DúnBhunnaGaillimhe ("Fort at the Mouth
(bottom) of the Gaillimh") was constructed in 1124, by the King of
Connacht, TairrdelbachUaConchobair (1088–1156).Eventually, a small
settlement grew up around this fort. During the Norman invasion of
Connacht in the 1230s, Galway fort was captured by Richard Mor de Burgh,
who had led the invasion. As the de Burghs eventually became gaelicised,
the merchants of the town, the Tribes of Galway, pushed for greater
control over the walled city.
