Galway
Galway (/ˈɡɔːlweɪ/ GAWL-way; Irish: Gaillimh, pronounced [ˈɡal̠ʲɪvʲ]) is a city in the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht, which is the county town of County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It is the most populous settlement in the province of Connacht, the fifth most populous city on the island of Ireland and the fourth most populous in the Republic of Ireland, with a population at the 2022 census of 85,910.
Galway
Gaillimh | |
|---|---|
City | |
From top; left to right: Galway Cathedral, University of Galway, Eyre Square, Galway Harbour, the Long Walk | |
|
Coat of arms | |
| Nickname: "City of the Tribes" | |
| Motto(s): | |
Galway Location within Ireland Galway Location within Europe | |
| Coordinates: 53°16′19″N 9°2′56″W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Connacht |
| Region | Northern and Western (West) |
| County | Galway |
| Founded | 1124 AD |
| City Rights | 1484 & 1985 AD |
| Government | |
| • Local Authority | Galway City Council |
| • Mayor | Eddie Hoare (FG) |
| • Local electoral areas |
|
| • Dáil Éireann | Galway West |
| • European Parliament | Midlands–North-West |
| Area | |
| • Total | 57.3 km2 (22.1 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • Total | 85,910 |
| • Rank | 4th |
| • Density | 1,500/km2 (3,900/sq mi) |
| Demonyms | Galwegian, Tribesman |
| Time zone | UTC0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (IST) |
| Eircode (Routing Key) | H91 |
| Area code | 091(+353 91) |
| Vehicle Index Mark Code | G |
| Website | Official website |
Located near an earlier settlement, Galway grew around a fortification built by the King of Connacht in 1124. A municipal charter in 1484 allowed citizens of the by then walled city to form a council and mayoralty. Controlled largely by a group of merchant families, the Tribes of Galway, the city grew into a trading port. Following a period of decline, as of the 21st century, Galway is a tourist destination known for festivals and events including the Galway International Arts Festival.
In 2018, Galway was named the European Region of Gastronomy. The city was the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Rijeka, Croatia.