"Galway. The City of the Tribes" a Galway Travel Page by Catspjm

Like most countries Ireland is a place where the atmosphere changes subtly from one town to the next. The possible exception to this would be Galway in the west of Ireland. There really is no other place quite like it in Ireland, or I would imagine anywhere else in the world. Traditionally a very busy port and trading town, the over all nature of the town has changed and developed beyond all recognition over the past 20 years. While always a haven for tired and weary travelers to recharge their batteries before their next journey, the town is now a magnet for those in search of something that little bit different. The multitude of foreign tongues you will hear whilst wandering the streets are just as likely to come from residents as the ravaging hordes of tourists and students that decent on the city every summer.

It would be easy to make the mistake of thinking Galway is now a very cosmopolitan city due to such wide foreign influence. I think however it would be wrong to describe it as so. Yes, the diversity and the culture are there, but there is still a wonderful feeling of what could almost be described as ‘naivete’. Unlike many ‘cosmopolitan’ cities, the arrogance is missing. I think this is what Galway her uniqueness. In human terms it would be the beautiful girl who is unaware of her looks.

A very bohemian air is now the order of the day. The obvious urban depression of the 1960s and 70s common in many towns across Ireland has now been replaced by a very obvious energy in the air. Certainly the much heralded ‘Celtic Tiger’ that saw the Irish economy achieve unprecedented growth in the 90s has helped. But you just can’t help feeling Galway would have thrived by itself.

Visiting Ireland is one of the wisest things you will do in your travels. Missing Galway when you are here will be one of your most foolish.