Ireland’s most charming city

The NY Times just called it Ireland’s most charming city – Galway City on Ireland’s west coast is a focal point along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Its home to many traditional Irish craft shops, restaurants, pubs & on night of the week you can hear traditional Irish music.

The city was founded on the east bank of the river late in the 12^th century by the Anglo-Norman family de Burgo.  It attracted many Welsh and Norman merchants who enclosed the city within a defensive wall.  Under the control of the fourteen leading families, known as the ‘tribes’ an extensive trade developed, not only with the continent, importing French and Spanish wine, but also with the West Indies.  Highlights of the city include such areas as Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas’ Church, O’Brien’s Bridge, Spanish Arch, the Famous Claddagh, beautiful Galway Bay, Salthill Promenade, University College, Salmon Weir Bridge, Court House and the Municipal Theatre.

Eyre Square is the centre piece to Galway City, which was officially presented to the city in 1710 by Mayor Edward Eyre, from whom it took its name. In 1965, the square was officially renamed “Kennedy Memorial Park” in honour of US President John F. Kennedy, who visited here shortly before his assassination in 1963. The Browne doorway is another notable feature in Eyre Square as it was originally the doorway of the Browne families’ home on Lower Abbeygate Street and it was moved in 1905 from Abbeygate Street to Eyre Square.

Due to its history, location, and wonderful traditional ambiance, Galway features on most of our Ireland itineraries – from self-drive Ireland Tours, to our Ireland Chauffeur programs, or our Ireland Escorted tours; contact us today for an Ireland Travel Quote.

Check out 36 Hours in Galway here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/31/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-galway-ireland.html?_r=2