The History of Galway
Galway (Gaillimh, "Gailleamh's Place") is a pictureesque town situated at the northeast end of Galway Bay, at the point where the short tidal River Corrib, coming from Lough Corrib, pours its abundant flow of water into the Atlantic.
 
For centuries Galway had active trading relations with Spain, and it has preserved some of this Spanish influence. For instance, in the field of architecture, it is seen in the way houses are built round in an open courtyard.

There was a settlement on this site from the earliest times. After the building of a castle in 1124 and its capture by Richard de Burgo in 1232, Galway rapidly developed into a flourishing Anglo-Norman town. The "Fourteen tribes of Galway" - aristocratic merchant families - made the town a kind of city-state and held to the English connection in spite of all the attacks by the Irish (the latter being barred from entering the town). Galway was destroyed by a great fire in 1473, however it was soon rebuilt. Trade with countries in Western Europe, particularly Spain, brought wealth and prosperity. During the 16th and 17th centuries, there was a celebrated grammar school here which is said at one time to have had 1,200 pupils. In the 17th century, the town supported the Irish cause, and suffered extensive destruction at the hands of Cromwell's forces; there was  further damage when it was taken by William of Orange's troops in 1691.

Galway Today
Galway city, on the west coast of Ireland, sits on the River Corrib and is small in comparison with other cities. It is a young and vibrant place, yet ancient and historic. Although its population is only about 60,000, it is the fastest growing city in Europe.

Galway's industry is mainly that of 'advanced technology' in the computer world and medical supplies, among other 'clean' industries.

The city boasts four theatres and is also home of the world famous Macnas Street Theatre. The Druid Theatre, which is presently taking Broadway by storm, was born in this city. An Taibhdhearc performs through the medium of Irish (Gaelic). The Irish language thrives in this city and county, with folk in Connemara having Irish as their native tongue. The language itself is beautiful with such depth to it that often the Irish word can only describe the full meaning of something.

Galway has a student population of approx. 12,000 attending the University and the Technical College. This continuous flow of bright, young undergraduates keeps the city colorful and alive during the autumn, winter, and spring months. 

During the summer, the visiting population from every corner of the globe adds to the city's mystique and wonder. Summer schools abound for foreign students and the chattering noise of different languages and dialects make this place seem like a microcosm of our world. The residents of Galway are friendly and welcoming and visitors are greeted with a smile, if not a "hello".

Buskers and musicians can be found on most street corners and it is rare to walk through the heart of the city and not hear the notes of a harp, accordion, guitar, or fiddle. The Arts thrive in this bohemian city and music is its lifeblood. Rare is the pub or hostelry that does not have a music session going on and the spontaneity of someone pulling a tin whistle out of a pocket and launching into a tune makes music what it should be, a shared and wonderful experience.

Galway is a place of festivals - the Arts festival in July, the Galway Festival Race Meeting, which lasts for all of 6 days at the end of July, and  the Oyster festivals in September and October, just to name but a few.

For more information about Galway, visit Galway.net.