Galway Ireland is a favorite destination for many people, locals and tourists alike. For many Irish people, Galway City is a wonderful weekend getaway, known affectionately as the city of festivals. World travelers visit Galway for its lively arts scene, boisterous youth culture, strong Gaelic culture, internationally acclaimed theater companies, and stunning location—in other words, there is no shortage of great things to do here. Founded by fishermen centuries ago, Galway is a breezy, green region located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lough Corrib. Galway City, as the largest city in the west, serves as the capital of the West of Ireland. From the edge of town, visitors can look onto the north shore of Galway Bay and can also trek to Salthill for a spectacular view of Black Head just across the bay. The quiet beauty of golden green grasses and misty seascapes lure the curious wanderer to travel Galway Ireland in all its Irish splendor.

With growing population rates and a steady rise in Galway tourism, Galway City Ireland is one of the fast-growing cities in Europe, despite its small physical size. In addition, the city bustles with international students who come to all the way to Galway Ireland to attend the University College Galway (UCG). Many students take advantage of the city’s strong Gaelic culture, often studying Irish language and history at the university.

When you visit Galway, be sure to allow enough time to wander the many streets and avenues of this little city. Most of the major sites are located within the center of town. There are a number of Galway tourism kiosks and offices that can provide eager walkers with maps, suggested routes, and historical landmarks and monuments. One worthwhile spot is Lynch’s Castle. While it now functions as an Allied Irish Bank, the castle is a wonderfully preserved 16th-century fortified house. The decorations and architecture reflect the styles of Southern Spain, hinting at the close ties that once existed between Galway Ireland and Spain. Near the castle is Lynch Memorial Window, where it is rumored that James Lynch FitzStephen, a 16th century Galway mayor, executed his own son. Other monuments and places include the Spanish Arch, the Salmon Weir Bridge, Eyre Square, the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, and the exquisite Galway City Museum. For tourists on a more literary travel Galway Ireland offers a sample of Joycian history: the Nora Barnacle House, which was the birthplace of James Joyce’s wife, Nora. The house has a modest exhibit of photographs, letters, mementos, and a gift shop.

Ireland Map

On the west bank of the River Corrib, Galway City Ireland travelers can explore Nun’s Island and its little cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas. It is Galway’s largest Catholic church, and it was actually built on the site of the old Galway jail. While on the west bank, Galway visitors can explore the old Gladdagh district, which was an Irish-speaking fishing village outside the walls of the town. While the village’s traditional thatched cottages were replaced during city housing projects in the 1930s, the symbol of the Gladdagh has survived. The Gladdagh ring is one of Ireland’s famous images; it is composed of two hands clasped around a heart with a crown above it. It is worn with the heart facing into you if you are marred, but facing out if you are not. Gladdagh rings are very popular as souvenirs.

Galway City Ireland boasts an enthusiastic, rowdy nightlife, especially near Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch. Weekends are especially lively, with the university students celebrating their brief freedom and weekend travelers arriving for a quick Galway visit. Galway Tourism groups can help travelers find accommodations, delicious restaurants, and boisterous pubs and music scenes. Adventurous trekkers, determined to travel Galway Ireland authentically, can easily find a fun bar or eating place on almost any given night. And sometimes the stranger at the next bar stool will become a fast friend. The Irish are famous for their courage and tasty brews, but they are revered for their good hearts and genuine friendship. Cheers!