved stonework, coats of arms, memorials, gargoyles, and even a turtle being eaten by an otter. All this embellishment on what was originally a fortified 'tower house' aptly epitomises the fabulous wealth of the Anglo-Norman and Norman-Irish Trading 'Tribes of Galway' between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The beautiful scroll-work over the window above the main doorway is clearly visible here, though covered now in timber shuttering, since it was damaged during the cleaning of the castle's stonework last year. Hopefully we will soon be able to see the restored window.
On another note, I would love to be able to view the castle's garden, which I believe contains a Lynch burial vault. (no money in that bank vault, just the bones of the noble Lynch families). It would be cool to have a video of the castle, front, back and inside, with historical perspective and views from the roof etc, showing on a screen in the bank.
Personally, I love the 'shawlies' on the path in this photo. they are wearing a traditional shawl, perhaps a paisley or other design, so popular in Galway and in the Claddagh in the 19th century, and indeed right up to the 1960's, was not an uncommon sight here on the streets of Galway. I wonder what the name over the door is? Was it a bar, or a grocery perhaps?
For more of these stories come join me on one of my Galway Walks.
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