Irish Town, Gibraltar
Irish Town, despite its name, is neither Irish nor a town鈥攊t鈥檚 one of Gibraltar鈥檚 oldest and most storied streets, running parallel to Main Street just south of Casemates Square. When the British took Gibraltar in 1704, it was known as Saint Anne鈥檚 Street, but by the 18th century, the presence of Irish regiments stationed there gave rise to the name that still sticks today. Locals like to say it was the laughter and singing of the Irish soldiers and their families that gave the street its spirited reputation鈥攐ne that lingered long after the troops departed.
In the 1800s, Irish Town was the liveliest stretch in Gibraltar, known for its rowdy taverns, boarding lodges, and bustling trade. Sailors and merchants from across the British Empire filled its narrow lanes, while soldiers brought the latest news and a good deal of commotion. One legend tells of a particularly strict officer who tried to enforce curfews, only to find his own men carousing in the pubs he meant to close. Even the convent on the street, the old Convent of Mercy, was repurposed over time鈥攊ts cloisters now supporting part of a wine bar wall, a perfect symbol of the street鈥檚 blend of faith, history, and everyday life.
Today, Irish Town retains its old charm but has mellowed into a peaceful lane lined with caf茅s, boutiques, and historic buildings. Its red-brick police station, synagogue, and pastel fa莽ades remind visitors that this quiet street once pulsed with empire, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of Gibraltar鈥檚 multicultural past.
In the 1800s, Irish Town was the liveliest stretch in Gibraltar, known for its rowdy taverns, boarding lodges, and bustling trade. Sailors and merchants from across the British Empire filled its narrow lanes, while soldiers brought the latest news and a good deal of commotion. One legend tells of a particularly strict officer who tried to enforce curfews, only to find his own men carousing in the pubs he meant to close. Even the convent on the street, the old Convent of Mercy, was repurposed over time鈥攊ts cloisters now supporting part of a wine bar wall, a perfect symbol of the street鈥檚 blend of faith, history, and everyday life.
Today, Irish Town retains its old charm but has mellowed into a peaceful lane lined with caf茅s, boutiques, and historic buildings. Its red-brick police station, synagogue, and pastel fa莽ades remind visitors that this quiet street once pulsed with empire, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of Gibraltar鈥檚 multicultural past.
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Irish Town on Map
Sight Name: Irish Town
Sight Location: Gibraltar, Gibraltar (See walking tours in Gibraltar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Gibraltar, Gibraltar (See walking tours in Gibraltar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Gibraltar, Gibraltar
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Gibraltar is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles