The Docks & Spanish Arch areas in Galway adjacent to the sea are within close proximity to Galway city centre. The Docks hosted the 2008 Volvo Ocean Race and is set to host the 2012 Volvo Ocean Race after the massive success of the 2008 festival.
The Spanish Arch area at the bottom of Quay Street is a popular hang out point with its open space overlooking the River Corrib as it enters Galway Bay. The Spanish Arch is also a tourist attraciton with the Galway museum based there behind the Arches of the 1755 structure outside the City Walls in Galway.