Galway Apartment Types

Said to be the most “Irish” of Ireland’s cities Galway offers a vibrant culture, magnetic atmosphere and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world making it an incredibly popular destination with travellers from all over.

History

Constructed in 1124 as Dún Bhun na Gailimhe, “Fort at the Mouth of the Gailimh (River Corrib)”, by the King of Connacht, Galway soon developed into a small settlement. In the 1230s the Galway fort was captured by Richard Mor de Burgh during the Norman invasion of Connacht. After this the merchants of the town strived for greater control of the city and were granted complete control along with mayoral status by the English crown in 1484. During the Middle Ages Galway was ruled by 14 merchant families, the Tribes of Galway, and thrived on international trade being the primary port in Ireland for trade with Spain and France. During the 16th and 17th centuries the city remained loyal to the English crown but by 1642, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Galway allied itself with the Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny. In 1691 the city was captured by William of Orange which subsequently saw the end of the great Tribes of Galway. Today Galway is the third largest and the fastest growing city in Ireland.

Getting In & Getting Around

Galway Airport is located some 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city centre and offers scheduled flights to a range of destinations in Ireland, Britain and parts of continental Europe. Alternatively, Shannon Airport is 90 km (56 miles) from Galway and provides regular services to locations in Ireland, Britain, Europe and North America. Ceannt Station is the main railway station in Galway with connections to Dublin, Limerick and a whole host of towns and cities in Ireland. Galway itself is easily navigated on foot but also offers a comprehensive network of bus services.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Dubbed as the cultural heart of Ireland, Galway has an abundance of things to see and do. Eyre Square is a great place to start. This inviting green space offers the perfect spot in which to relax, meet up with friends or indulge in some retail therapy. The Spanish Arch, one of the few remaining parts of the town’s historic defences, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Galway Atlantaquaria offers an insight into the underwater life from around the Irish coast and is a definite must see for nature lovers. For some fresh air take a stroll along the promenade at the Salthill seaside resort just a short walk from Galway city centre. And, if you are feeling brave enough, jump off the concrete diving board into the brisk Atlantic Ocean. Galway is the city of festivals, home to a wide range of annual celebrations and events with the Galway International Oyster Festival held every September in particular being voted one of the greatest shows on earth.

Eating Out

From traditional Irish cuisine to fine fare from all over the world Galway has it all. Whether you want to try a full Irish breakfast or fancy some New York style pizza, want a three course meal or just a snack, you will find something to suit every taste and budget in Galway. With its wealth of pubs and bars there are plenty of watering holes in which to enjoy a pint of Guinness or a relaxing coffee in Galway.

Outside The City

Galway provides the ideal base for exploring western Ireland. Take a trip out to the Burren – a vast area of limestone that offers some of the most beautiful landscape and fascinating sights in the country – here you will find the 12th century Corcomroe Abbey with its impressive stone carvings, the Cliffs of Moher which stand at over 200 metres tall and offer stunning views over Galway Bay as well as Caherconnel Stone Fort which is one of the best preserved Celtic Stone Forts in Ireland. Connemara, a peninsula of western Galway, offers fairytale like scenery of deep green hills and endless skies and is regarded as one of the most breathtaking places in the world. The Aran Islands are just a short ferry trip from Galway. These three small, barren, rocky islands offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.

Click here to view our apartments in Galway.