Tourist article to Galway City which is sometimes known as Irelands third largest city.

Named the Venice in the West, Galway City is the third largest city from the Republic of Ireland. Shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion, in the 13th century, city power fell to fourteen merchant households. As a result, we've Galways celebrated nickname, City of the Tribes. These fourteen merchant households saw themselves as English nobility, and governed the city up to the capture of Galway by Cromwells armed forces, in 1652.

Now, Galway is the capital of West Ireland, and it sits at the edge of the Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area. Galway City is ever growing with its University, Institute of Technology, theatres, cathedral, castles, restaurants, docks and industries. Indeed, it really is an ideal base for traveling.

Lynchs Castle is a magnificent limestone building that was the ancient residence of Galways most powerful family. Only Lynchs Castle survives, of the fourteen lavish merchant households that once stood in Galway. The oldest parish church in Ireland is St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, having been a place of adoration since the 14th century, and its still the heart of Galways activities.

Known simply just as The Square, Eyre Square was officially provided for the city in 1710 by then mayor, Edward Eyre. The square was renamed in the honour of US President John F. Kennedy in 1965, and is now generally known as Kennedy Memorial Park. This open green park is a tourer favourite, and it is here you can find the Statue of Padhraig OConaire. Erected in 1935, this Albert Power sculpture commemorates the memory of the adored Galway writer.

Kirwans Lane is one among fourteen laneways from medieval times, and contains relics of architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Named after one of Galways fourteen tribe families, its completed refurbishment has provided new life to this historical town centre.

Synonymous with Galway is the Spanish Arch. This really is all that stays of the 16th century bastion that was once added around the towns walls, to guard merchant ships from looters.

Immortalized in the song, Galway Bay, the Claddagh is an area close to the centre of Galway City. It was at one time a fishing village outside the city walls, and the locals provided the city with fresh seafood, sold at the square in front of the Spanish Arch. Claddaghs existence has been recorded since the fifth century, and it's probably best recognized for its age-old jewelry, the Claddagh Ring.

The largest and most impressive building within this city is Galways Catholic Cathedral. The dome itself is 145ft high, and is actually a prominent landmark on Galways skyline.

Furthermore, Galway City hosts a variety of festivals each year, for instance the Galway Races and Oyster Festival.

There's a nice video guide of Galway City on youtube. In case you require accommodation then www.BedAndBreakfastHomes.ie is a great place to look. Staying in a BNB Galway City property is with out question the very best way to experience this amazing town.