Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland
Galway is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of 80,000. Located on Ireland's west coast, it is one of Europe's fastest growing cities.
The city's population is young, due partially to the presence of the University's 15,000 students. Settled in the 12th century, this seaport on Galway Bay has been a center of trade for nearly a millennium, and traces of its medieval past still survive. Galway is called the Cultural Capital of Ireland because of its pioneering role in theater, arts and culture. In nearby Connemara, the country's largest Irish-speaking community (Gaeltacht), carries the native language and culture into modern times. While Galway's economy and population continue to grow, it remains a small city easily navigated on foot. Eyre Square, the city's center, is ringed by streets full of boutiques, pubs, restaurants, theaters, and everything else you might need to make your stay enjoyable and interesting. NUIG's campus is a short walk from Eyre Square. Its original quadrangle dates from the 1840s, but modern buildings and state-of-the-art facilities reflect its growth.