County Galway is located in one of Ireland's most Gaeltacht (Gaeltacht) areas. The festival is very often held here, as festivals follow one another all year round. From the wild landscapes of the Aran Islands to the charming Galway, the county is also the gateway to Connemara. Situated at the crossroads of some of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, Galway is very popular with visitors. And the year 2020 is not going to change these statistics, since the city in the West of Ireland has been designated European Capital of Culture for the next twelve months.
Charm and culture
It must be said that Galway has everything to please: a lively centre, a very young population, attractive streets with decorated facades, pub signs and original shops. From Galway, you can easily reach Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren, which explains the quantity of travel agencies scattered around the city, which offer all kinds of trips and tours. We meet many Americans or young hippies here, in this city also considered as the capital of Irish music. Galway is a city of constant change, and one can observe, sometimes with astonishment, the number of young people on the streets.
For 2020, Galway has been designated European Capital of Culture. The third Irish city to host this event after Dublin in 1991 and Cork in 2005, Galway won the title in 2016 for the year 2020. The city has prepared a lot and wishes to take advantage of this media coverage to promote its heritage and cultural dynamism through the organization of exhibitions, festivals and other events.
A bit of history
Galway, whose Gaelic name is Gaillimh, "stony river", was the city of the Tribes. These Tribes were the fourteen families of Norman origin who ruled the trade of the city from the 13th century: the Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, Deane, Darcy, Font, French, Joyce, Kiravan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, Sherret. The city maintained thereafter fruitful trade exchanges with Spain (Spanish Arch), before being besieged by Cromwell's troops. From the second half of the 17th century onwards, the city fell into decline, and it is only relatively recently that there has been an economic revival.
Bridges to the Cathedral
Walking in Galway, you take a few remarkable bridges over the Corrib River. More than 400 years old, with its well restored stone façade, the Bridge Mills is worth a visit. In fact, for those who would pack their suitcases in Galway during the summer months, the Mill Bridge celebrates its medieval origins with medieval banquets, period costumes and entertainment typical of the period. A very nice event not to be missed
The Salmon Weir Bridge was built in 1818 to connect the Court with the Cathedral and also to provide a link to the main road in Connemara. From this bridge you can see fly fishermen and, in May-June, salmon returning from the sea to the lakes.
It will then be time to discover Galway's Catholic Cathedral, which is also called (simply!) Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. Built between 1958 and 1965 near Salmon Weir Bridge, on the site of a former prison, it is one of the newest stone cathedrals in Europe. Dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption and to Saint Nicholas, this imposing cathedral is striking for its size, the height of its nave and its remarkable dome, entirely covered in copper, rising to more than 44 metres. The choir has a beautiful yellow light coming from the huge stained glass windows. The design of the floral rosettes alone somewhat contradicts the severity of the whole. Immense and majestic, Galway Cathedral bears witness to the important presence of Catholicism in the life of the Irish.
After his visit, direction Eyre Square. Bordered by 19th century buildings, this motley ornamented square in the centre of Galway has been completely renovated, and the inhabitants regret the disappearance of the trees that used to make up the charm of the square. From now on, the square has been well purified and concreted, and remains a great place to relax for all, especially in the late afternoon. This is where John F. Kennedy gave a speech in 1963, shortly before his assassination, and the square is dedicated to him.
Other unmissable visits
Afterwards, one cannot deny oneself the pleasure of a visit to the Galway City Museum, at least to access the terrace which is none other than the Spanish Arch (city gates) from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Galway. The museum allows you to discover all kinds of objects related to the history of the town, such as farm tools, pieces of old machinery, military equipment..
As for the Spanish Arch, whose name dates back to the last century, at the time of trade with Spain, it is all that remains of a 17th century fort known as Ceann na Bhalla ("End of the Wall") on the shore of Lough Corrib.
You should also take a look at Lynch's Castle, located in the heart of the city, and today the headquarters of Allied Arish Bank. Dating from the 14th century (although most of its present structure was built in the 16th century), it is especially famous for its bas-reliefs of coats of arms and for its history. It reports, in fact, that in the 15th century the mayor of the city, James Lynch, himself had to condemn to death and hang his own son who had killed a young Spaniard, invited by this inflexible father then in relation with a Spanish merchant from Cadiz. Some suggest that the term "lynching" comes from there.
Then, in St Nicholas' Church, Ireland's largest medieval church, built by the Lynch family around 1320, is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of sailors. Since the occupation of Galway by the English with Cromwell in 1652, it is a protestant church.
Finally, you won't want to miss Kenny's Bookshop & Art Gallery. This address is an institution not only in Galway, but throughout Ireland. The establishment has been in existence since 1940 and sells engravings, old and second-hand books. It has the largest collection of books available in the country. Part of the building houses a gallery, exclusively reserved for contemporary Irish painters. A cultural hotspot in the city. Even if the number of cultural venues will increase in the year 2020
Smart info
When? Ireland is best visited between May and September. But Ireland lends itself wonderfully to off-season stays. And with a multitude of really cheap direct flights from all regions of France, it is very easy to get there, even if only for a weekend. Check out this year's 2020 cultural events programme to plan your Irish getaway.
Getting there. Galway is connected to large cities like Dublin by train (www.irishrail.ie), and to smaller ones like Ballina by the national bus company (www.buseireann.ie).
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. In order to best prepare for his Irish sojourn.
GALWAY TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the site
GALWAY, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE - More information on the site
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Get a quote from a local travel agency for a customized trip - Ask for it
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
Organize a group trip - Request a quote
