Established on the foundations of ancient Oiasso, Irun is a lively industrial hub in Spain’s Basque Country. It lies on the banks of the Bidasoa River, directly opposite Hendaye is the French department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and just a stone’s throw from the golden beaches of the Cantabrian Sea.
Things to do in Irun
If you’re interested in the city’s ancient past, visit the Museo Romano Oiasso to find Roman artefacts that have been uncovered in Irun. It offers a fascinating insight into the Roman era in the Bay of Biscay region, with ancient pottery, traditional fishing equipment and a model of Oiasso on display. The museum also hosts cultural activities throughout the year focused on ancient history and archaeology.
Adjacent to the Museo Romano Oiasso is the Parish of Santa Maria del Juncal, which is named after a carving of the Virgin that was discovered in the city’s reed beds. This 16th-century church is considered a fine example of Basque Gothic architecture and houses an impressive 17th-century reredos depicting the Virgin of Juncal by Juan de Bazkardo.
East of Irun is the ruined Castle of Gazteluzar, which was constructed in 1518 by Ferdinand II of Aragon to defend against attacks on the Navarrese-French border. It was designed with a triangular floor plan, although only the inner walls and foundations of the bastions remain today. An exploration of the castle can be combined with a stroll through the riverfront park of Osinbiribil.
Getting around Irun
Irun is around 20 minutes’ drive from San Sebastian and just 10 minutes from San Sebastian Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. Trains connect from nearby towns and cities to the Irun railway station while buses travel throughout Irun. The city centre is easily explored on foot.