Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities
in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River
Corrib. With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone
shop fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited
place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of
the cultural festivals held during various months of the year.
There is the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of
Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive
with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and
oysters.
Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking
area), Galway is an important tourist centre and makes a good base
from which to explore the magnificent scenery of surrounding areas
like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To the East lies
picturesque, rolling farmlands.
