Galway , called Gailimh in Irish, with a population of over 70,000, is Ireland's fourth largest city and is a major hub for visits to West Ireland. It has long since been known as "The City of the Tribes" and this title could not be more appropriate these days, given the multicultural vibrancy of present-day Galway.
Galway City, known as the ‘city of the tribes’ is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county. In the 1400’s, there began in Galway the rule of the 'Tribes', as the leading fourteen families were called. Their names were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, ffont, French, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. The tribes built many castles through-out County Galway.
PLACE TO VISIT
Galway is a perfect base for seeing the West Ireland, but it is also worth a visit in itself. Although it has only a few typical sightseeing spots what makes it a wonderful place to stay is the atmosphere, the culture, the people, the events.
The pedestrian shopping area south of Eyre Square, is a pleasant place to walk around. And if the traditional Irish rain starts, just visit the Eyre Square shopping center, where they have put a roof above parts of the old town wall and so included them into the shopping mall, a beautiful combination of old and new.
At the south end of the pedestrian mall, is the Spanish Arch, one of the few remaining parts of the town's ancient defenses. The park adjacent to the arch is a popular place to sit and relax, while watching the Corrib flow out into Galway Bay.
WHAT TO DO
Check local free paper the Galway Advertiser for up to date info on cultural events, concerts and plays, as well as the latest local news. Available on Thursdays it is usually snapped up quickly.
The Galway Atlantaquaria, is a must see if you are interested in the sea and its inhabitants. It is not the usual tropical fish collection that you might find anywhere, but they have beautifully mirrored the life around the Irish coasts and show the animals and plants in a realistic environment, just as you might find them 50 meters outside of the building in the real sea. Be sure to ask one of the staff about the 30 cm large but harmless giant crabs on the second floor, he might just pick one out of the basin and put it into your hands, an experience you´ll never forget! Or pet the flounders and rays in the "touch pool".
Galway Tours run scheduled walking tours of Galway City.
The Volvo Ocean Race visits Galway in May/June 2009': On the 23rd of May 2009 the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) will arrive in Galway after racing from Boston and stay for a two week stopover. Visitors to Galway will get a chance to experience the spectacle of the VO70 sailing boats including in-port racing and enjoy everything special that the West of Ireland has to offer.
SHOPPING
The main shopping area runs south from Eyre Square towards the Corrib. This pedestrian zone includes Williams Street, Shop Street, High Street, Mainguard Street and Quay Street. Along it you can find all kinds of shops, pubs and restaurants. The historical buildings and busy atmosphere also make this area one of the attractions of Galway.
Discover Middle Street, which runs parallel to Shop Street, and is the location of a range of inspiring and creative local enterprises. You will find the Irish speaking Theater "An Taibhearc" across from the designer studio "cocoon", along with Charlie Byrne's bookstore, Kenny's gallery and a Japanese restaurant to make an interesting spectrum.
Eyre Square Centre is a modern shopping centre almost entirely hidden behind historical facades. Entrances can be found on the south side of Eyre Square and on Williams Street.
HOW TO REACH
By bus or train - Iarnród Éireann operates six trains per day (four on Sunday) from Dublin Heuston Station.
Bus Éireann buses run frequently from destinations through the country.
CityLink buses provide direct service to Shannon Airport, Dublin and Dublin Airport.
National bus and rail both arrive at the same station, just east of Eyre Square on Station Road. CityLink buses arrive and depart from the Tourist Office, one block north of the bus station.
By car - From Dublin, take the N4 west until the N6 splits off to the south. Follow the N6 for the rest of the trip.
As in most places in Ireland, parking is expensive. However there is long term parking next to the cathedral available €3/day, and if you are leaving in the morning, many pay and display lots offer cheap or free overnight parking (18h-6h).
By Air - The airport is about 10km east of the town, but public transportation links are poor, with only one bus per day, departing the bus station at 12.50 and returning from the airport at 13.25. If you do take this route please let them know this is poor!! There is another bus service that only goes outbound, it leaves the Central Station at 16:15. A taxi will cost about €15 and upward to €20, this is high as the Airport charges €5 to taxis serving the airport. You could walk to a nearby petrol station [5mins] and call one from there, saving €5.
