Galway in western Connemara, is one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland.

It’s a bohemian mecca, with a wealth of shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants. And like any other great Irish city, it caters for every taste and tipple as far as the pubs are concerned.

It has the best of both worlds - all the charms of a modern, youthful and cosmoplitan city along with some of the most spectacular surrounding landscape on the Island.

Galway started out as a small fishing village, which went on to become one of Ireland’s most important trade links with Portugal and Spain, up until the beseigment of the city by Cromwell in 1651. Dublin and Waterford then went on to claim the all important sea-traffic and trade between Galway and Spain came to an end. A lot of the local people in the area still have very Spanish features like dark skin, some even have curly hair.

Nowadays Galway is a popular tourist destination. It’s got great beaches, a stunning natural landscape and an excellent nightlife. Places like Killary Harbour, Carrarroe, the Twelve Bens and Maam Cross, are all just a short drive away. 40 muinuetes on a boat and your on the romantic and isolated Arran Islands - next stop is the USA.

Every year, one of Ireland’s biggest festivals is held here - the Galway Arts Festival. It hits the street in summer. The city comes alive with culture, as the crowds burst onto the streets. You’ll see some top class acts and performances from home and abroad. Then there’s the Galway Races held in the last week of July. It draws similar, but more reserved crowds.