The West —
A-1 Attractions

Galway City

The many scenes of Galway (top row) the new banners representing Galway's 14 Tribes on Eyre Square and the fountain at Eyre Square; (middle row) the new Galway Museum and the Spanish Arch; (bottom row) the Galway Riverwalk and buskers entertain on High Street.

As the hub of the West of Ireland, Galway City is one place you must not miss. Dating back to at least the 12th century, Galway takes its name from the Irish language word "Gaillimh," meaning "a stony place." This aptly describes Galway's location amid rocky lands at the head of Galway Bay and the River Corrib.

The earliest printed references to the area date back to 1124 and depict it as a "Gaelic hinterland." Although left unconquered by the Vikings, Galway was invaded by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century and afterwards a great medieval city emerged. Because of its position on the Atlantic, Galway became a thriving seaport for wine, spices, and fish, and developed a brisk trade with Spain and other European countries. The docks hummed with the arrival of ships from foreign lands — even Christopher Columbus is said to have landed at Galway en route to his historic voyage across the Atlantic in 1492.

Today Galway is best described as a "Renaissance city," enjoying a rich past but constantly renewing itself. As one of Ireland's fastest-growing and most innovative cities, Galway sets the pace for the rest of the West.

Get to know Galway by taking a walking tour — it's the best way to get around the compact (and largely pedestrianized) city center. Start at the newly revitalized Eyre Square — the city's focal point, originally a market area and now a public park. Head westward to the city's main thoroughfare — a street (famed for its buskers and street art) that changes its name five times, from Williamsgate and William to Shop, High, and Quay Streets, before it crosses the River Corrib and changes its name again! And then stroll the River Walk along the River Corrib from the cathedral to the Claddagh.

Here are some of the city's highlights:

"The Medieval Quarter" — the area around Quay Street, considered as Galway's Left Bank, with interesting shops and cafés reflecting the latest hip trends. Landmarks of the past include the remains of Blakes Castle, a 17th century fortified tower house; the historic Fishmarket area; and Kirwan's Lane, one of Galway's oldest surviving medieval streets.

Spanish Arch — built in 1594, this unique twin-arched structure was the focal point of the landing dock area where Spanish shops unloaded their cargoes of wine and brandy from their galleons. It is the last bastion of Galway's early links with Spain.

Galway City Museum, Spanish Arch, off Flood St., Galway City (tel. 091-532460), is the prime showcase for historical and cultural memorabilia about Galway including the famous Padraic O Conaire statue that originally occupied a corner of Eyre Square.  It is a modern and airy structure with splendid views of the city and Galway Bay from its upper floor windows. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free admission.

Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven & St. Nicholas, University & Gaol Rds. (tel. 091-563577), (usually referred to simply as Galway Cathedral), dominates the Galway skyline with its huge Renaissance-style dome. It is one of Galway's newest buildings, completed in 1965, made of limestone and marble from local quarries.

Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, Lombard St. (tel. 091-564648) — founded in 1320 and a showcase for many medieval church furnishings. It is said that Columbus prayed at this church before embarking on his transatlantic voyage. Guided tours are conducted May-September.

The Claddagh, off Wolfe Tone Bridge — this is now a residential area, but it began as a small fishing village, probably older than Galway itself. It takes its name from the Irish language "An Cladach," meaning "the sea shore." Legend says that the people here originated the Claddagh ring, a wedding ring cast in the form of two hands clasping a heart with a crown at the top. Today this ring is a popular souvenir all over Ireland.

Click below for a sampling of some of the other places you should visit in the West:

Connemara  
Aran Islands 
South & East Galway 
County Mayo 
Counties Roscommon, Longford & Westmeath

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