Galway! It’s just one of those places, those special,
magical places that everyone wants to visit if they’ve never been there;
that every visitor wants to return to; and that anyone lucky enough to live
in, never, ever wants to leave
Medieval Galway City is a whirlwind of activity with pubs and
restaurants, arts, crafts and culture, full to bursting with things to do
and people to meet.
The annual summer Galway Race week is for everyone, not only horse racing
enthusiasts, and is known the world over for an atmosphere that just catches
the breath. The Galway Arts Festival, strong, vibrant and an incredible
visual spectacle, continually innovative year after year. The free and
thrilling Salthill Air Show featuring the Red Arrows in 2005.
Ballinasloe Horse Fair, one of the most ancient gatherings in the region.
The two oyster festivals - social events of the season - Galway
International Oyster Festival and Clarenbridge Oyster Festival. Galway
county is full of action and activities for visitors with quality golf
courses, fishing and festivals.
Heritage attractions include the Aran islands with wonderful Dún Aonghasa
fort and Ragús the spectacular show of dance, music and song. Connemara is
celebrated for its ethereal beauty and has plenty to entertain the visitor.
At Dan O’Hara’s Homestead is the Connemara history and heritage centre, a
fascinating insight into this wild and lyrical land, nearby Connemara
National Park is a must see as is the magnificent Kylemore Abbey.
See the events calendar for festivals and events to coincide with your
holiday. Galway East has a quiet, low lying landscape criss-crossed with
stone walls, and a treasure trove of attractions like Athenry Castle and
Heritage Centre and indeed the medieval town itself. Hidden pearls like the
pre-Christian Turoe Stone Clonfert Cathedral, Dartfield Horse Museum and
Portumna Forest Park dot the landscape.
Of course there’s so much more on offer for you to see and do - medieval
banquets at Dunguaire Castle, the Oceans Alive sealife centre, a trip in a
Galway hooker, a visit to Glengowla Mines, walking, fishing, sailing,
surfing That’s Galway – different, special and never, ever predictable.
Galway, the city of the tribes, is one of the fastest growing
cities in Europe. The city grew from a small fishing village.
In 1235, the Anglo Normans had captured the fort of the
Galway chieftains, and built a strong castle, around which
the medieval settlement grew. The walling of the city started
in 1270, and the city grew as a merchant city. It's wealth
was created by 14 merchant families, who later became known
as the 14 Tribes of Galway. During the first half of the
17th century, it was a well built city, however, two
sieges
by the Cromwellian and the Williamite forces saw the fall
of the city. The Tribes went into exile, and it is only
today that a real revival of the city is evident. Today
it is a city known for it's love of the arts and culture. Above
all however, Galway is a city that never sleeps what with
its never-ending racing, art and music festivals and its
wonderful nightlife, vibrant with traditional music.
Galway
is the second largest county in Ireland and is divided into two contrasting
regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib.
To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic, is
Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur
dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens.
East of Lough Corrib, a fertile limestone plain extends to the
Galway-Roscommon border and the River Shannon. Connemara's wild rugged
landscape has attracted people for centuries. Made up of bogs, moorlands,
mountains, and a rugged coastline, it is home to unusual bog and heathland
plants and to the famous Connemara pony.
The
Aran Islands lie thirty miles off the
coast of Galway. Formed from a limestone ridge, their austere landscape,
dry-stone walls, stunning coastal views and several large prehistoric stone
forts make them well worth a visit. Protected for centuries by their
isolated position, the islands today are a bastion of traditional Irish
culture.
Galway city is the fastest growing city in Europe. A lively university city
and the centre for the Irish-speaking regions in the West, Galway succumbed
to both medieval and Spanish influences throughout its history.
The seaside suburb of Salthill is one of Ireland's busiest seaside resorts.
Boasting sandy beaches, hotels, pubs, restaurants, fairground attractions,
and a golf course, it is an ideal spot for a family holiday.
