Galway City is a colourful and energetic harbour city located on the west coast of Ireland, it is also know as the “City of Tribes”. This walled medieval city has everything to offer from an interesting history to the sandy beaches of Salthill. They are many historic buildings and monuments associated with the city, as well as a delightful assortment of pubs, craft shops and boutique shops. You will find creativity around every corner, Galway is a centre for creativity. The city offers its visitors the opportunity to relax, unwind and mostly have fun.
Getting around this compact city is easy, visitors can walk, cycle or take one of the city’s open top bus tours, or walking tours. All options allow visitors to explore the charming cobbled streets of the city at their own pace and admire the local architecture and feel the essence of this medieval city. Visitors can determine what attractions and sights of interest they want to come back and discover more about.
Galway is the home of Ireland’s famous Claddagh ring, that is symbolic of love, the ring portray’s tales of pirates, lost love and great romance. The Claddagh is an area were people who gathered seafood and fished here fore centuries, they were immortalised in the ring. Find all about this iconic ring at Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museum, also located here are a number of curious exhibits on Stone Age axes, famine memorabilia and an intriguing photographic collection of Galway in the old days.
Whilst here visitors should take time to get to know the character of the city. Galway Cathedral is the biggest and most impressive building here, it was first dedicated in 1965, it is the youngest of Europe’s stone cathedrals. The interior is lovely and blends together a refreshing blend of Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic features, visitors who come leave amazed, truly spectacular. The Spanish Arch is located on the left bank of the Corrib, it is where the river meets the sea, it was originally a 16th century bastion, today it houses Galway City Museum. Kirwan’s Lane, is home to relics of 16th and 17th century architecture, it is also a hive of activity, it is here where the musicians entertain the crowds, and street performers demonstrate their skills, it is definitely the busking centre of the city. The hub of the city is Eyre Square, it is home to John F. Kennedy Park, and is a popular meeting place, located here is the iconic Galway Hooker statue, it honours the seafaring traditions of the city, another notable feature here is Browne doorway. Discover the medieval past of the city in the Latin Quarter, it still retains portions of the medieval city wall. Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Bridge Mills of the Hall of Red Earl are not only beautiful buildings but have lots of interesting information and history associated with them. Nora Barnacle House was the wife of James Joyce, this is her family home and is now a small private museum.
For a break away from the city centre, take time to stroll along Salthill Promenade, it gently winds along the coast and offers tremendous views of Galway Bay and, on a clear day the hills of County Clare in the distance. Dotted along are little cafes and shops where visitors can stop and get an ice cream, sit on one of the benches and admire the lovely views whilst watching life carry on.
At night the citys takes on a totally different feel, it really comes alive with live music being on at most venues. There is everything from traditional pubs to trendy wine bars and state of the art clubs, playing the latest sounds. The music rarely stops here and the experience of a traditional Irish trad session is not to be missed, it won’t take long before the music takes hold and feet are stomping away. The vibe is lively, friendly and infectious, as they say the craic is ninety.
When it comes to dining, visitors are in for a treat, it is home to some of the finest seafood in Ireland, with the local bakeries serving up the most decadent treats. There are eateries catering to all tastes and budgets.
The famous Farmers Market, has been in operation for centuries, it is on every weekend and showcases the finest fresh produce and local crafts.
Visitors to Galway are assured to have a ball here, it is a unique and enthralling city with so much to offer. Festivals and events are a common occurence here so there is always something going on, including the International Oyster Festival, Arts Festival, horse-racing and much more.