Galway Guide History & Heritage
Did You Know?
Galwegians
People from Galway are often referred to as “Galwegians” or “tribesmen”. Galwegians Rugby Football Club take their name from this. Founded in 1922, Galwegians play at home ground Crowley Park. A number of players on the Connacht Squad have played for Galwegians.
Famous Graduates
Famous graduates of NUI Galway include Michael D. Higgins, Enda Kenny, Eamonn Gilmore and Máire Whelan. Distinguished honorary graduates include Nelson Mandela, Margaret Atwood, Gabriel Byrne, Fiuonnuala Flanagan, Ali Hewson and Enya.
MultiCultural Galway is quite a multicultural city. Natives of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, East Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have all settled here— making up 17% of the county’s population.
Dunguaire Castle Kinvara, Co. Galway 061- 711200 www.shannonheritage. com/DaytimeAttractions/ DunguaireCastle
The magical 16th century Dunguaire Castle, surrounded by stunning scenery will take your breath away whether you decide to visit for a day or attend an exciting medieval-style banquet. Built on a ring fort, the 75 foot tower was constructed in 1520 by the O’Hynes family. The castle was named after the famous King of Connacht, translating as the ‘Dún of King Guaire’. Having fallen into disrepair in the 17th century, Oliver St. John Gogarty purchased and restored Dunguaire in 1924. He invited many renowned Irish literary figures such as WB Yeats,
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway 095-41146 www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie The stunning Kylemore Abbey is nestled into the Connemara countryside—its reflection on the lake giving it a fairytale aura. The abbey has a fascinating history. While honeymooning in Ireland, Mitchell and Margaret Henry dreamed about living in that area and 10 years later they returned and purchased Kylemore Lodge and surrounding lands with Mitchell’s inheritance. The building of Kylemore Castle was completed on the site in 1871 and the estate was developed. Mitchell brought work and later, a school, to an area that had been devastated by the Great Irish Famine.
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Enjoy walks in the woods and by the lake
After the deaths of his wife and daughter, Mitchell sold Kylemore to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903. In 1920, Kylemore was purchased by the Benedictine Nuns, who came
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
to Ireland after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. They converted it into an abbey and opened a boarding school for girls. The community restored the building, Gothic church and Victorian Walled Garden. The school closed in June 2010 but the Benedictine Nuns still live here and run a farm, make handicrafts and lend the place its unique spirituality and tranquility. Visitors can enjoy walks in the woods and by the lake, see the wonderful buildings and gardens and browse in the craft shop. Kylemore Abbey is open all year round, seven days a week. Admission fees vary.
George Bernard Shaw, Lady Gregory and JM Synge to spend time there. You can retrace the rich history here (daily admission from 10am-4pm) or on a summer evening, ‘eat, drink and be merry’ at a raucous banquet where you can gain an insight into the past while being entertained with music, poetry and song.
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Surrounded by stunning scenery will take your breath away
According to ancient folklore, if you stand at the gate of the castle and ask a question, it will be answered by the end of the day. This medieval gem on the edge of the Burren is an experience not to be missed. The Best Of Ireland Series
Dunguaire Castle
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