History
County Galway has many echoes of the past, but one of the earliest
monuments is the Turoe Stone, near Loughrea. It is a granite stone
featuring “La Tene” celtic art, and dates from c.200 B.C. This curvilinear
art acts as a reminder of Ireland’s Celtic past when the La Tene Celts came
from Switzerland to Ireland and brought with them language, writing,
folklore and music.
Ireland was celebrated as the Land of Saints and Scholars from the 5th to
the 10th century, and Galway was no exception. Some of the Christian Saints
in Galway included Saint Enda in Inishmore, St Columcille, St Feichin in
Cong, St. Rock in Little Killary, and Saint Sourney in Inishmore.
The Normans came to Ireland in 1169 and began to occupy Connacht in the
early 12th century. By the 17th century, Galway City was ruled by fourteen
wealthy Anglo-Norman merchant families who adopted the term “Tribes of
Galway”. Galway City is now known and “City of The Tribes”, and the names of
these fourteen tribes are now represented on roundabouts in Galway City.
However, elsewhere in the county, battles raged. The Battle of Aughrim
was fought on the 12th of July, 1691 and was the last great land battle in
Ireland. It involved the Williamite and Jacobite armies, and the result of
the battle changed the course of Irish history. The Williamites were
victorious, but the human casualties were high. It is estimated that 9,000
soldiers lost their lives on that fateful day, making it one of the
bloodiest battles in Ireland’s history.
The 18th century in Galway was more peaceful, with upper class,
landowning Protestants starting to build Big Houses and Demenses in the
county instead of defensive castles. Traces of this can be found throughout
County Galway - Aughnanure Castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower
house, while Portumna Castle is a wonderful example of a 17th century
fortified house built by local landowners, the Clanricarde Burkes.
Like many other counties in Connacht, the Famine in 1845 saw thousands die,
and thousands more emigrate. However, today Galway is a thriving county,
and Galway city is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe.
Geography
Galway, the largest county in the province of Connacht, lies in the
centre of the western seaboard of Ireland. It covers nearly 6,000 sq. kms,
and is divided by Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake. It has two
distinct landscapes - the vast mountainy land of Connemara to the west of
Lough Corrib and the rich farming plains of Galway East.
Connemara is one of Europe’s last great natural wildernesses. Vast
mountain ranges such as the Beanna Beola (The Twelve Bens) and the Maamturks
were formed by great geological upheavals, while to the south the landscape
was subsequently altered by massive granite intrusions some 400 million
years ago. More recent mouldings of the landscape during later Ice Ages are
evident in the rounding of its mountain tops and later climatic changes
filled this barren land with lakes and peatlands.
Galway Bay sees the Aran Islands guard its entrance. They consist of
three large outcrops of limestone, which were once part of the Burren in County Clare.
Stretching outwards from Lough Corrib to the county boundary formed by
the Rivers Suck and Shannon, lies the territory of Galway East. Here,
rolling plains, underlain by carboniferous limestone deposited under a warm
sea 300 million years ago, contain rich farmlands on which sheep and cattle
thrive.
Galway Arts Festival
Welcome to
Galway Arts Festival, Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual arts
festival. Galway has long been considered a centre of cultural excellence
with Galway Arts Festival the defining cultural expression of Galway. At the
heart of all aspects of life in the city, Galway Arts Festival always
promises a stunning fortnight of cultural activity and celebration. The 2005 festival featured over 400 writers, artists, performers and
musicians from Canada, England, France, Scotland and the USA joining those
from Ireland creating theatre, spectacle, street art, music, comedy,
literature and music.
Fáilte chuig Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe, an fhéile ealaíon bhliantúil is
mó agus is cáiliúla in Éirinn. Tá clú agus cáil ar Ghaillimh mar scothionad
cultúrtha le fada an lá agus is í Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe léargas
cultúrtha cinnte na Gaillimhe. Tá Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe ag croílár gach
gné de shaol na cathrach, agus geallann sí i gcónaí sárchoicís de
ghníomhaíocht agus ceiliúradh cultúrtha.
The city has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to
explore. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and
features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. The
centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around
comfortably.
Anyone who knows the song ‘Galway Bay’ will be familiar with the
Claddagh, previously a fishing village of thatched cottages, now an
area just outside the city centre. Here is the birthplace of the world
famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir many bring home, just to keep a little
piece of Galway with them always.
