Galway, the "City of the Tribes," has been dubbed the "fastest growing city in Europe," and is home to some 50,000 people. It is a vibrant and young city, and because of this fact, there are countless things to do in Galway. The nightlife is excellent and tourism from Galway is unparalleled. Galway is a mere three hours from Dublin and an hour and a half from Shannon airport, thus making it easy to pick up and reach almost any other place in Europe.

A BRIEF HISTORY
In the 13th century, Richard de Burgo and family seized the local fort from the native O'Flaherty's and proceeded to build their castle, and hence the modern history of Galway began. In 1270, construction on the city wall commenced and within the medieval walls, the city grew, prospering from extensive trade with France and Spain.

In 1396, Galway became a Royal Borough, and nearly a hundred years later (1484), King Richard III of England granted it Mayoral Status. Power was then transferred from the de Burgo family to the leading fourteen merchant tribes, who controlled the city in the following centuries - hence the epithet, "The City of the Tribes."

Religious and Parliamentary disputes with Great Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries reduced Galway's influence, but in the 19th century, Galway picked up, benefitting from industrial trade. Galway now is home to a thriving tourist trade and strong industrial status in Ireland.


CULTURE
Galway is a thriving cultural center, evident in its many festivals, in its preservation of the Gaelic language, and its dedication to music and the arts.

Annual Festivals

• The Galway Arts Festival, mid-July
• The Galway International Oyster Festival, late September
• The Galway Races, late-July/early-August

Theatre

The Town Hall Theatre Courthouse Square Phone: (091) 569777	An Taibhdhearc Theatre Middle Street Phone: (091) 562024

Music

Galway is home to an elaborate music scene. Small concerts and gigs are performed nightly in the city's music venues and most of the city's pubs feature a wide range of live music. Galway's prime music venues are listed below:

• The Róisin Dubh, Dominic Street
• The Black Box, Dyke Road
• The King's Head Pub, High Street

Most shows and concerts are listed in Galway's most popular newspaper, the Galway Advertiser - issued each week on Thursday at no cost.



SIGHTS
Galway city is famous for its many sights. Listed below are some of the highlights that Galway has to offer, and that are typically worth visiting while in the area.

• The Spanish Arch
• The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaque
• The remains of the medieval city wall
• Lynch's Castle
• The Galway Cathedral

• Galway city map
• The River Corrib
• The River Corrib flowing out to Galway Bay at dusk
• Ceannt Station: Galway's Bus & Train Station
• The Eglinton Canal
• The Docks of the "Claddagh" area.