Galway is a wonderful university city with countless narrow streets lined with old-fashioned looking shops and busy pubs. It is the largest settlement on Ireland's west coast and the capital of Galway County.

The center of town lies on both sides of the Corrib River, but most of the shops are on the eastern bank. Galway's most important landmark is the 1320 Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra, which boasts a distinct pyramidal spire. It is the largest medieval parish church in the Republic of Ireland and features interesting tombs. About all that remains of the original city walls is the Spanish Arch. Another building that is noteworthy is Lynch's Castle, a 14th-century stone townhouse.

Many cultural festivals are held in Galway throughout the year. Some of the finest ones include the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the Galway Arts Festival, which is held in July.

There are numerous hotels, restaurants and bars in Galway. The city is 190 km west of Dublin.