Galway

Set between Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, Galway is the Republic's third-largest city after Dublin and Cork. It is a lively, youthful place, home to many artists and writers as well as the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a center for Irish music, dance and Irish-language theater. The Galway Arts Festival, one of the biggest in Ireland, is held in July. Eyre Square, also called John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, is the city's focal point, lined with colorful crests of the Tribes of Galway, as its 14 ruling merchant families were known in medieval times. From here, the cobbled streets of the compact city center lead down to the River ...

Set between Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, Galway is the Republic's third-largest city after Dublin and Cork. It is a lively, youthful place, home to many artists and writers as well as the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a center for Irish music, dance and Irish-language theater. The Galway Arts Festival, one of the biggest in Ireland, is held in July. Eyre Square, also called John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, is the city's focal point, lined with colorful crests of the Tribes of Galway, as its 14 ruling merchant families were known in medieval times. From here, the cobbled streets of the compact city center lead down to the River Corrib and the landmark Spanish Arch built to protect the quays. Sights along the way include St. Nicholas Church, Lynch's Castle and the Lynch Memorial with its tragic story of a father hanging his son in 1493, as well as many pubs, shops and galleries with great character. There are fine views from the Salmon Weir Bridge, which leads to Galway Cathedral. Outside town, the seaside resort of Salthill has a splendid promenade.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.