Visit Galway.

If you like young, dynamic cities with lively, colorful streets, then you won’t be disappointed! Galway is a fast-growing city with many treasures! For while Galway combines modernism and traditionalism, it is above all a cool, dynamic city where life is good! If you’d like to venture out for a day or a longer stay, you’ll discover bustling streets, countless restaurants and Irish pubs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere! And, of course, there’s plenty of music on offer, not only from the many musicians who frequent the city, but also from its famous festivals!

History of Galway

Founded in the 12th century

La Galway Cathedral – © mark_gusev

Galway’s first buildings date back to 1124, when the King of Connacht (Tularch O’Connor), built a proper fort on the banks of the River Corrib, on an ancient village known as Claddagh.

But the Channel Invasions of 1232 soon tore Galway away from the O’Flaherty clan, and it fell into the hands of the invaders. The invaders set about expanding the town around the fort, building a citadel and numerous residential areas, protected by imposing ramparts. The construction of a port also enabled the city to open up to maritime trade, and thus to develop its commercial relations with other countries such as Spain.

During this period, Galway was ruled by a consensus of 14 clans (12 Anglo-Norman and 2 Irish). These families administered and ruled the entire city, imposing their laws and power on the rest of the inhabitants. The majority of the Anglo-Norman population also enjoyed great privileges over the Irish, who lived within the city in a climate of extreme tension and discrimination.

From Cromwell to the present day…

The 17th century was a dark period for Galway. Cromwell, followed a few years later by William of Orange, stormed the city, destroying it one after the other. The damage was so extensive that the town was reduced to rubble. Following this catastrophe, the inhabitants who had survived the massacre decided to rebuild the town. Rebuilding took several centuries, however, due to a lack of substantial financial resources.

It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century, in the 1990s, that Galway experienced a real economic boom: European and American investors saw Galway as a marvellous financial opportunity, and boosted its economy by setting up high-tech companies. Today, Galway has risen from the ashes and taken its revenge: many Europeans describe Galway as a veritable Eldorado!

Visit Galway

A colourful town at the gateway to Connemara

Galway – © espiegle

Galway has the advantage of being ideally located for exploring the Irish west coast. Situated 2h30 from the Cliffs of Moher, the city is renowned for its lively, festive atmosphere. It’s a bustling city, where students, tourism and the ocean all play their part.

You’ll appreciate its ultra-colorful city center, its Latin Quarter, its museums (including the famous Galway City Museum), its river (Lough Corrib), its parks and squares (including Eyre Square)… In short: Galway is a cultural, young and active city, which has managed to preserve its history, heritage and traditions, while at the same time anchoring them in an incredibly modern spirit.

A big plus: Galway is also very close to one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Ireland: Connemara! It’s an ultra-touristy place, attracting millions of travellers every year to explore its national park, with its wide open spaces, mountains and valleys. Connemara’s lakes are also a tourist attraction in their own right, thanks to their unrivalled charm! Not to mention its Irish castles, such as Kylemore Castle, set in a magical natural setting!

It’s a magical place, ideal for hiking, cycling and exploring.

So don’t hesitate to visit and stay in Galway, if only to get a taste of the city’s cool, trendy atmosphere, as well as to explore the West of Ireland in greater depth.