Galway is the fastest growing and is the fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the only city in the province of Connacht in Ireland. The city is located on the west coast of Ireland. In Irish, Galway is also called Cathair na Gaillimhe (City of Galway). The city takes its name from the Gaillimh river that formed the western boundary of the earliest settlement, which was called Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe (meaning "fort at the foot of the Gaillimh"). The word Gaillimh means "stony" as in "stony river" (the mythical and alternative derivations are given in History of Galway). The city also bears the nickname City of the Tribes / Cathair na dTreabh because "fourteen tribes" (merchant families) led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. The term tribes was often a derogatory phrase in Cromwellian times. The merchants would have seen themselves as English gentry, and hence were loyal to the King. Their uncertain reaction to the siege of Galway by Cromwellian forces earned them this label, which they subsequently adopted in defiance. The population of Galway city, given in the 2006 census, is 72,414.
Eyre Square by Evening Spanish Arch
Salthill, once a small seaside resort 3 km west of Galway City, is now an important suburb of this expanding city. Salthill seems to have grown as a result and, today, it is the premier resort in Ireland. While it may have lost some of its simple, rural charms, it has gained a wealth of amenities in the process. The giant Leisureland complex, with its host of children's entertainments, including an indoor heated swimming pool, proves very popular, especially when the weather acts the spoilsport, as it will do at times here in the west. The golden half-mile of casinos, pubs and restaurants also play their part by day and discos and musical pubs rule the roost at night.
Salthill Promenade
Galway Bay and its lapping waters will always be the main attraction, however, and the visitor has a host of safe, sandy beaches from which to choose. Swimming, sunbathing, sail-boarding, snorkelling, sea angling and high board diving, can be enjoyed here. For the less energetic, a stroll along Ireland's longest promenade, is strongly recommended, for the fresh Galway Bay sea air is a tonic in itself. And, while you are at it, ramble through nearby Salthill Park and Quincentennial Park to view the flowers and shrubs. Alternatively, one can try a spot of tennis or golf at the nearby clubs. Salthill is that kind of place.
Salthill Air Show
The Salthill Air Show is a free air show held every summer along the Salthill Promenade on the shores of the famous Galway Bay, Ireland. The Salthill Air Show is one of the few FREE Air Show's in Europe. Around 100,000 spectators attend annually, what has been described as the equivalent of 4 days at the Galway Races.
