Galway, or City of Galway (Cathair na Gaillimhe) is in County Galway, and is the fifth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland, (city being defined as a town having a cathedral). It is also the third largest city in the Republic (after Dublin and Cork). It sits on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay.
Galway takes its name from the Gaillimh river (River Corrib) that formed the western boundary of the earliest settlement, called Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe (fort at the mouth of the Gaillimh). The word Gaillimh means 'stony' as in 'stony river'. Another possible explanation is the name comes from the Irish Gall, which means foreigner, given the city's foundation. Historically, the name was written as Gallive, which is closer to the Irish pronunciation.
The city also bears the nickname City of the Tribes (Cathair na dTreabh) because 'fourteen tribes' (merchant families), 12 of Norman origin and 2 of Irish led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. The term tribes was often a derogatory phrase in Cromwellian times. The merchants would have seen themselves as Irish gentry, but were loyal to the King. They subsequently adopted the term in defiance to the Cromwellian occupiers of the town.
Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe (Fort at the Mouth (bottom) of the Gaillimh) was constructed in 1124, by the King of Connacht, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156). A small settlement eventually grew up around this fort. During the Norman invasion of Connacht in the 1230s, Galway fort was captured by Richard Mor de Burgh, who had led the invasion. As the de Burghs eventually became gaelicised, the merchants of the town, the Tribes of Galway, pushed for greater control over the walled city.
This led to their gaining complete control and to the granting of mayoral status by the English crown in December 1484. Galway endured difficult relations with its Irish neighbours. A notice over the west gate of the city, completed in 1562 by Mayor Thomas Óge Martyn, stated "From the Ferocious O'Flahertys may God protect us". A by-law forbade the native Irish (as opposed to Galway's Hiberno-Norman citizens) unrestricted access into Galway, saying "neither O’ nor Mac shall strutte nor swagger through the streets of Galway without permission". The city thrived on international trade, and in the Middle Ages, it was the principal Irish port for trade with Spain and France.
The most famous reminder of those days is ceann an bhalla (the head of the wall), now known as the Spanish Arch, constructed during the mayoralty of Wylliam Martin (1519–20).
In 1477 Christopher Columbus visited Galway, possibly stopping off on a voyage to Iceland or the Faroe Islands. Seven or eight years later, he noted in the margin of his copy of Imago Mundi "Men of Cathay have come from the west. [Of this] we have seen many signs. And especially in Galway in Ireland, a man and a woman, of extraordinary appearance, have come to land on two tree trunks [or timbers? or a boat made of such?]" The most likely explanation for these bodies is that they were Inuit swept eastward by the North Atlantic Current.
Galway is known as Ireland's Cultural Heart (Croí Cultúrtha na hÉireann) and is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and other events. Galway hosts the Galway Arts Festival which is known for its famous Macnas parade.
The Festival (Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe) takes place in July. It was first held in 1978 and since then has grown into one of the biggest arts festivals in Ireland. It attracts international artists as well as providing a platform for local and national performers. The festival features parades, street performances and plays, musical concerts and comedy acts.
A 2008 poll ranked Galway as the 42nd best tourist destination in the world, or 14th in Europe and 2nd in Ireland (behind Dingle). It was ranked ahead of all European capitals except Edinburgh, and many traditional tourist destinations, (such as Venice).
Galway has a vibrant and varied musical scene. As in most Irish cities traditional music is popular and is kept alive in pubs and by street performers.
Galway Early Music Festival presents European music from the 12th to the 18th century. It encourages not only music, but also dance and costumes. The festival involves both professional and amateurs musicians.
Galway Cathedral Recitals is an international series of concerts of classical music which has taken place in Galway Cathedral each July and August since 1994.
Many other sporting, music, arts events take place, including the world famous Galway Races, the International Oyster Festival, the African Film Festival and Galway Gay Pride Festival.
In 2009 Galway hosted a stopover during the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race.
In 2012 it will do so again, this time it will be for the finish of this highly prestigious round-the-world sailing competition.
There are around 7,000 Irish speakers in Galway city - nearly 10% of the population. It is sometimes referred to as the 'Bilingual Capital of Ireland', although the majority of the inhabitants converse mostly in English.
Galway is certainly this writer's favourite city in Ireland, and a visit is highly recommended, to experience the history and now, cosmopolitan lifestyle. Much more information can be read by clicking this link to Wikipedia.
