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With a population of 73,000 in 2006, Galway is the third largest and fastest growing city in Ireland. Located on the west coast of Ireland, a 2008 survey ranked Galway the 14th best tourist destination in Europe and, behind Dingle, the second best in Ireland. It ranked ahead of traditional tourist destinations like Venice and all European capitals except Edinburgh.
Galway is the most Irish city in Ireland, with more than half the population fluent in the Gaeilge Irish language. Galway has undergone a phenomenal expansion and major redevelopment towards the end of the 20th century. However, a stroll down the main street, the cobbled Shop Street, will reveal Ireland of old. Kirwan’s Lane is another such thoroughfare that has been restored to its medieval charm. The best example of medieval architecture is a terraced house known as Lynch’s Castle, which now functions as a branch of the Allied Irish Bank. And the Church of Ireland is well represented here with the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas. Founded in 1320 and extended over the next two centuries, it is the largest medieval church still in daily use in Ireland.
Another area to visit is the ivy-covered 19th-century boxy building of the National University of Ireland. Built in 1849, it is one of three colleges of the Queen’s University of Ireland. Another building of interest is the city’s oldest hotel still in operation, the Meyrick Hotel, built by the Great Southern Railway Co. in 1845.
The Galway City Museum, divided into two parts, presents a display of modern Irish artists, along with the history of the city. As the cultural heart of Ireland, Galway hosts many musical, artistic, sporting and other events. The largest of these annual events include the Galway International Oyster Festival in September and the Galway Arts Festival in July.
Another reason why Galway is such a popular location is the fact that Galway has the lowest crime rate in the country; Galway has been claimed to be the safest city in Ireland.