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About Galway

County Galway is located in the West of Ireland and its primary city of Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Ireland. Well known for its festivals, entertainment, art and events, Galway city has a great reputation for promoting the Irish language and its traditional Irish music. Some of the more popular events in the area are the annual Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Races and the Oyster Festival. A bustling and busy city all year round, one of the major squares in the city is Eyre Square. Dating back to 1710, this square is now a common meeting point and is surrounded by an abundance of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. Galway city enjoys a prime location as many beautiful beaches are in close proximity, meaning residents and visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. Salthill and Silverstrand (Trá na gCeann) are two of the more well known beaches in the locality and are popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
Things to see
Spanish Arch
Located along the East bank of the River Corrib, the Spanish Arch is a series of many arches dating back to 1584. They were built to protect the town against looting merchant ships and are an extension of Galway’s city walls. Galway’s Spanish Arch was given its name because of its history of trading with Spain and many Spanish ships docked there for protection.

Lynch’s Castle
The Lynch family were once a very important and powerful family with a strong influence in the history of Galway city. This gothic style medieval building located on Shop Street / Abbeygate Street was once home to the Lynch family and to this day their coat of arms can still be seen on the exterior.

St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas was the patron saint of sailors – which is very appropriate given the rich history of traders and merchants visiting Galway city down through the centuries. His name has since been given to the St. Nicholas Collegiate Church which is one of the oldest Parish churches in Ireland. Founded in 1320 and located in the old part of Galway city, the building has a medieval style and the beautiful interior is home to many carved tombs. It is thought that in 1477 Christopher Columbus prayed in this church during a visit to Galway.

Did you know...
» That the original town of Galway began existence as a fort as early as 1124?
» That the “City of Tribes” is the nickname given to Galway because of the 14 tribes that once ruled the city centuries ago?
» That there are 18 islands along the coastline of County Galway?
» That the world famous Claddagh Ring (a traditional Irish ring to symbolise love, friendship and loyalty) originated in Claddagh – a small town just outside Galway city?

Transport Links
Bus Eireann and Galway City Direct are the two bus companies that service Galway city. Galway City Direct offers a commuter service throughout the city of Galway and Bus Eireann facilitate both commuter and national links. In addition, there are also private bus companies providing links between Galway and the rest of Ireland.

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) runs regular daily passenger services Galway and Heuston station in Dublin (serving intermediate stations also).

Galway Airport is situated approximately 6km from Galway city and offers domestic flights, flights servicing Britain and a small number of European destinations.

Slightly further afield are Ireland West Airport Knock (86km from Galway city) and Shannon Airport (90km from Galway city) both of which service Ireland, Europe and North America.

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