Galway Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Ireland
About Galway
Galway expanded from a small fishing village from the 13th century, when the Anglo-Normans captured the area and built a fortified city. A charter of 1396 granted power to 14 merchant families, and this elite would later be mocked by Cromwell as "tribes", hence the nickname "City of the Tribes". This illustrious 14, now immortalised in the names of the city roundabouts, were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, Font, ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. All but two were Anglo-Norman rather than Gaelic. They're often described as an oligarchy, cartel or cabal, but by medieval standards 14 influential families operating an urban centre looks positively diverse. Imagine the Medici welcoming the Borgias and Sforzas to Florence: "Sure the city is big enough for al
Top Attractions in Galway
Explore the best things to see and do in Galway:
- ★Galway Atlantaquaria
- ★Galway Cathedral
- ★Galway City Museum
- ★Galway Races
- ★Hall of the Red Earl
- ★Legend of the Claddagh Ring
- ★River cruises
- ★Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church
Where to Eat in Galway
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Ard Bia at Nimmo's
- 🍴Fat Freddy's
- 🍴Kirby's
- 🍴McCambridges
- 🍴McDonagh's
- 🍴McSwiggans
Where to Stay in Galway
- 🏨Almara House
- 🏨Asgard Guesthouse
- 🏨Claremount House B&B
- 🏨Connacht Hotel
- 🏨Coolin House B&B
- 🏨Desota House B&B
Galway Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: