Galway

History

Galway’s recorded history begins in 1124 AD, when the Irish Monarch King of Connacht founded a Fort, Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe (‘Fort at the Mouth of the Gaillimh’). The medieval settlement grew despite the constant attacks by rival Irish Clans and costal bombardments from the Vikings, Nordic warriors from Scandinavia. Connach held onto his territory until the Norman invasion and subsequent conquest of Ireland, in 1232 a Norman Baron named Richard de Burgh took control from Connach and claimed the settlement as his own. He fortified the town with Walls in 1270 and so began the English rule over Western Ireland.

However, archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants of Galway were hunter-gathers of the Middle Stone Age. Later, Neolithic settlers began clearing away the surrounding forests near Galway to begin creating the regions first farms. The settlement thrived in the Bronze and Iron Ages, as recovered artefacts testify. Early written accounts suggest that Galway prospered as a fishing village and a trading post at the mouth of the Corrib, where merchants would come to exchange goods. This was most definitely a thriving community here before King of Connacht arrived!

The decades following De Burgh’s capture of Galway were relatively peaceful. The population grew to about 3000 and trade increased with neighboring ports across Europe. In 1396 Galway was granted a charter and was eventually made a royal borough by the Crown in 1484. For centuries, the town was ruled and presided over by 14 families known as the tribes of Galway. The mayor and the leading citizens usually came from these 14 families. The families ruled over the town in almost complete isolation from the rest of Ireland, nonetheless Galways thrived on international trade with Spain and France. It was the main source of trade to the Western Iles and Scotland; Christopher Columbus himself paid a visit in 1477, stopping off on a trip to Iceland.

During this period of prosperity in the Middle Ages, several important religious buildings and monuments were constructed, including The Church of St Nicholas. The town would also suffer some damage when two severe fires ravaged Galway in 1473 and 1500. Fires were almost commonplace in these times, as the majority of buildings were made of wood. Unfettered by the natural hazards and problems the citizens had to face, they continued to build a prosperous town in the 16th century. In 1545, its proud inhabitants were given new charters by the crown that extended Galway’s jurisdiction to the Aran Island. Yet more powers were granted in 1579, as the ruling English Monarchs saw the great value and strategic important of Galway to their Kingdom. The first hospital, St Bridget’s Hospital was built in 1543 and not a day too soon as an outbreak of diseases, known as sweating sickness engulfed the city. The population slowly recovered and the town continued to grow as the wealth and renown of Galway spread across Europe.

More powers would be conferred upon the town in the early 17th century, in 1610 the English King James I gave Galway another charter; the city and surrounding lands were declared a county in their own right. The good times sadly were not to last, however, after centuries of prosperity the twin effects of a terrible plague in 1649 and the Irish Confederate Wars would take their toll on the city. After the Irish Catholic rebellion of 1641, Galway’s citizens decided to align themselves with the Catholic rebels and drove out the English garrison in 1642. Their victory and control over the city endured until 1652, when English Parliamentarian forces under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell captured Galway and executed the rebel leaders.

This period of stability was short-lived; in 1689, the citizens of Galway supported the Jacobite forces campaigning for the restoration of the Catholic King James II, following his dispossession by the English Parliament. The Jacobean army was annihilated at the battle of Aughrim in 1691 and Galway was sidelined by the English protestant rules for many years after.

The wars of the 17th century left a deep scar on the city of Galway, adding to its woes as a Catholic Port city it was treated with great suspicion by the English Authorities. In 1708 and again in 1715 all Catholics were ordered to leave the city after fears of a French invasion of Ireland following a Jacobite Rising in Scotland. The constant persecution of the Catholic population, many of which controlled the city’s merchant trade causes a period of rapid decline in commercial activity in Galway. The city also had to contend with a tsunami in 1755 after the Lisbon earthquake which caused serious damage to the port Spanish Arch.

The 19th century saw some economic recovery as the Penal Laws that were designed to discriminate against Roman Catholics were relaxed. This stability was sadly short lived as the population of Galway fell dramatically during the potato famine of 1845-49. Many inhabitants fled to America in search of a better life during these difficult times. Those who stayed faced extreme poverty, hardship and squalor. Nonetheless, there were also some positive developments in Galway, the great University of Queen College Galway was opened in 1849 and the city was connected to the national railway line in 1850.

Gastronomy & Wine

Visitors to Galway can expect an abundance of superb seafood options, benefiting from the city’s large Atlantic fishing port. Artisan beers are becoming more popular, as well as traditional stout and young Irish professionals are increasingly embracing wine and a good selection of international wines can be found in Galway’s bars and restaurants. Sheridan’s cheesemongers have a terrific little wine bar. The lively pubs are an attraction in themselves, packed full of students, young and older couples, all ages mixing well together.

The center of Galway’s food scene has traditionally been in the historic district named the “Latin Quarter”, in particular around Quay street. These medieval narrow lanes are packed with a range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Local chefs make full use of the plentiful seafood, highlights include Oysters and Lobsters from the catch of the day. The city hosts the annual International Galway Oyster Festival in September of each year, well worth attending. With some many good restaurants to choose from making a selection for the evening can be difficult but try The Park Room for a real treat!