The Industrial Revolution came to Galway in the 18th century in the form of water-powered industry. By 1844, no lesss that 25 water-wheels churned in the canals that can still be seen on the right bank of the Corrib. Up to 37 industries availed of water-power, most in the food sector such as brewing, distilling and flour milling. Galway still continued its trade with Europe and North America and busy coastal trade ensued with Connemara , Clare and the Aran Islands and was enjoying its status as thriving hub of maritime trade. Until disaster struck.

In the 1840s the dreadful Great Famine devastated the Western seaboard as farm and village fell into ruin. Mortality figures soared and emigration became the only option for survival. Galway ’s population stood at 20,500 in 1851, but slow decline throughout the remainder of the century meant there were less than 13,500 people recorded in the 1901 census. But the Great Famine alone was not the sole factor in Galway ’s decline.

The coming of the railway in the late 1800’s was a mixed bag for Galway . Rail provided, for the first time, reliable year-round access to the outside world and greatly improved communications. But local industries faced growing competition from cheaper imports and went into decline. Several attempts were also made to promote Galway as a transatlantic port, especially in the 1850s and early 1860s. Galway was the closest port to North American in Britain or Ireland . Unfortunately these schemes were unsuccessful and floundered- as did some of their ships. The remainder of the century was one of decline in Galway .

Galway Today
In recent years, Galway has experienced phenomenal growth not only in its economic prosperity and its population expansion but in fostering a strong cultural identity. Located on the edge of the great Connemara Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region), Galway has served, in essence, as the Gaelic capital of Ireland.

For the tourist the irresistible lure of Galway is its unique ambience, its youthful and vibrant pub and music scene.

Galway has also gained great favor for hosting a multitude of cultural festivals throughout the year. Its Jazz Festival takes place in February, while in April the Cuirt International Festival of Literature has gained considerable attention within literary circles and among attendees. Next on the agenda such fledgling events as the Early Music Festival.

Summer is when festival season in Galway kicks off in earnest, as the city rolls from one festival into another from July to September. In early July the Galway Film Fleadh kicks off the montage of celebrations, followed closely behind by the renowned Galway Arts Festival. The streets are barely swept clear before the Galway Races, Ireland’s premier horse racing event, stampedes into town, dominating the social agenda. Following this string of celebrations, Galwegians are afforded a few weeks rest before the Galway International Oyster Festival in early September.

Galway has a student population of approx. 12,000 attending the University and the Technical College. This continuous flow of bright, young undergraduates keeps the city colourful and alive during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months. In the Summer the population surges with colour and wonder as visitors take the place of the students in adding to the clamour of the city centre. Buskers and musicians can be found on most street corners and it is rare to walk through the heart of the city and not hear the notes of a harp, accordion, guitar or fiddle. The Arts thrive in this bohemian city and music is its lifeblood. Rare is the pub or hostelry which does not have a music session going on and the spontaneity of someone pulling a tin whistle out of a pocket and launching into a tune makes music what it should be, a shared and wonderful experience.

But one thing at a time, so first of all you will need to amble through the narrow alleys and streets of the medieval city to experience the new, cosmopolitan and fun Galway.