Galway is known as the cultural heart of Ireland. With its bustling city known as ‘The city of the tribes’, its majestic offshore islands, and its incredible landscape of Connemara, there is plenty to do in Galway, to keep it forever engrained in your memory. If you’re a nature and history lover Galway has it all.
Top 5 interesting facts about Galway:
- County Galway is the largest county in the province of Connacht.
- Galway City is the only official city in all of Connacht.
- Galway is known as the “City of the Tribes” because it was originally settled by 14 prominent merchant families known as the “Tribes of Galway.”
- Galway is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The Galway International Arts Festival, held annually in July, is one of the largest arts festivals in Ireland, featuring theatre, music, visual arts, and more.
- The Galway Hooker, a traditional style of Irish fishing boat, is synonymous with the county. These distinctive vessels have red sails and are now seen as a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.
Salthill Promenade
This nice holiday spot overlooking Galway Bay is only 3km west of Galway city so you’ll not be far from the shops, pubs and clubs. If you want easy access to beaches and savour the vibrant and energetic atmosphere this is the place to stay.
It 2 mile long promenade overlooking Galway Bay. You can enjoy a variety of watersports, fishing or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. And along the “Golden Half Mile” you’ll find a selection of great hotels, pubs and restaurants, and of course if you are feeling lucky, have a flutter in one of the casinos.
Wild Atlantic Way
Discover the 2,500km of scenic coastline with white sands, towering sea cliffs and unique local culture. A favorite local tour company offering day trips from Galway across the west of Ireland all year round.
Lough Corrib
Loch Corrib, the second largest area of inland freshwater in Ireland, is approximately thirty-five miles long from Galway to Maam and varies in width. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and the atmospheric lake, a trip here is definitely a good idea. There are plenty of places to see and visit around Lough Corrib. Whether you enjoy walking or cycling, Lough Corrib is a region waiting to be discovered and visited.
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is the perfect pick for history buffs. This stunning building is a Benedictine monastery, founded in 1920 by Belgian nuns. Here you can explore the lavish walled garden, and the 70-room castle, as well as get to know the tragic, romantic, and spiritual history.
Spanish Arch
The Spanish Arch is one of the last remaining pieces of Galway’s historical city walls. As a medieval city, one of the main characteristics of Galway is that it used to have a wall that kept invading armies out.
Despite the name, this 16th-century structure in Galway wasn’t built by the Spanish. The name is thought to have come from its location, where Spanish ships would dock for trading. The Spanish Arch, which is located on the banks of the river Corrib, was built in 1584.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas in Galway
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas in Galway – the main temple of the diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora in Ireland. It is located in Cathedral Square in Galway. It was built in the years 1958–1965 of limestone, on the site of the former city prison.
Cathedral is one of the largest and most dominating buildings in city. Inside the visitor will find the rose windows and wall paintings, which echo the broad tradition of Christian art, particularly impressive.
Eyre Square
Eyre Square – The park is within the city centre, adjoining the nearby shopping area of Williams Street and Shop Street.
The park is rectangular, surrounded on three sides by streets that form the major traffic arteries into Galway city centre; the West side of the Square was pedestrianised in 2006.
Circle of Life national organ donor commemorative garden
Circle of Life national organ donor commemorative garden is located in the beautifully sited seafront Quincentennial Park in Salthill overlooking Galway Bay and reflects the spirit of giving, the enduring legacy which defines the lives of organ donors. It is a special place of thanksgiving and commemoration, and through its mix of imagery, symbolism and sentiment, engenders feelings of positive transformation, healing and hope.
