Galway – hub of Gaelic Ireland

Galway, very aptly called the the "City of the Tribes" is a small congenial town with a population of 61,000 people and considered as the "Gateway to the West". The city is colorful and welcoming, which is a contrast from fast growing cities of Europe.

It can be called the capital of Gaelic Ireland as it is the place where you will get in touch with traditional Irish society, folk music and colorful language. Culturally rich Galway has also earned the reputation for being the unofficial arts capital of Ireland. The visitors come here mainly for pursuit of enjoyment and spend their time in pursuance of the music, drink and “crack" and by the end of the tour, it becomes a really difficult place to leave. The youthful energy is an important part of Galway's identity, which coupled with an amazing mix of culture and fun attracts visitors year after year. 

Prosperity in Galway has made it independent from Dublin. The hub of the city is a pedestrian park at Eyre Square, officially called the John F. Kennedy Park in commemoration of his visit here in June 1963. It is a minute's walk to the medieval quarter and its festive Left Bank atmosphere from Eyre Square. In the Shop Street, the center of town is the Lynch's Castle, the oldest Irish medieval town house used daily for commercial purposes. The exterior is full of carved gargoyles, impressive coats of arms, and other decorative stonework.

Northwest 1 Block to Market Street is the Lynch Memorial Window engrafted in a wall above a built-up Gothic doorway. During the 170-year heyday of the tribes, Galway grew wealthy and cosmopolitan, with particularly strong trade links to Spain.

Close to the city docks, are still visible the area where Spanish merchants unloaded cargo from their galleons. The Spanish Arch was one of four arches built in 1594 and the Spanish Parade is a small open square where visitors stroll in the evening.

The best time to visit Galway is during its festivals.  The vibrant street theatre has become the hallmark of the city. In April, the city hosts the Cúirt Poetry Festival, a festival specifically devoted to poetry, not to be missed by poetry lovers. June is the month for ardent movie followers as Galway arranges the Film Fleadh during this time. The Galway Arts Festival, held for the last two weeks in July, is a treat for art enthusiasts. Artists of theatre, music, poetry and the visual arts create a rich cultural jamboree. The mother of all Galway festivals is the Galway Races. It usually takes place during the first week of August. The annual festival calendar of Galway come a full circle with the Galway Oyster Festival that is features at the end of September.

Galway is a city bursting with life and the best place to enjoy a relaxed and laidback vacation amidst rich musical vibes and cultural mystery. Music is at all the nooks and corners of the city, jetting out from pub entryways, lilting from the street musicians on seemingly every corner and humming from milkmen on their rounds.

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