Galway
is Europe’s fastest growing
city and the fourth largest in Ireland. A lively university city of
narrow streets, quaint shopfronts, bustling pubs and stunning
surrounding scenery, it has always attracted a bohemian mix of
musicians, artists and intellectuals. Lying on the banks of the River
Corrib, Galway is a compact city and easy to explore on foot. Start
your explorations in Eyre Square. This city centre square is home to
two cannons from the Crimean war and a statue of the Galway-born writer
Padraic O’Conaire. Stroll down William Street and Shop Street – the
main routes into the city’s bustling “Latin Quarter.” The 16th century
town house known as Lynch’s Castle stands on the corner of Shop Street
and Abbeygate Street Upper. Now a bank, it was once the home of one of
Galway’s most powerful ruling families – the Lynches. Shop Street is
also home to Galway’s finest medieval building – the Collegiate Church
of St. Nicholas. It is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland
still in use. Stroll along the old quays and check out the 16th century
Spanish Arch. Galway was originally protected by city walls and The
Arch appears to have been constructed in order for ships to come into
the harbour and unload their goods – often wine and brandy from Spain.
If you feel like a swim or the thrill of the dodgems, head for
Salthill, an old-fashioned seaside resort just west of the city. For a
wide choice of excellent restaurants, head for the Quay street area.
You’ll never be far from lively pubs in Galway and a trip to the famous
Druid theatre is well worth it. There’s a great market on Saturday
mornings beside St. Nicholas’s church selling everything from
vegetables to paintings. Galway is also the gateway to Connemara – a
region of spectacular beauty lying west of the city. A trip here is an
absolute must.
The drive from Dublin to Galway is 140
miles and will take approximately 3 hours. The N6 goes through
Maynooth, Enfield, Kinnegad (take the first exit road off the
roundabout just before Kinnegad town), Tyrrellspass, Moate, Athlone,
Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Oranmore. Some towns are bypassed, with
others the N6 goes through the main street offering a fascinating
glimpse of daily life. On approaching Oranmore you will arrive at
the first roundabout called ‘Oranbeg’ take the 3rd exit towards Galway
City. The next roundabout is called ‘Carrowmoneach’ take the 2nd
exit. The next roundabout ‘Martin’ - To the East. Take 1st exit
(left) go through 1 set of traffic lights (past Galway Crystal) then
straight onto the fourth roundabout (2nd exit past GMIT), then straight
through two set of lights and Days Hotel Galway is located on your
right.
Galway city is known throughout the world for its love of the arts, the
Irish language and its avant-garde culture! Situated at the mouth of
Galway Bay, this lively city is constantly growing and is a popular
tourist destination for many.
Take time to explore the cities many relics of its medieval past. It
has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a
fascinating combination of new architecture mingled with the old. The
centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around
comfortably allowing you go from shop to shop effortlessly.
Galway always has a buzz of excitement surrounding it. This could be
from its eclectic mix of inhabitants to the colourful street
entertainment – you couldn’t possibly just pinpoint one element that
describes this buzz of what we in Ireland call the ‘City of Tribes’.
In Eyre Square you can avail of some fabulous shopping along with
seeing the famous statue of Padraig O Conaire, a famous Irish language
writer. Standing on the banks of the River Corrib is University College
Galway, an architectural masterpiece that lies just 10 minutes walk
away from the city centre. Another site to behold is the infamous
Spanish Arch, which can be found on the left bank of the Corrib, where
Galway's river meets the sea.
Galway is the birthplace of the world famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir
many bring home, just to keep a little piece of Galway with them
always. Claddagh is a small village just outside of the city. If you
want to get away from the city why not take a trip here or to the
nearby seaside resort of Salthill? Always a hotspot with holiday makers
to Galway city!
|