Galway’s Spanish Arch May Be Getting A Designated Drinking Area

James Fenton

Once ‘can weather’ hits, there’s no better spot in the country to have a few sunny drinks than the Spanish Arch in Galway. Well, that’s what we’ve been told anyway. We would never actually indulge in illegal public drinking. Let’s move on.

The popular spot by the Corrib River is home to hundreds of revellers whenever the temperamental Irish weather decides to bless us with a few hours of sunshine every once in a while.

Beautiful afternoon at the Spanish Arch in Galway. pic.twitter.com/YHFA5WgiIf

— Enda Cunningham (@endacunningham) March 25, 2017

Spanish Arch, Galway tonight. Can the Gardaí be expected to enforce the ban on public drinking in a crowd this big? (Vid: Colette McGovern) pic.twitter.com/Rwwjw0RM4l

— Enda Cunningham (@endacunningham) March 27, 2017

The vibe at The Spanish Arch this evening. #LatinQuarterGalway #CultureCapital2020 #GottaLoveGalway #GalwayGold pic.twitter.com/Zy2vqo0Abm

— Galway Latin Quarter (@GalwayLatinQtr) March 26, 2017

However, during last week’s sunny spell, some Galway residents weren’t happy with the scale of the mess that was left behind after festivities were finished.

As well as that, the safety of the public has been a cause for concern after two people sustained injuries in a knife attack.

I’ll be going on the @KFshow again shortly to talk about what happened in Spanish Arch yesterday evening and the aftermath pic.twitter.com/w4a1Gv47d9

— Niall McNelis (@niall_mcnelis) March 28, 2017

Now, according to the Connacht Tribune, the city council could provide a designated drinking area at the site.

Currently, under local authority bylaws introduced in December 2015, drinking in public places is banned in the city.

However, a provision was made in the bylaws to allow for a ‘Designated Licensed Area’ which means that laws may be relaxed during certain festivals and periods of time.

Councillor Peter Keane, who would like a trial period for the scheme from June 1 to the end of September, said:

“It would be designated, so there would be protective railings and notices in advance that people can have a glass of wine or whatever.”

What do you make of the idea? Do you think it would make for a more enjoyable experience? Would Galway benefit from the scheme? Let us know in the comments.