Explore the Fascinating City of Galway – Answering the Most Searched Questions

Galway is a beautiful coastal city located in western Ireland and is the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. Galway has a long and beloved history as it has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it is well known for its eclectic mix of culture, law, the arts, commerce and education. With its combination of medieval and modern elements, it is easy to see why so many are drawn to its streets.Are you curious about this city? If so, read on for more answers to the most frequently asked questions about Galway.

What Is the Population of Galway?

The population of Galway as of 2019 was 129,563 people with a population density of 3485.2 people per square kilometer. This represents growth of 19.2% between 2011 and 2016 and a population density which ranks second in Ireland behind Dublin. This continues to grow due to people wanting to live in such a vibrant city. Especially amongst university students in search of a great university experience. Galway hold impressive universities, such as the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT).

What Places Should I Visit in Galway?

Visitors who come to Galway have much to see and do, ranging from an abundance of interesting historical sites to modern day places of entertainment. Here are some suggestions:

Historical Sites

• Galway Cathedral: Located at the end of Shop Street, this magnificent Gothic-style church has beautiful stained glass windows with intricate designs. It is also the only cathedral in Europe built completely from local stone.
• Dunguaire Castle: Enjoy the sweeping view of Galway Bay from this perfectly situated 16th century castle ruin located in Kinvara.
• Lynch’s Castle: This is one of the oldest surviving town houses in Ireland and it is now home to AIB Bank.
• Corcomroe Abbey: The ruins of this 12th century abbey are peacefully situated within The Burren, a limestone region in northern Clare.

Modern Places of Interest

• Galway City Museum : Explore the history of Galway via a range of interactive displays and exhibitions.
• Spanish Arch : This 500 year old arch stands tall next to the banks of the River Corrib and was originally part of the city’s defenses against merchant ships sailing from Spain and Portugal.
• Long Walk : Take a pleasant walk along this 2km promenade which extends from The Claddagh to Salthill Promenade boasting views of the Bay and surrounding jetties.
• Galway Races : Since 1869, the annual June festival brings horse racing enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond.
• Galway Shopping : Shop lovers will enjoy perusing the streets of Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter, where you can find a mix of independent shops and larger stores

What Is Galway Famous For?

Galway is most famous for being a hub of culture, being populated with theatre companies, art galleries and festivals. Plus it has a rich musical tradition both traditional Irish music and modern music as well. It even hosted the opening ceremony of Volvo Ocean Race which is a yacht race that begins and ends in Galway Bay. Moreover, Galway is also known for its amazing street artists performing on the roads around Eyre square and it is quite popular for traditional Irish pubs and bars like The Purty Kitchen, Tig Coili and Tigh Neachtains which offer wonderful cuisines and music. It also hosts many historic festivals such as The Galway International Oyster & Seafood festival and The Cúirt International Festival of Literature which are quite popular among both locals and tourists alike. Galway is an amazing city blending both traditional Irish culture and modernity that has something for everyone – from breathtaking walks along the coast to lively shopping streets and modern clubs playing great music. All these factors contribute to it being one of the most popular cities in Ireland for visitors to visit.

What Is the Weather Like in Galway?

Galway’s climate is typical for Atlantic maritime areas; experiencing mild winters, cool temperatures in summertime, moderate rainfall all year round, with occasional thunderstorms during summertime. The average temperature range from April to September is 13 – 15 °C (55 – 59 °F) with temperatures dropping significantly in winter time with average temperatures ranging from 6 – 10 °C (43 – 50 °F). As with many Atlantic climates, rainfall is generally slight but persistent throughout the year with January/February being drier than June/August. If you are planning a visit between November – February then make sure you are prepared for colder temperatures and potentially some rain so don’t forget to bring your coat! Overall the weather in Galway can be unpredictable but generally you can expect temperatures to be mild, cool enough that you’ll need a light jacket but seldom too cold that you’ll need heavy winter clothing.

Where Is Galway Located?

Galway lies at roughly 52°18′ North latitudes and 9°04′ West longitudes on the west coast of Ireland, on a stretch of coastline called the Irish Riviera which encompases beautfiul seaside towns including Ballyconneely, Roundstone and Spiddal. It overlooks Galway bay where visitors are able to view stunning sunsets after a busy day exploring what Galway has to offer. Galway is located about 405 km (250 miles) from Dublin, more than 145 km (90 miles) from Cork – roughly a 2 ¼ hour drive – and approximately 270 km (170 miles) from Belfast – approximately a 4-hour drive. In terms of getting here – Galway City Centre is well connected with good road links to major towns such as Dublin or Cork as well as frequent national rail services so it’s easy to tailor your stay however you prefer ​– whether its by road, rail or sea! Using these train services you can comfortably get here by rail in approximately 2 ¼ hours from Dublin and 3 ½ hours from Cork. Detailed timetables are available on irishrail.ie. Galway is also home to two airports – Galway Airport and Shannon Airport, so if you’re looking for something more convenient or quicker than rail or road travel then you won’t be disappointed! So if you’re ready for an unforgettable travel experience then why not pay a visit to the exciting city of Galway! Whether you’re looking to take in some history, take part in outdoor activities, visit bustling pubs or enjoy some retail therapy – you’ll find something special here in this beloved city on the West Coast of Ireland!