Ireland Immigration Guide: Narrow cobblestone streets, rushing rivers, and flickering shop signs make Galway a favored city for street performers, fishermen, and free-spirited artists. The vibrant nightlife on weekend evenings attracts people from as far away as Dublin, and the diverse festivals are also quite interesting. It is also convenient to travel from Galway to the Aran Islands and the picturesque Connemara.
Galway County, located on the west coast of Ireland, is the second largest county in Ireland, with its capital city, Galway, situated on the western corridor connecting Sligo and Cork. It is also the fourth largest city in Ireland, with a population of approximately 57,241. Galway is picturesque, with lakes, rivers, bridges, and medieval-style architecture complementing each other, and has been described by the famous Irish poet John Keats as the "Venice of the West." Galway City is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe and is considered the "Cultural Capital of Ireland," hosting various arts festivals, horse racing festivals, and a unique oyster festival every year. The numerous shops, theaters, restaurants, and pubs provide diverse venues for people from all over the world, and today, high technology, medical equipment, and tourism are the main industries of the city.
Eyre Square is the center of the eastern part of the city center. The square features Kennedy Park, named after J. F. Kennedy's visit in 1963. The square also has a statue of the controversial writer Padraic O’Conaire (1883-1928), who was born in Galway. To the south of the square is the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, built in 1320, along with several interesting tombs.
Additionally, on Shop Street, there are the ruins of Lynch Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. It has now been converted into a bank. Lynch was a mayor of Galway in the 15th century, and legend has it that after his son was convicted of murder, he personally executed him by hanging. The stone wall at the front of the castle is the Lynch Memorial Window, which bears witness to this tragic story.
The Nora Barnacle House Museum (admission €2.5; open Tuesday to Saturday from mid-May to mid-September, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm) is the former home of James Joyce's wife, who was a constant source of inspiration for Joyce's work.
The old city walls of Galway are mostly gone, except for the Spanish Arch near the river mouth.