Car Hire Galway - Mini guide to Galway

Known as the ‘city of the tribes’, Galway’s colourful festivals calendar, narrow streets and lively atmosphere make it a must for anyone travelling in Ireland. It is the fourth-largest city in the Republic and the usual gateway to the wild and stunning country of the west of Ireland.

Eyre Square is the heart of Galway, with most streets branching off from here. During the summer it becomes a lively park where people sit and soak up the atmosphere of the Galway Arts Festival, held every July.

Galway was a medieval town and one can still see traces of this around the old city. Most noteworthy are the Spanish Arch, all that remains of the city’s walls, Lynch’s Castle, built in the 14th century and the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra, a 14th century church with an unusual pyramid shaped spire.

SS, a popular spot for locals (though perhaps not to everyone’s liking), is a busy seaside town to the north of the town centre. It has a pleasant promenade along the beach and a fun and leisure centre for children.

Galway’s real charm is probably hidden away in its fine selection of pubs and restaurants. Traditional Irish music sessions, bustling pubs, Guinness and fresh seafood from the Atlantic – a true taste of Ireland!

The major suburbs in Galway are: Ballinfoyle, Coolough, Fort Lorenzo, Mervue, Murrough, Rahoon, Renmore, Rockbarton, Salthill and Terryland.