Holiday in Galway

Galway city was established by the Anglo-Normans as an important castle town and port in the mid-13th century, and for the next 400 years was an Anglicized enclave in the west of the country, surrounded by the Irish people and the culture of Connemarra. Known as 'the city of the tribes' after the fourteen families who ruled over the city for two hundred and fifty years from 1400 onwards, Galway has some interesting medieval streets dating back to the time when these 'tribes' profited from the trade with Europe, and most notably Spain. This prosperity came to an abrupt end when Oliver Cromwell sacked the town in 1652, and then 40 years later William III finished the job. It has taken another 300 years for the town to rise from those ashes and thanks to the re-juvenation of the Irish economy Galway is as lively as anywhere in Ireland. The main street suffers from an identity crisis as it goes through five name changes along its length. As you walk down it you can see strange carved stones set into the walls of the shops and houses, denoting a changing a change of ownership, or a good marriage. Halfway down stands Lynch's Castle, a 15th century tower, with all sorts of carvings and coats of arms on it, and the top is supported by a row of gargoyles. Further examples of the stonemason's art can be found in St Nicholas's Collegiate Church, with alluring mermaids and over the belltower door a man chasing a hare. Not too far away at 8 Bowling Green, is the Nora Barnacle House Museum the place that she lived before running off with James Joyce. The University provides another dimension, with a throbbing night scene, lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Around the end of July the normal life of the town comes to a halt during the two weeks of the Galway Arts Festival and the following week, the Galway Races. The whole town joins in and though it is incredibly crowded but very enjoyable. There are numerous activities to keep you occupied from classical music to street theatre and Irish folk music.

If you are looking for self-catering accommodation in Galway then the city has a good selection of properties to rent within walking distance of excellent restaurants, shops, pubs and theatres. There are some luxury modern apartments and town houses to rent in the heart of Galway city itself and those on the outskirts often overlook Galway Bay and have wonderful views of the sea - Salthill has a lot of holiday cottages by the sea. If you want to rent a cottage or house in Galway during the Galway Arts Festival or Race Week then you will need to book early as self-catering accommodation in the area is very popular and is booked up quickly. There are some good hotels and bed and breakfasts in Galway too.

Irish tourist information

Site map  |  Privacy  |  Advertise  |  Disclaimer

View self-catering holiday properties in Ireland online and contact Irish holiday home owners direct.

www.Holiday-Cottage-Ireland.com is part of the Which Cottage Group.

www.WhichCottage.com © 2006