Galway City Ireland

Galway City: Beginning as a small fishing village centred around the estuary of Lough Corrib, (traditionally named after Galvia, a mythological princess who drowned in the waters), Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Ireland and a fantastic city to visit! For those looking to put down more permenant roots there is is certainly a refreshing alternative to the capital. Home owners have a vast array of reasonable home service providers from gas boiler service providers in Galway to house painting contractors in Galway to service their homes and investments.  

The Normans constructed protective walls around the thriving port and a harbour, wine being the main import. The fine buildings give testimony to the growing wealth of the town. Lynch's Castle in Shop Street is a well-preserved example. Sadly the Cromwellian and Williamite Wars caused the demise of the city. The famous Tribes of Galway were forced into exile and the city went into decline. The medieval walls of Galway did not survive intact, although, a 1584 extension known as Spanish Arch survived. There is also a signposted walking tour of 'Old Galway'.

Today, Galway is a vibrant city with colourful shopfronts, theatre, pubs filled with traditional music, clubs, a great selection of restaurants, universities and colleges and much, much more.

Galway is also known as the Town of Streams since seven waterways converge here. Salmons leaping upstream can be observed from salmon Weir Bridge and there is a leisure boating centre at Woodquay, once Galway's inland harbour.

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicolas, said to be the last great stone cathedral of Western Europe is a most impressive building. The exterior is of Renaissance style and the interior has beautiful green marble floors and limestone walls.

The Dominican Church has a 17th century wooden statue known as Our Lady of Galway. The world famous Claddagh ring owes its origin to the same area of Galway as this Dominican Church.

Salthill is a lively seaside resort with Leisureland recreational complex and safe beaches with watersport facilities.

The Eastern side of the city has many craft factories including The Royal Tara China factory and Galway Irish Crystal and Heritage Display Centre.

There is a par-three golf course, Rosshill Golf Course at Roscam and other activities nearby include 10-pin bowling and go-karting.

The renowned Galway Races at Balltbrit Racecourse see visitors from around the world.

Spiddal is a popular holiday resort on the northern shore of Galway Bay which offers quality restaurants, traditional pubs, an idyllic beach and a charming stone church. Spiddal Craft Village has a collection of craft workshops.

Máirtín Ó Cadhain, one of the greatest Irish writers, was born just west of Spiddal.

Craughwell
A neat little village with a pretty green that contains statues of Lady Gregory and Anthony Raftery, last of the great Irish Bards. Craugwell is the birthplace of Robert O'Hara Burke, the first explorer to cross Australia from south to north. The village is also home to the famous Galway 'Blazers' Hunt.

Experience the gentle Gulf Stream waters of Galway Bay and its safe and sandy beaches, villages of seafarers and of course, Traditional Irish music sessions.

Here the voices of the Celtic Revival echo through the woods at Coole, from 'Yeat's Tower', Thoor Ballylee. and from the walls and windows of St. Brendans Cathedral.

Visit the magical Aran Islands to the west or the great fishing and cruising lakes to the east.

The ruins of ancient castles and abbeys are there for the exploring and traditional medieval banquets are held at Dún Guaire Castle, Kinvara.

In South Galway summer is the time for festivals. The Cruinniú na mBád summer sea festival and Fleadh ná gCuach, (The Cuckoo Flead), both in Kinvara, together with the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival and Galway Arts Festival draw crowds to the region year after year.