News 9. 1. 2016

Top ten interesting facts about Galway city

4. The city is known for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events including the summer’s Galway Arts Festival which is known for its famous Macnas (the arts group) parade.

5. There are many symbols associated with Galway. These include the Claddagh Ring, Galway’s own symbol of love and friendship, worn the world over; the Aran Sweater, an emblem, not only of the Aran Islands, but of Ireland itself; and the Galway Hookers, ships that distinguish themselves as Galway’s signature upon the water.
6. In 2007, Galway was named one of the top eight “sexiest cities” in the world and in 2008, it was ranked the 42nd best tourist destination in the world and 14th in Europe.
7. There are 6,870 Irish speakers in Galway city, which is nearly ten percent of the population. Galway is often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland” as it is most associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. Galway City is on the doorstep of Galway’s Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is spoken).
8. The Aran Islands, probably Ireland’s most famous islands, are located just off the coast of Galway. The three islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – are the perfect place to visit to see Ireland at its best. They are also Gaeltacht areas.
9. The most famous person born in Galway is the great Hollywood actor Peter O’Toole. Peter Seamus Lorcan O’Toole was born in Connemara in 1932. Most famous for his role in the 1962 film “Lawrence of Arabia,” poor O’Toole holds the world record for Oscar nominations without actually winning. He was nominated an incredible eight times without bringing home a golden statue.

10. The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, a townland in the civil parish of Kilcummin, County Galway. In Irish, its name is Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile, meaning „piggery between two briny places“.

Jane Walsh @irishcentral

Václav Bernard