Galway

Galway
Gaillimh
City
Nickname: 
"City of the Tribes"
Motto(s): 
Laudatio Ejus Manet In Secula Seculorum  (Latin)
"His Praise Remains unto Ages of Ages"
Galway
Location within Ireland
Galway
Location within Europe
Coordinates: 53°16′19″N 9°2′56″W / 53.27194°N 9.04889°W / 53.27194; -9.04889
CountryIreland
ProvinceConnacht
RegionNorthern and Western (West)
CountyGalway
Founded1124 AD
City Rights1484 & 1985 AD
Government
  Local AuthorityGalway City Council
  MayorEddie Hoare (FG)
  Local electoral areas
  • Galway City Central
  • Galway City East
  • Galway City West
  Dáil ÉireannGalway West
  European ParliamentMidlands–North-West
Area
  Total
57.3 km2 (22.1 sq mi)
Elevation
25 m (82 ft)
Population
 (2022)
  Total
85,910
  Rank4th
  Density1,500/km2 (3,900/sq mi)
DemonymsGalwegian, Tribesman
Time zoneUTC0 (WET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+1 (IST)
Eircode (Routing Key)
H91
Area code091(+353 91)
Vehicle Index
Mark Code
G
WebsiteOfficial website

Galway (/ˈɡɔːlw/ GAWL-way; Irish: Gaillimh, pronounced [ˈɡal̠ʲɪvʲ] ) is a city in (and the county town of) County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It is the most populous settlement in the province of Connacht, the fifth most populous city on the island of Ireland and the fourth most populous in the Republic of Ireland, with a population at the 2022 census of 85,910.

Located near an earlier settlement, Galway grew around a fortification built by the King of Connacht in 1124. A municipal charter in 1484 allowed citizens of the by then walled city to form a council and mayoralty. Controlled largely by a group of merchant families, the Tribes of Galway, the city grew into a trading port. Following a period of decline, as of the 21st century, Galway is a tourist destination known for festivals and events including the Galway International Arts Festival.

In 2018, Galway was named the European Region of Gastronomy. The city was the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Rijeka, Croatia.