Outdoors
As you would expect, Galway has a huge range of activities for the
holidaymaker to enjoy. Golfers will find themselves spoilt for choice
between excellent links and parkland courses, the equal of any in the world
but without the sting of exorbitant green fees. Horse riding and trekking is
another popular way to unwind in this the native county of the Connemara
pony. Walking trails to suit all tastes are available both around the city
and in the countryside. Hill walkers will find many fine routes in Connemara
and the Twelve Bens and the scenery is unsurpassable. So much coastline is a
good indicator of the variety of watersports available.
Fishing is always a popular option in Galway - every visitor to the city
will have visited the famous Salmon Weir Bridge. Coarse fishing, river
angling and sea angling are also available locally.
Some Galway Attractions
Thoor Ballylee ... a tower set by a stream’s edge W.B. Yeats, Nobel Prize
winner, poet and senator bought this ancient Norman Tower and adjoining
cottages in 1916 for the princely sum of £35. He had admired it many times
on visits to his patron, Lady Gregory in nearby Coole Park. This castle was
to be his Tower, his inspiration and his retreat. His collection of poems
“The Tower” contains several poems written at or about Thoor Ballylee. The
Tower had been lovingly restored and looks much this same as it did in the
1920’s when the Yeats family lived there.
Today, visitors can tour the tower guided by an audio visual presentation
on the history of Yeats’ life and the tower (Irish, English, French, German,
Dutch, Italian and Spanish) in each room. In addition there are beautiful
gardens and a picnic area, Ballylee Mill, a craft shop, Bureau de Change and
tourist information.
Traditional Craft Village situated on the approach to Spiddal. Here you can watch a selection of artists hard at work in their craft shops. See the traditional arts of pottery, weaving and woodturning to name but a few.
The Galway Hooker
The
Galway Hooker is a traditional sailing boat used in Galway Bay off
the west coast of Ireland. The hooker was developed for the strong seas
there. It is identified by the sail formation, which is extremely
distinctive and quite beautiful. It consisted of a single mast with a main
sail and two foresails. Traditionally, the boat is black (being coated in
pitch) and the sails are a dark red-brown.
The hooker refers to four classes of boats. All are named in Irish. The
B’M'big boat) ranges in length from 35 to 44 feet (10.5 - 13.5 metres). The
smaller Leath Bh’(half boat) is about 28 feet (10 metres) in length. These
boats were used to carry turf to be used as fuel across Galway Bay from
Connemara and County Mayo to the Aran Islands and the Burren. The boats
often brought limestone on the return journeys, to neutralise the acid soils
of Connemara and Mayo. The Gleoiteog ranges in length from 24 to 28 feet and
has the same sails and rigging as the larger boats. They were used for
fishing and carrying cargo. Another boat, the P’, is similar in size to the
Gleoiteog but has one mainsail and one foresail.
The origins of the craft are not clear. They have been in use for at
least two hundred years. The boats were able to sail in shallow waters and
thus were ideal for the areas around South Connemara.
A Galway Hooker boat at Crinniú
na mBad festival, Kinvara. Dunguaire Castle can be seen in the
background. Naomh Bairbre; Chicago to Lettermore.
More Information
Another castle associated with Yeats is Dunguaire Castle, which was the
venue for the literary revivalists. Today, the bardic tradition is reflected
in the nightly Medieval Banquet. The entertainment celebrates the richness
of Ireland’s literary and musical past and evokes the colourful characters
who are so much a part of the castle’s history.
Atlantaquaria
Follow the trail of the famed Galway Salmon on its journey from the
Corrib River to Galway Bay and beyond. Galway Atlantaquaria, the national
aquarium, presents a comprehensive view of the world of water, imaginatively
recreating natural habitats, from the seabed to local rivers and lakes -
even the city canals.
Presented in an attractive, entertaining layout, it provides an enjoyable
and educational environment in which to learn about the diverse marine
eco-system of Ireland. Uniquely amongst Irish aquariums, Atlantaquaria
features both freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Children especially love
the ‘touch pools’ where they can handle live creatures like starfish and
crabs.
