The city of Galway is internationally celebrated as a centre of entertainment; with an all-embracing mix of tin whistles, bodhráns (hand-held drums made from goatskin), harps, bagpipes, banjos, guitars, fiddles, jugglers, magicians in colourful masks poets, painters, and puppeteers to entertain visitors. Actors in traditional Irish costume can often be sighted around town. An assortment of curious cafes can be found on narrow cobblestone streets, and live music is hosted throughout the week by a wide range of public houses.
The streets of Galway are steeped in history. Nevertheless, there remains a contemporary feel. Students account for a quarter of the city's population. The medieval town walls sit adjacent to businesses selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, a collection of secondhand and new books and Aran sweaters. The city is connected to the coastal suburb of Salthill by a long promenade. The region's famous oysters can be found in the neighbouring Galway Bay.
A wide variety of food and drink options can be discovered here. They range from the market stands, where farmers sell vegetables unearthed that same day, to daring fusion restaurants which continue to redefine Irish cuisine. Guinness, Galway Hooker ale and Irish coffees can all be sampled by the city's down to earth pubs.
It cannot be denied that it rains an awful lot in Galway, yet even this fails to dampen Galway's joie de vivre. When the sun shines, the city is full of life, and it is lively all year round. It is often referred to as the most 'Irish' of Ireland's cities, with Irish still spoken in the stores, pubs and streets.
Visitors to the city and county can find suitable accommodation at Galway Hotels or Galway B&B