Galway, Ireland

About Galway

Filled with cafés, restaurants and shops, it’s little wonder that Galway has been voted one of Ireland’s most livable
cities. Located on the sea in the west of Ireland, Galway is a charming medieval city. Around town, you’ll see plenty of remnants from Galway’s colorful history, such as the Spanish Arch, which dominates the view to the ocean.
You’ll also see the Claddagh—the inspiration for those famous rings.

Today, Galway has many cafes and shops and hosts a lively traditional Irish music scene. In May, the Early Irish Music Festival  celebrates music written between the 12th and 18th centuries, and throughout the year, Music for Galway presents a wide range of performances.

Galway also stands as the gateway to the wild beauty of Connemara to the west and is the point of departure for trips to the Aran Islands, one of the principal Irish-speaking areas of Ireland.

As one of Europe's fastest growing urban centers, Galway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a thriving cultural and commercial community. Because of its dynamic and pioneering role in theater, arts, and culture, Galway has earned the title "Cultural Capital of Ireland."

View map of Ireland.
View map of Galway.

Galway Quick Facts

  • In Irish, Galway is also called Cathair na Gaillimhe, which is a translation of “City of Galway.”
  • There is a legend of uncertain truth that claims that Christopher Columbus landed in Galway in 1477 and there is a monument commemorating the visit near the Spanish Arch.
  • Galway city is unique among Irish cities because of the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions
  • The Claddagh Ring is associated with the Claddagh, a fishing village that was located just outside the old walls of the Galway city.

Small Irish Celtic Claddagh Ring

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