The Claddagh fishing fleet played a major part in feeding the people of Galway for centuries. But it was the hardy women of the Claddagh who controlled sales of the fish on land and brought home the money, as historian WILLIAM HENRY explains.

The fishing industry played a vital role in Galway life from the very foundation of the city, and particularly in the Claddagh. During the medieval period there were two fish markets in the city, which is an indication of the importance of this trade.

These traders not only supplied the city, county and province; but sometimes ran an export trade in fish during those early times. The Claddagh fishing fleet played a prominent role in this industry. They worked extremely hard, sometimes in extreme danger to support the demand and provide for their families. One generation after another passed on the skills that made them so successful and in the process they built up a reputation as excellent seamen.

In 1836, an Irish fisheries report was commissioned by the government. It stated that the Claddagh fleet was capable of taking some 10,000 herring in one night’s catch. The fishing was such that fish were plentiful and cheap in Galway.

The Galway fish market that evolved at Spanish Parade in front of the Spanish Arch became one of the most famous in the country. It was held on the site of the former medieval docks. This old harbour fell into decline after the wars of seventeenth century and was eventually reclaimed. (The foundation of this harbour still exists under the modern-day concrete and Portmore).

The Spanish Parade as it was known was the place where the Claddagh women sold fish to people from all over Galway. These women played a prominent role in the sale of fish; in fact they controlled the entire trade from at least the eighteenth century.

Initially, the fish were sold in a circular route from Raven Terrace, Dominick Street, Bridge Street, Cross Street and down Quay Street. This was an unofficial fish market, as the corporation hadn’t sanctioned these areas. This changed as the nineteenth century dawned and the area before the Spanish Arch was provided by the authorities for the women to sell their fish.

However, the women weren’t happy at first with the move to Spanish Parade and complained about the lack of access to the fish market. They demanded that a bridge be built across the Corrib. Eventually in 1851, a temporary wooden bridge was constructed as part of the Eglinton Canal development. This was the first bridge linking the Claddagh and Spanish Parade. The construction of the bridge was supported by the Town Commissioners to the sum of £800.

The women utilised the bridge immediately and it was left in position for them after the canal opened. It was replaced by an Iron bridge in 1887; and in 1934 the Wolfe Tone Bridge opened on the same site.

There was a large rectangular area known as ‘The Concrete’ in front of the arch where prices were agreed and bargains were made. Depending on the tide, the fish catch could be landed directly at the market area. Herring, mackerel, hake and conger-eels were just some of the fish sold there.

The women stood for hours with various types of baskets, skibs and creels filled with fish as their children played nearby. Large square baskets were used to store the main bulk of the fish and smaller ones were carried around by the women; some with skibs balanced on their heads. This was in addition to looking after their children and household tasks, that sometimes included mending nets.

Pictured: Four Claddagh women making their way to the Fish Market. This was a postcard that was printed in Berlin, circa 1905. One source suggested these women were Nonnie O’Donnell, Mary Rodgers, Kitty Conneely and a Mrs Gill.