Galway – The Cultural Heart of Ireland
A small settlement developed in Galway during the 12th century around a fort called Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe, which was built in 1124, but this fort was captured by Richard Mor de Burgh during the Norman invasion of Connacht in the 1230s. The merchants of the city, also known as the Tribes of Galway, sought greater control and later obtained success. In 1484 the English crown granted the city mayoral status.
Christopher Columbus visited Galway in 1477 whilst on a voyage to either Iceland or the Faroe Islands.
Cromwell captured the city during the conquest of Ireland (1649-1653) after a nine-month siege. Not long after the city was then captured by the Williamites (after the Battle of Aughrim in 1691). The fortunes of Galwaydeclined after the potato famines of 1840–1845 and only recovered in the last 20-30 years.
Reasons to visit Galway
Galway is known as Ireland’s Cultural Heart and is well known for its many festivals, including the Galway Arts Festival every July (famous for the Macnas parade).
Galway was ranked the 2nd best tourist destination in Ireland and the 42nd in the world (in a 2008 poll).
There many places of interest, including Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street, considered to be one of the finest medieval town houses in Ireland, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church (the largest medieval church still in everyday use), the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, the Hotel Meyrick (the City’s oldest hotel still in operation) built by the Great Southern Railway Company in 1845.
Entertainment and Dining in Galway
In Galway there is no shortage of entertainment there is an Irish language theatre (Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe) and the Druid Theatre Company. There is a varied musical scene in Galway, with traditional music found in pubs and on the streets. Festivals also take place throughout the year.
There are many places to eat, catering for all tastes, such as The Malt House Restaurant Galway and McDonaghs Seafood Restaurant Galway, a family run restaurant serving locals for four generations.
Accommodation in Galway
You can find Guest Houses, B&Bs and apartments in Galway, and a good selection of hotels like the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway, or the Western Hotel.
Galway Holiday Properties
This property is located 1 mile from lively Clifden town 50 miles from Galway City. It boasts luxurious accommodation with a quirky split level design. Rooms are comfortable with views of the Twelve Ben Mountains. Fishing available on Owen Glen River from your doorstep. Clifden is an ideal base with excellent restaurants, shops, crafts, art galleries and many pubs offering traditional music. Golf, walking, hors riding and much more are available locally and the Sky road is an exhilarating circu
Delightful traditional style thatched cottage within walking distance from the Cashel House and Zetland Hotel nestled at the bottom of Cashel Hill. This cottage has superb views of the sea and Connemara mountains. A romantic thatched hideaway nestling in its own large natural gardens decorated and furnished with an eye to the traditional but with modern comforts to make it a wonderful holiday home. Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Letterfrack and the Lough Inagh drive are a must. Th
Headford is a satellite town of Galway city and is a noted angling area for salmon and trout fishing. This fabulous home is 5.5 miles from town and in a magnificent countryside setting with exceptional lake views.The ground floor king size bed has a disabled ensuite shower room. Fully enclosed landscaped garden with patio, built-in BBQ and an enclosed sandy area for children. An ideal centrally located touring base. Great for the races in Galway and Ballinrobe or to explore Connemara and cosmo
This cosy studio is within walking distance of Tully village just 1.5 hours from Galway City. Accessed by steps and an ideal for couples it is situated at the rear of the owner's home. It commands spectacular views over the sea and mountains. Inside is very comfortable with a simple kitchen comprising of microwave grill and two plate hob. Tully is one of the many charming villages of the Renvyle Peninsula where visitors can delight in local food, music and dance (Tuesday evenings July/Augu
This fantastic home is located in a great location only 2.6 miles from Ballyconnelly, 8.5 miles from the lively Clifden. It boasts fantastic views of the Atlantic ocean and Doon hill at the front with great views of the 12 Pin Mountains from the rear. It is tastefully finished inside with fully equipped fitted kitchen, lounge area with welcoming open fire and comfortable bedrooms. The village boasts a popular 18 hole golf course whilst Clifden offers bicycle hire and fishing excursions. There
