Eyre square is also known as John F. Kennedy Memorial park or Kennedy park. It is located in the city centre of Galway and is widely open to the public. Originally, the park was built starting with a couple of ash-trees and an enclosed wooden fence. The purpose of the park was to run small markets back in 1631.
Today, the park is home to the third longest Occupy Camp in the world that ran for 216 days! Occupy Camps became well known throughout the EU and US due to their popularity in utilising public spaces to assemble workshops where debates and discussions would be held about finding solutions to frightening social injustices. So far there haven’t been more Occupy Galway events since, but keep your eyes peeled!
After controversial redevelopment over the years, 2 large cannons were built out of cast-iron, which recognised the service of the Connaught Rangers in the 1853 conflicts. There is also a portrait of former US president John F. Kennedy and a statue of the hero of the War of Independence, Liam Mellows.
In the park, a shopping centre is also occupying the site. Stores like Gosh, Greenes Shoes and Remus Uomo can be found here. The centre is open daily and many events are held here, such as the Easter shopping party or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
