Often called the Venice of the West, Galway City may be the 3rd biggest city from the Republic of Ireland. Shortly following the Anglo-Norman intrusion, in the 13th century, city power fell to fourteen merchant tribes. As a result, we now have Galways famous nickname, City of the Tribes. These fourteen merchant families saw themselves as English gentry, and governed the city up to the capture of Galway by Cromwells military, in 1652.
Now, Galway is the capital of West Ireland, and it sits 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 really is a perfect base for traveling.
Lynchs Castle is a magnificent limestone construction that was the historical residence of Galways most powerful class. Of the fourteen lavish merchant homes that once stood in Galway, only Lynchs Castle survives. The oldest parish church in Ireland is St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, having been a place of adoration since the 14th century, and its still the centre of Galway’s activities.
Known simply as The Square, Eyre Square was formally presented to the city in 1710 by then mayor, Edward Eyre. The square was renamed for the honour of US President John F. Kennedy in 1965, and is now referred to as Kennedy Memorial Park. This open green park is really a tourist favourite, and it is right here you will find the Statue of Padhraig OConaire. Erected in 1935, this Albert Power sculpture commemorates the memory of the beloved Galway writer.
Kirwans Lane is one of fourteen laneways from medieval days, and includes relics of architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Named after one of Galways fourteen tribe households, its completed restoration has granted new life to this historic town focus.
Synonymous with Galway would be the Spanish Arch. It is really all that stays of the 16th century bastion that was once added in to the towns walls, to guard merchant ships from looters.
Immortalized in the song, Galway Bay, the Claddagh is an area close to the centre of Galway City. It was at one time a fishing village outside the city walls, and the locals supplied the city with fresh seafood, marketed at the square in front of the Spanish Arch. Claddagh’s existence has been recorded since the 5th century, and it is probably best recognized for its traditional jewelry, the Claddagh Ring.
The largest and most impressive building in this city is Galway’s Catholic Cathedral. The dome itself is 145ft high, and is actually a prominent landmark on Galway’s horizon.
Furthermore, Galway City hosts a number of festivals each year, which includes the Galway Races and Oyster Festival.