Directly across the country from Dublin, Galway sits in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way and is a popular place amongst visitors to the Emerald Isle. A university city overflowing with youthful energy and an 800-year-old cobblestoned backdrop, Galway boasts the 2018 title of European Region of Gastronomy and was named the European Capital of Culture for 2020.
During my year in Galway, I enjoyed the best the city had to offer and got to experience the magic myself. Every day I’d walk Shop Street to get to work, passing through locals and tourists alike while listening to the sounds of Galway’s many buskers. Of the many reasons people are proud to call Galway home, here are four fun and interesting facts any true Galwegian should know.
1. The River Corrib running through Galway is the fastest-flowing city river in Europe
As soon as you approach the Corrib, you’ll be taken aback by just how fast the water moves, as well as how dangerously high the water can get! It’s been known to flood over the walls and you can always tell when a high tide is expected when the city begins to put out the sandbags. You can regularly spot the more adventurous locals (not so leisurely) kayaking any time of the year. Be careful of wandering close to the riverbank after having a little too much fun on a night out – people have been known to fall in and the shock of the water’s temperature combined with the current can be a deadly combination! One of my bosses once saved a woman who fell in thanks to her heroic and impressive swimming skills 😱.
2. Galway is home to the oldest makers of the Claddagh Ring
If you are unfamiliar with the Claddagh ring, it depicts two hands holding a heart wearing a crown. While the origins of the ring are shrouded in various myths, its roots can be traced back to Galway. It has been used by men and women alike as a wedding ring for hundreds of years, symbolizing friendship, loyalty, and love. In addition to being used as a wedding band, the Claddagh ring is also popularly worn to signify a connection to Ireland or as a memento/souvenir for tourists.
The way each individual chooses to wear the ring also has significance, demonstrating their relationship status. When worn with the bottom of the heart pointing toward the owner, their heart is taken (they are in a relationship/married) and when the heart is facing away from the wearer, their heart is open (they are available).
If you’re visiting Ireland and want to buy a Claddagh ring of your own, they can be found in tourist and jewelry stores throughout the country. However, Thomas Dillon’s in Galway boasts being the original makers of the Claddagh ring and holds the original patent. It’s a small store located in the center of the city on Shop Street with a selection of rings and a small museum explaining the ring’s history.
One of the first months I moved to Galway, my own Claddagh ring broke and I was able to have Thomas Dillon’s repair it for me. Even though my ring had been bought ten years prior in another part of Ireland, a small piece of mine now holds metal from Galway and the craftsmanship of the original makers!
3. Galway is the culinary capital of Ireland
Ok, this one may be up for some debate and Google will tell you different things, but I’ll fight for it! In 2018 County Galway became Ireland’s first European Region of Gastronomy and was named a top foodie destination in 2020 by BBC Good Food. After a year spent eating my way through the city, I can attest to the diversity and deliciousness of the cuisine. My bias also comes from having spent eight months working at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s, which has been named one of the 100 best restaurants in Ireland by The Irish Times.
If you’re in town but aren’t staying very long, check out Galway Food Tours to get a sampling of everything the city has to offer. Over the course of your tour, you’ll stop at many local hotspots and be treated to tastings until you don’t have any room left, but wish you did!
Not your average hotdog at Ard Bia 
The Wiz Kale-Leaf-A pizza from Dough Bros 
Chocolate tart with peanut butter ice cream made in-house at Ard Bia
4. Galway and Seattle are Sister Cities!
The two cities formed their sisterly bonds in 1986 and stone monuments like the one below can be found in both cities to memorialize the partnership.
This fact is the most fun for me because I am from Seattle!
