Location
Galway can be found between Lough Corrib and the northern shore of Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland.
Population
72.237 (among the twenty largest cities and towns in Ireland)
History
Growing from a castle built by Richard de Burgo in the 13th century, Galway soon became home and main trading post to some of the richest Anglo-Norman merchant families - the "Tribes of Galway". One of their tower houses, Lynch's Castle, even today is a bank. Galway declined after the Great Famine, only in the 1960s growth restarted with industrial developments and tourism. In 1986 the city rejuvenated itself with state aid.
Galway today
The city is dominated by youth - Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe in general and Galway can boast a sizeable student population in addition. With ongoing renovation work (Eyre Square was only recently finished) and most entertainment venues catering for a young crowd Galway is a lifely, sometimes noisy, yet surprisingly small place.
What to expect
Students, students, students ... and holidaymakers. The first are mostly occupying the city center, the latter Salthill. Galway is regarded as one of the liveliest cities in Ireland, second only to Dublin. It is certainly not the place to go if you want to experience the peace, quiet and solitude usually connected with the Irish West.
When to visit
Galway is busy all year - the Arts Festival in July and the Galway Races at the end of the same month are especially popular reasons for a visit. Book early if you too want to visit in July!
Places to visit
The small and cozy city center east of the River Corrib has narrow and winding streets, but a thorough tour should take no longer than ninety minutes. Eyre Square is at the center of the city and has the Browne Doorway, cannons from the Crimean War and a modern mall incorporating the old city walls, the Eyre Square Centre. See Lynch's Castle, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas and the Spanish Arch on the old quays. Just across the river is the Claddagh, reputed home of the famous ring design and famed for its pubs. West of the city you will find Salthill, a traditional seaside resort with amusement arcades and good beaches.
