Galway Information                                                           

Galway is both the center for the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively university city. Under the Anglo-Normans, it
flourished as a trading post. In 1396 it gained a Royal Charter and for the next two centuries was controlled by 14 merchant
families, or "tribes". The city prospered under English influence, but this allegiance to the Crown cost Galway dear when, in
1652, Cromwell's forces wreaked havoc. After the Battle of Boyne, Galway fell into decline, unable to compete with
east-coast trade. In recent years, as a developing center for high-tech industry, the city's profile has been revived.

The center of the city lies on the banks of the River Corrib, which flows down from Lough Corrib widening out as it reaches
Galway Bay. Urban renewal since the 1970's has led to extensive restoration of the narrow, winding streets of this once-walled
city. Due to its compact size, Galway is easy to explore on foot, and a leisurely pace provides plenty of opportunity to stop off
at its shops, pubs, historic sights, and the best fish and chips in ireland, McDonough's.

The Spanish Arch, where the river opens out, was built in1584 to protect the harbor, which was then outside the city walls. Here, Spanish traders unloaded their ships. The old quays are a tranquil spot for a stroll down the Long Walk to the docks. These walls around Galway were erected by the Normans, and all irish natives were forced to live outside of these walls. Beyond the Spanish Arch, on the west bank of the Corrib, lies the Claddaugh, where many of these irish natives settled. The name comes from An Claddaugh meaning "flat, stony shore." From medieval times on, this fiercely independent fishing community beyond the city walls was governed by a "king" or "mayor," the last of whom died in 1954. The only remnants of this once close-knit, Gaelic speaking community are friendly pubs and Claddaugh rings, betrothal rings traditionally handed down from mother to daughter. The ring consists of the heart, held by two hands, and with a crown on top. The hands symbolize friendship, the heart love, and the crown loyalty or fidelity.