Galway County includes Connemara, much of which is a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region lying between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean. The region is dominated by its mountains – the Twelve Bens - and lakes. Kylemore Abbey, formerly the home of Mitchel Henry MP and now a world-famous school for girls, is well worth a visit. The Abbey is surrounded by forests and rhododendrons and is fronted by a beautiful lake. Clifden, the capital of Connemara, hosts the Connemara Pony Show every August. Galway (population: 65k) is the provincial capital of Connaught and is a lively culture centre well known for its effortless, relaxed atmosphere and artistic ambiance. Galway, historically known as ‘The City of the Tribes’ – after the 12 families (Tribes) who controlled all the commercial activity in the city - can today be accurately described as the ‘City of Festivals’.
For lovers of Irish traditional music, the famous Crane Bar on Sea Road is the first stop in Galway. There are excellent sessions every night characterised by a spontaneous, casual atmosphere. Tigh Coilí on Shop Street is another renowned Irish music venue where many well-known musicians perform regularly.
However, Galway has much more to offer than just great pubs and night life. The city is steeped in history and a casual stroll through the narrow streets highlights this. Evidence of the ‘Tribes’ is everywhere to be seen particularly the Lynch family. On Shop St. you can see Lynch’s Castle (now a branch of a bank) which was once the family home. The Lynch’s, who were once of the most powerful families in the country, also contributed to some sad episodes in the history of the city. Galway is the origin of the term ‘lynching’ arising from an event in 1493 when the then mayor, James Lynch Fitz Stephen, hung his own son Walter. Walter had murdered a Spanish student and the local hangman did not have the courage to execute a child of such a powerful family. A memorial on a gate arch on Market Street, the so-called Lynch Memorial Window, reminds us of this event. Across from the memorial window is 8 Bowling Green, birthplace of Nora Barnacle, wife of James Joyce. The house is now a museum.
Other Activities:
Bowling, Mini Golf, Go-Kart Racing
