"GALWAY"
Galway is a large county divided into two contrasting
regions by the expanse of Lough
Corrib. To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic, is Connemara -
a region
ofsuperb scenic grandeur dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the
Twelve
Bens. Connemara has inspired many famous paintings, and a tour of the district
is a memorable experience. A great many of the inhabitants are Irish speakers,
and
much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved. The sturdy, Connemara pony
is
particularly prevalent in the coastal area west from Spiddal and in the district
lying
between Oughterad and Clifden; the Connemara Pony Show is a popular annual
event. East of Lough Corrib, a fertile limestone plain extends to the Galway-Roscommon
border and the River Shannon.Galway City with its seaside suburb of Salthill
lies
south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic
areas
of the county. Galway celebrated its 500th anniversary as a city in 1986. Originally
a Gaelic settlement, it was quickly adopted by the Normans as their primary
Western
trading city. The Spanish and French sailed their galleons to Galway for hundreds
of
years trading their wines and brandies for metals and wools from Ireland. Galway
still has a very obvious merchant town feel with the city centre a warren of
narrow
lanes and paved street packed with interesting pubs and shops. Connemara, Galway's
west coast, boasts beautiful Mountain, Bog, Lake and Coastal scenery and if
you
have seen the classic 50's movie, The Quiet Man starring Maureen O'Hara &
John
Wayne, then need I say more. Off Galway's coast are the Aran Islands, perhaps
the
last bastion of living Celtic and Gaelic Ireland, where Irish/Gaelic is still
spoken and
the old traditions are still practiced. It is a popular day-trip for visitors
annually.
