The Salmon Weir Bridge is a Galway bridge spanning the River Lough Corrib to Galway Cathedral. Built in 1819, the bridge once linked the city’s former prison to the courthouse: all prisoners passed over this bridge. Nowadays, the bridge is best known as a salmon-watching site, where you can watch the salmon swim upstream between May and September! It’s quite a tourist spot, with many passers-by watching for fish from the top of the bridge!
The bridge is impossible to miss: just take Galway Cathedral as your landmark: the bridge is directly opposite. All in original stone, it offers a lovely view of Lough Corrib, and the dam a little further upstream.
The bridge is ideal for strolling, fishing and soaking up the Galway atmosphere.
Many people enjoy watching for salmon, which are impressive when they wriggle out of the water to pass the dam!
Cars are allowed, and the bridge is rarely quiet, day or night. Sidewalks also make it accessible to pedestrians. An emblematic bridge to discover and understand Galway’s attachment to Lough Corrib and its prolific waters.
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
University Rd, Galway, Ireland, Galway (County Galway) - Republic of Ireland
53.275574, -9.056202
10 minutes
3.44/5 (16 votes)