The deep sea experience features over 170 species of fish including
conger eel, ray and lobster. Fun features include one which gives the
visitor a ‘fish eye view’ of a waterfall and a deep submarine vehicle where
you can experience the feeling of being deep underwater.
Corrib Tours
Come and enjoy
the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise with us on board the luxurious Corrib
Princess. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway
city, along the famous Steamers Line, which is the lakes traditional trade
route.
The journey
takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake providing
visitors with unsurpassed views of the historic monuments and natural
amenities that make this the most spectacular waterway in Ireland. The
Corrib Princess takes you past castles and various sites of both historical
interest and natural beauty. There is an abundance of wild life and the
Corrib has a peace and tranquillity all of its own.
You can enjoy
this natural wonderland either as a member of a group or with your family or
friends or simply by yourself.
Dan O’Hara’s Homestead
Nestling into the hillside beneath the Twelve Bens is the restored
cottage of Dan O’Hara. A tenant farmer who was evicted and forced into
emigration, he lost his wife and three children on the way to New York. His
8 acre farm is farmed today as it would have been in pre-famine times and
the award winning Heritage Centre offers a fascinating glimpse of rural
Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. Visitors can enjoy a carriage ride
through the centre and see demonstrations of turf cutting, sheep herding and
other traditional tasks.
Athenry Heritage Centre
Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre
Uncover the story of the medieval walled town of Athenry. Enjoy the
interpretative display and try your hand at the ancient sport of archery.
Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre
Discover the roots of Ireland’s turbulent history at this award winning
centre. This dramatic clash of Jacobites and Williamites in 1691 involved
45,000 soldiers from nine European nations and could be heard 35 miles away
in Galway City.
Glengowla Mines
Ireland’s only show mine, Glengowla Silver and Lead Mine is located two
miles outside Oughterard. Take a guided tour through marble chambers and
caverns, see silver, lead, calcite, quartz and mineral formations in this
underground wonderland.
Islands
Take a ferry to another world. Visit picturesque Inishbofin from the tiny
fishing village of Cleggan near Clifden or to the world famous Aran Islands
from Rossaveal or Galway. Walk, hire a bike, ride a horse, see historical
features and wonders, learn to relax. The islands are truly in a world of
their own.
Set in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey has been the home of the
Benedictine Nuns since 1920. Originally built by Mitchell Henry as a gift
for his wife, it is one of the great neo-Gothic castles of the period. The
restored Gothic Church, a miniature cathedral, is a building of
international importance. The lakeside grounds are peaceful and beautiful
and feature an excellent café and craft shop. The most recent addition to
the attractions at Kylemore is the six acre Victorian Walled Garden which
was one of the most impressive in Ireland and is almost restored to its
former glory. It includes a formal flower garden, a kitchen garden and a
range of glass houses. The Bothy, the Tool Shed and the Lime Kiln are also
open to the public.
Leenane Cultural Centre
This beautifully situated centre overlooks Killary Harbour and
concentrates on the local sheep and wool industry. Wool handcrafts including
carding, spinning, weaving and using natural dyes are all demonstrated. Over
twenty different breeds of sheep graze on the surrounding land - be amazed
at ‘one man and his dog’ working together in total harmony and rounding them
up effortlessly.
Rinville Park
Just outside Oranmore, this wonderful amenity is created around an
ancient castle, a stately home and a fine estate demesne dating from the
16th century. With an extensive network of walks through woodlands, open
farmland and by the sea, the park offers a recreational facility of
outstanding quality and beauty. Admission is free.
Festivals and Events
May:
Fleadh na gCuach Kinvara, Co. Galway The Galway Early Music
Festival, Galway City
June:
Bloomsday Celebration
July:
Galway Races Salthill Air Show Galway Film Fleadh Galway
International Arts Festival
August:
Connemara Pony Show
September:
Galway International Oyster Festival Clarenbridge Oyster
Festival
Galway
is the second largest county in Ireland and is divided into two contrasting
regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. 
