This atmospheric medieval city has it all: music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all Galway people.  Galway is the perfect short break or linger longer and explore the heart of the West of Ireland

One of the fastest growing cities in Europe, it has become the third city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin and Cork. It began as a small fishing village on the estuary of the River Corrib.  The river is traditionally called Abhainn na Gaillimhe after Galvia, a mythological princess said to have drowned in its waters and it is from the Gaillimh river (River Corrib) that Galway takes its name.

Unique among Irish cities, Galway retains the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions.  Well known for its ‘Irishness’ and on the doorstep to the Gaeltach (Irish-speaking area). The language is visible on the city streets, with bilingual signage on display on shops and road signs, and can be heard by locals around the city.

A great array of festivals take place each year in Galway so there are always fresh experiences.  Some of our regular favourites include the Cúirt International Festival of Literature (April), the Galway Early Music Festival (May), the Galway Sessions traditional Irish music festival, the Galway Film Fleadh (July), the Galway Arts Festival (July), Galway Races horse racing festival (start of August), Galway International Oyster Festival (September) and the Tulca Visual Arts Festival (November).

Some of the events we're most looking forward to this summer include:

• Around Ireland Off-Shore Power Boat Race - 7th & 12th June
• Galway Film Fleadh - 6th - 11th July
• Galway Arts Festival - 12th - 25th July
• Galway Races - 26th July - 1st August
• Clarenbridge Oyster Festival - 10th - 12th September
• Galway Oyster Festival - 23rd - 26th September

Galway Races

Galway Bay