Built in the early 16th century Lynch's Castle was the historic home of Galway's most powerful family. A limestone building, it is an example of the Irish Gothic style. Its heavily carved facade bears the arms of Henry VIII. It is located at the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street. The 1651 Pictorial Map of the city shows fourteen lavish merchant homes. Lynch's Castle alone survives intact.
It is alleged that the son (who was found guilty of murdering a Spaniard who winked at his girlfriend) of Mayor James Lynch Fitz Stephen, was hanged there by his father. That story may not be true, but many believe it is the the origen of the word "lynching". (Sources from the Web.)

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