Galway
Travel Guide

Galway

Galway - © C.Echeveste

Explore Galway

Tourist attractions

Museums in Ireland 6Irish castles 3Excursions in Ireland 2Hiking tours in Ireland 2Irish beaches 2Irish bridges 2Irish monuments 2Irish tourist routes 2Venues 2Aquariums 1Archaeological sites 1Boat trip 1Christmas markets in Ireland 1Churches 1Cycling tours in Ireland 1Gastronomic tours in Ireland 1Irish cathedrals 1Irish distilleries 1Irish forest parks 1Irish markets 1Irish ports 1Irish stadiums 1Universities 1

Accomodations

Accommodations 53Apartments 19Hotels 18Guesthouses 6Youth hostels 4Cottages en Irlande 3Bed & Breakfast 1Castles to stay in 1Inns 1

Irish pubs

Irish pubs in Galway 8
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Galway : Must-See Attractions

bridge mills 1

Bridge Mills

Discover Bridge Mills, Galway's oldest working bridge! Now 430 years old, it is one of the town's most popular attractions, taking the…
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Galway

If you love young and dynamic cities with lively and colorful streets, then you will not be disappointed! Galway is today a rapidly growing city that holds many treasures! Because while Galway combines modernism and traditionalism, it is above all a cool and dynamic city, where life is good! If you want to venture there for a day or a stay, you will discover very active streets, with countless restaurants and Irish Pubs immersed in a warm atmosphere! Of course, music will be present, not only because of the many musicians who frequent the city, but also due to its famous festivals!

History of Galway

A City Founded in the 12th Century

The Galway Cathedral – © mark_gusev

The first constructions of Galway date back to 1124, when the King of Connacht (Tularch O’Connor) built a real fort on the banks of the Corrib River, on an old village known as Claddagh.

But very quickly, the Anglo-Norman Invasions of 1232 took Galway from the O’Flaherty clan and placed it in the hands of the invaders. They set about expanding the city around the fort, building a citadel and many dwellings protected by imposing ramparts. The construction of a port also allowed the city to open up to maritime trade and thus develop by maintaining commercial relations with other countries such as Spain.

During this period, Galway was governed by a consensus of 14 clans (12 Anglo-Norman and 2 Irish). These families administered and ruled the entire city, imposing their laws and power over the rest of the inhabitants. The majority of the Anglo-Norman population also enjoyed great privileges compared to the Irish, who lived within the city in a climate of extreme tension and discrimination.

From Cromwell to the Present Day…

The 17th century was a dark period for Galway. Cromwell, followed a few years later by William of Orange, took the city by assault and destroyed it successively. The damage was so extensive that the city was reduced to nothing. After this catastrophe, the survivors decided to rebuild the city. Reconstruction then took several centuries due to a lack of significant financial resources.

It was only at the end of the 20th century, in the 1990s, that Galway experienced a real economic boom: European and American investors saw Galway as a wonderful financial opportunity and thus revived its economy with the establishment of companies specializing in high technology. To this day, Galway has risen from its ashes and taken its revenge: many Europeans call Galway a true Eldorado!

What to Visit in Galway?

A Colorful City at the Gates of Connemara

Galway – © espiegle

Galway has the advantage of being ideally located to explore the west coast of Ireland. Situated 2.5 hours from the Cliffs of Moher, the city is known for being deeply lively and festive. Very active, it lives to the rhythm of its students, tourism, and the ocean.

It is appreciated for its ultra-colorful city center, its Latin Quarter, its museums (including the famous Galway City Museum), its river (the Lough Corrib), its parks and squares (including Eyre Square)… In short: Galway is a cultural, young, active city that has managed to preserve its history, heritage, and traditions while embedding them in an incredible spirit of modernity.

A big advantage: Galway is also very close to one of the most beautiful regions in all of Ireland: Connemara! The area is highly touristic and attracts millions of travelers each year who come to explore its national park, with its vast wild spaces, mountains, and valleys. The lakes of Connemara are also tourist destinations in their own right, thanks to their unmatched charm! Not to mention its Irish castles, such as Kylemore Castle, set in a magical natural setting!

The place is magical, ideal for hiking, cycling tours, and all kinds of explorations.

So do not hesitate to visit Galway and stay there, if only to enjoy the cool and trendy atmosphere of the city, as well as to explore the west of Ireland more deeply.

Cherry on the cake: Galway was named “European Capital of Culture” for 2020. Proof that it is impossible to be bored in such a city!

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