From narrow streets alive with activity and Irish culture to amazing landscapes and seascapes – Galway has it all.
Here’s our list of top ten interesting facts about Galway and Galway City:
1. Galway is one of the most populated cities in the Republic of Ireland - according to the 2022 census, the population of Galway is 83,456, an increase from the 2016 figure of 79,934.
Galway City. (Ireland's Content Pool)
2. The park at the center of Galway City is officially called John F. Kennedy Park. However, it is still known by most Irish people as Eyre Square. It was renamed John F. Kennedy Park in the 1970s after the visit of Ireland's favorite US President. The square is home to the old city gates and its defending cannon.
An aerial view of Eyre Square in Galway City. (Ireland's Content Pool.)
3. Galway is nicknamed “The City of Tribes” (“Cathair na dTreabh”) after the 14 merchant families who led the city during the Hiberno-Norman period.
The River Corrib in Galway City. (Ireland's Content Pool)
4. The city is known for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations, and events including the summer’s Galway Arts Festival which is known for its famous Macnas (the arts group) parade.
The Galway Arts Festival. (Ireland's Content Pool.)
5. There are many symbols associated with Galway. These include the Claddagh Ring, Galway's own symbol of love and friendship, worn the world over; the Aran Sweater, an emblem, not only of the Aran Islands but of Ireland itself; and the Galway Hookers, ships that distinguish themselves as Galway’s signature upon the water.
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Galway hooker. (Getty Images)
6. Galway City has received plenty of accolades over the years! In 2007, it was named one of the top “sexiest cities” in the world, and in 2008, it was ranked the 42nd best tourist destination in the world. More recently, it was named one of the best places to visit, as well as a top foodie destination!
Galway City. (Ireland's Content Pool.)
7. According to the 2016 census, Galway City and its suburbs had the highest rate of Irish speakers (41.4%). Nearly half - 49% - of the population of Galway County could speak Irish in 2016!
A traditional Irish music session in Tig Cóilí pub in Galway City. (Ireland's Content Pool)
8. The Aran Islands, probably Ireland’s most famous islands, are located just off the coast of Galway. The three islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer – are the perfect place to visit to see Ireland at its best. They are also Gaeltacht areas.
Inishmaan, one of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway. (Ireland's Content Pool)
9. Famous people born in Galway include the great Hollywood actor Peter O’Toole, who was born in Connemara in 1932, as well as "Derry Girls" star Nicola Coughlan.
10. The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, a townland in the civil parish of Kilcummin, Co Galway. In Irish, its name is Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile, meaning "piggery between two briny places."
Muckanaghederdauhaulia in is one of Ireland's longest place names and is located near Camus Bay in Connemara, Co. Galway
— Tourism Ireland (@GoToIrelandCA) November 27, 2018
Have a go at pronouncing it ?? pic.twitter.com/lFZlKfge6b
*Originally published in 2014. Last updated in May 2023.
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