Loughrea (Baile Locha Riach in Irish) may be regarded as dating from 1236, when Loughrea Castle was reputed to have been built by the Anglo-Norman, Richard de Burgo. The town was fortified because of its location on the approach to Galway city. This fortification consisted of a town wall and a moat to the north, east and west, with the lake acting as a natural defence to the south. The Carmelite Monastery was founded in the town around the year 1300 by Richard de Burgo. A chapel and monastery were built in 1785, with the chapel rebuilt in 1829. The convent of Carmelite nuns which was founded in 1680 also moved to its present site in 1829. A strong ecclesiastical presence is still evident within the town. The town has retained its original street pattern of two parallel east-west streets (Main Street and Barrack Street) which are connected by seven short narrow streets. Development located along Main Street and Dunkellin Street in the town centre,
consists of three and four storey buildings abutting the street. These buildings tend to be from an earlier period than those on Barrack Street. Housing and commercial uses are mixed within the town centre with most buildings dating back to probably the mid-18th century. To the north of the town centre is the Abbey (old and new), and the former railway station (now the mart); to the south is the lake, and backing on to it some development, most notably the cathedral. The medieval town centre is within the area enclosed by the "Walk" to the north, by the Loughrea river to the east, by the lake to the south and by the Fairgreen to the west. The only remaining buildings from medieval times are St. Brigids Church in Caherwalter, the Town Gate and the Carmelite Abbey and Graveyard.
The cathedral town of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clonfert, Loughrea has developed into a busy urban centre which provides an important market and service function in the south east of the County. With a separate identity and independence from Galway city, the town has evolved to meet the changing needs of its residents and those living within its surrounding agricultural hinterland. Extensive commercial and retail facilities have become well established in the town, primarily along Main Street and Barrack Street, and the seven narrow side streets which connect these two main streets.
The Turoe stone in nearby Bullaun (8km north) is perhaps the most important Celtic monument in the area and the Cathedral of St. Brendan on the lakeshore, in the town centre, is considered an important repositary of Celtic-revival art and architecture in Ireland. Spring-fed, Loughrea Lake overlooked by
Knockash is popular for fishing, with an abundance of trout, pike and perch. It is also an important bird sanctuary as well as being popular for water-sports and swimming. Immediately behind the Loughrea boat house are the remains of an old crannog. The Loughrea dwellers of another time would have sought protection from raiders by living in comparative security provided by the lake.
