Galway is located in the west of
Ireland within the province of Connacht and contains Ireland's
fourth biggest city, Galway City. The county area is the second
largest on the island (after Cork) measuring 6,148 km². Most of the
large Lough Corrib is in Galway, as are the Aran Islands in Galway
Bay. The traditional Irish (or Gaelic) language is still spoken and
actively encouraged in many outlying parts of the county.
The City of Galway stands on the River Corrib and it now has a very
large student population, the city environs being home to two major
universities, the National University of ireland and GMIT. Galway
city is reputedly the "safest" city in Ireland returning lower crime
statistics than any Irish city.
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Architecture in the city comprises an eye-catching blend of
well-maintained ancient property alongside many very recent but
sympathetic newer developments. The quayside follows the trend of
the county in general by offering excellent value seafood dishes in
its eating houses. Just 10 miles south of the city, the world famous
Moran’s Oyster Cottage is an example located near to Clarinbridge at
the Weir in Kilcolgan. The county can be accessed easily from Galway
Airport which is a mere 6 kilometres to the east of the city.
History
The county comprises a number of distinct territories which predate
the formation of the county by the English colonial administration
in Ireland in the late 1500s. The major ones are Iar Connacht, or
'West Connacht', which covers the portion of the county (and also a
small part of County Mayo) west of Loch Corrib and which contains
Connemara in the far west and Joyce Country in the north-west. The
territory of Aidhne lies in the south of the county and is
coextensive with the diocese of Kilmacduagh.
Landscape
The landscape in County Galway is varied. The interior is largely
flat, while the Connemara, in the northwest is a region of ancient
glacier scared mountains, blanket bog peat lands and rugged
coastlines. The Aran Islands and the south are rocky and barren
places, containing numerous stone age forts, including Dun Aenghus
(one of the best examples of its kind in Europe), beautiful in its
isolation. To top it off, there is also the urban landscape of
Galway City, the west coast's largest city.
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Galway City
Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and
remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat
uniquely it’s own. There is certain chemistry and vibrancy to this
friendly University City, which many delight in, and few forget.
Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres
and most of all Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric
mediaeval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the
county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty
unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands.
Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital.
Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy
beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers.
Delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, and
traditional pubs. Galway City is one of the fastest growing cities
in Europe and, with a population of approx. 71,983 as per the census
of April 2006, it has become the third city in the Republic of
Ireland after Dublin and Cork. It began as a small fishing village
centred around the estuary of the River Corrib, a river
traditionally called Abhainn na Gaillimhe (The Galway River) after
Galvia, a mythological princess said to have drowned in its waters.
Connemara
"Connemara is a savage beauty" - Oscar Wilde
From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through
lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the
Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that
constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. Connemara has
long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. This natural
terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of
sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm,
friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.
The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, newborn lambs
dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo all make Spring time
a very special and magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time
to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed. On mellow
Autumn days, one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in
different colours with each passing day. In the evening enjoy lovely
warm turf fires after a day spent walking, cycling, painting,
shooting, fishing or golfing.
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Aran Islands
Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest and most developed of the Aran
Islands and combines a vibrant history with excellent facilities and
lively nightlife. Blanketed in fissured limestone and a patchwork of
fields, you can walk, cycle or ride the laneways here to discover
the island's most celebrated monument, Dún Aonghusa. One of the most
famous and most important prehistoric sites in Europe, this semi
circular stone fort sits dramatically on top of a 100 metre drop
into the sea. Elsewhere circular forts, early Christian remains,
12th Century high crosses and medieval churches dot the island.
Traditions are very much alive on Inis Mór and nightly music
sessions and regular dances, impromptu storytelling and even currach
racing are part of everyday life. Whether you wander the flower
strewn laneways, watch the seals or relax on the beach, you'll be
smitten by the people, culture and heritage of this incredible
island.
Galway Greyhound Stadium
Galway Greyhound Stadium is a newly-redeveloped greyhound racing
venue with a choice of restaurants and bars. Choose the luxurious
surroundings of Masters Restaurant with its panoramic views of the
race circuit, or opt for a meal in Barker's Bar. Enjoy the
exhilerating atmosphere during racing and stay on for live music
afterwards 'til late. Facilities include inter-track and table
service betting. Advance booking for Masters Restaurant is
essential.
Roundstone Music, Crafts, Fashion & Knitwear
In an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone, Malachy Kearns, better
kdnown as Malachy Bodhrán amongst folk musicians, works at his craft
of making Ireland's oldest product, the bodhrán (pronounced bow rawn).
It is an 18" one-sided drum made from goatskin, and treated by a
traditional lprocess. Goatskin has unique stretch properties. The
Irish word 'bodhán' means deaf or haunting. The bodhrán began as a
skin tray used for drawing turf (peat) on the bogs. It stirs the
spirit when played with the "tipper" or beater hitting the skin in a
racing style while a hand presses the back of the skin to vary the
tone. Malachy is respected as a fine bodhrán maker for 30 years.
Most of the professional folk musicians world wide use these
bodhráns, as we are the only full-time makers in the world.
Roundstone Music, Craft & Fashion Shop lies within the walls of an
old Franciscan Monastery in the quaint fishing village of Roundstone
in the heart of Connemara. It is a fine Craftman's craft shop,
music, fashion and coffee shop. Regular talks and demonstrations are
given about this famous instrument. However, it is also an excellent
place to relax over coffee or even use the outdoor picnic area
alongside the monastery bell tower in this beautiful location right
on the water where the dolphins play in the summer.
Rinville Park
Rinville Park is located just 5 minutes from the picturesque village
of Oranmore. It is a wonderful amenity, created around an ancient
castle, a stately home and a fine estate demesne, which dates from
the 16th century. With an extensive network of walks through
woodlands, open farmland and by the sea, the Park offers a
recreational facility of outstanding quality and beauty. There is
access to Rinville Point and Saleen Point, where views of Galway
Bay, Galway City and the Burren of Co Clare, can be enjoyed. Raven,
grey heron and otter are numbered among the fascinating fauna which
can be observed, while the flora includes cultivated and wild
flowers, shrubs and trees. The Park has picnic areas and a
children's playground, and is open year round.
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Lynchs Castle
At the junction of Shop Street and Upper Abbeygate Street is Lynch's
Castle, a 16th century castle which was heavily altered in 1966 when
it was converted into a bank. The exterior preserves some of the few
remaining Irish gargoyles as well as the arms of Henry V11, the
Lynch family and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare. The stonework of the
windows is of good quality. In the ground floor, historical material
dealing with the castle is displayed. A doorway and first-floor
window of one of the many fine 16th and 17th century houses which
adorned the city has been re-erected in isolation on the north side
of Eyre Square. It belonged to a house of the Browne family which
formerly stood in Lower Abbeygate Street.
Towns and Villages
Outside of Galway city, the main towns are Ballinasloe, Loughrea,
Athenry and Clifden. Other Galway towns which are well worth a visit
include Ahascragh, Ballygar, Carraroe, Claregalway, Cloonboo,
Craughwell, Dunmore, Eyrecourt, Glennamaddy, Gort, Headford,
Killimor, Kilronan (on Inishmore Island), Kinvarra, Monivea,
Mountbellew Bridge, Moycullen, Moylough, Oranmore, Oughterard,
Portumna (with a marina on Lough Derg), Roundstone, Spiddal, Tuam
(home of the Saw Doctors musicians) and Woodford.
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