Often called the Venice of the West, Galway City may be the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Shortly after the Anglo-Norman intrusion, in the 13th century, power in the city fell into the hands of fourteen merchant tribes. As a result, we now have Galway’s famous nickname, City of Tribes. These fourteen merchant families considered themselves English aristocrats and ruled the city until the capture of Galway by Cromwell’s army in 1652.
Galway is now the capital of the West of Ireland, lying on the edge of the Irish-speaking area known as the Gaeltacht. Galway City continues to grow with its University, Institute of Technology, theatres, cathedral, castles, restaurants, docks and industries. Without a doubt, it is really a perfect base for traveling.
Lynchs Castle is a magnificent limestone construction that was the historic residence of Galway’s most powerful class. Of the fourteen luxurious merchant houses that once existed in Galway, only Lynchs Castle survives. The oldest parish church in Ireland is St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, which has been a place of worship since the 14th century and remains the center of Galway’s activities.
Known simply as The Square, Eyre Square was formally presented to the city in 1710 by the then mayor, Edward Eyre. The plaza was renamed in honor of US President John F. Kennedy in 1965, and is now known as Kennedy Memorial Park. This open green park is truly a tourist favourite, and it is right here that the Statue of Padhraig OConaire is located. Erected in 1935, this sculpture by Albert Power commemorates the memory of Galway’s beloved writer.
Kirwans Lane is one of fourteen medieval-era lanes and includes relics of 16th- and 17th-century architecture. Named after one of Galway’s fourteen tribal homes, its complete restoration has breathed new life into this historic city centre.
Synonymous with Galway would be the Spanish Arch. It is really all that remains of the 16th century bastion that was once added to the city walls, to protect merchant ships from looters.
Immortalized in the song Galway Bay, the Claddagh is an area close to the center of Galway city. At one time it was a fishing village outside the city walls, and the locals supplied the city with fresh seafood, traded in the square in front of the Spanish Arch. The existence of the Claddagh has been recorded since the 5th century, and it is probably most recognized for its traditional jewellery, the Claddagh Ring.
The largest and most impressive building in this city is the Galway Catholic Cathedral. The dome itself is 145 feet tall and is actually a prominent landmark on the Galway skyline.
Additionally, Galway City hosts a number of festivals each year, including the Galway Races and the Oyster Festival.