The City of Galway was named after the river that runs through it, though where the river itself got its name is a matter for conjecture and debate. Some say it is named after the daughter of a chieftain of one of the tribes, who drowned in it.

13th Century The Normans under Richard De Burgo invaded and conquered Connaught, taking the Dun from its then owners, the O' Flahertys. Resisting numerous attacks by the O' Flaherty Clan, the De Burgos built a wall around the town, enclosing eventually 25 acres.

In the middle of the twelfth century, the O'Connor Clan built a Dun, or Fort on the site where Galway now stands. Records indicate that it was being used as a port even at this stage. The High king of Munster sent a force to destroy it, successfully, as tribal feuds were common in early Ireland, but it was rebuilt soon afterwards.