This secluded stone cottage stands in its own landscaped grounds with spectacular unobtrusive views of the lake. It is comfortably furnished and excellently equipped. The patio enjoys stunning views down a sweeping expanse of lawn to Salt Lake - it's just breathtaking. Clifden town is walking distance ( 1 mile) and Ballyconneely 18 hole golf course 5 miles. So you are ideally placed for enjoying the many restaurants, cafes, and pubs, many offer traditional Irish music. Galway city just one h
This fabulous home is located 5 miles from Oughterard with views of Lough Corrib from your doorstep. It is tastefully furnished inside with welcoming open fire in lounge and kitchen, fully equipped fitted kitchen and comfortable bedrooms. There is lots to do in the area from golfing, horse riding, fishing, walking and much more all within a short drive. You are ideally placed for touring Galway and Mayo. The beautiful Hill of Doon is only 2 miles away and here you can have a picnic overlooking t
Surrounded by spectacular scenery from the Twelve Bens of Connemara to the rugged Atlantic coastline and sandy Blue Flag beaches, Clifden will awaken your passions, revive your spirit and always remain in your heart. This lovingly restored house has been decorated to the highest standard. It is within walking distance of the town's many pubs, restaurants and shops. A journey along the aptly named Sky Road is a must. Shop. Pub. Restaurant 176 yards. Beach 880 yards. GF: lounge/kitchen/
Situated in the magical settings of lush paddocks, stone walls, mature sycamore trees and with a small srteam running at the side of the house, this property overlooks Streamstown Bay only 2 miles from Clifden Town. It is south facing and receives the sun all day. The tidal beach at Omey is a short distance away -an amazing place to swim or walk. . The property has been completely rebuilt and expertly combines modern conveniences with traditional character. Shop. Pub. Restaurant. Beach 3 mile
These stylish apartments are located in Galway city in the heart of the city less than a five minute walk to the pedestrian shopping street known as "Shop Street" and the restaurants café and bars on "Quay Street". Allocation of an apartment is on arrival, apartments are either ground floor or first floor and in winter are closed off to the university. . The complex provides free internet access and shared laundry facilities (coin operated)with the added bonus of
Set in a idyllic position in the village of Carna 50 miles from Galway City. This tastefully furnished house is within a small development. Carna is a lobster fishing centre and is dotted with many small piers and sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The village has four shops, an in-house bakery, two pubs and a hotel restaurant. A relaxing base to enjoy the Connemara National Park. Shop. Pub. Restaurant 176 yards. Beach 2 miles. GF: lounge/kitchen/diner, utility room, kingsize double wit
This charming traditional thatched cottage is set in the heart of Galway city! Tucked away in its own grounds overlooking a green area this is simply unique. Its thick stone walls, small windows, low doorways and open fire with original under floor grate are reminiscent of bygone years. The modern comforts of today prevail without compromising the original features. It is well placed for touring within easy access to the main routes to Mayo and Clare and Connemara National Park, with Galway city
This fabulous home is located 1/2 mile from Roundstone, 14 miles from lively Clifden. The property is tastefully furnished inside with an electric stove in the lounge, fully equipped fitted kitchen and spacious comfortable bedrooms. The area has lots on offer with great beaches, fishing, golf in Ballyconneely and many restaurants offering varied cuisine and traditional music is available in the local pubs on weekends. Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Letterfrack and the Lough Inagh drive
This beautiful cottage is located in the heart of the countryside only 2.2 miles from Cong village, 1.8 miles from Clonbur. It has been restored but yet keeping its traditional charm with Belfast sink in the kitchen, cosy wood burning stove in the lounge ideal for those cosy nights in with a bottle of wine and comfortable bedrooms. There is lots to do within a short drive from golfing in Ballinrobe, listening to traditional music in the local pub and fishing in either the famous Lough Mask or th
The cosy home is located in the heart of Roundstone village which offers traditional music and excellent seafood in the local pubs and restaurants as well as boat trips for sea angling. It is nicely decorated inside with the added bonus beautiful breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the doorstep. The beautiful Gurteen Bay and Dogs Bay beach are only 2 miles away. Further afield there is plenty to see and do including Ballyconneely Golf Club, Clifden town 14 miles away with its craft shops, li
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