History of County Galway, Ireland

County Galway became an official entity around 1569 AD.

wikipedia.org

1652 - The English capture Galway

1812 - Galway Court House is built

1818 - Salmon Weir Bridge is built in Galway

1826 - Galway
Galway is a county of Ireland, in Connaught, 82 miles long and 42 miles wide; bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, north by County Mayo and Roscommon, east by Roscommon, King's county, and Tipperary, and south by County Clare and Galway bay; it contains 2593 square miles and is divided into 116 parishes.

The greater part is fertile, but towards the north and west the soil is very coarse and difficult to farm. Galway abounds with rivers and lakes: major rivers are the Shannon, the Suck, and the Blackwater lakes: lough Corrib, lough Reagh, and lough Contra.

Largest town, City Galway. Pop. 286,921 (1826).
The New London Gazetteer (1826)

1837 - County Galway
GALWAY (County of), a maritime county of the province of CONNAUGHT, bounded on the east by the counties of Roscommon, KING'S county, and Tipperary, from the former of which it is separated by the Suck, and from the two latter by the Shannon; on the north, by those of Roscommon and Mayo; on the west, by the Atlantic Ocean; and on the south, by Galway bay and the county of Clare. It extends, from 52° 57' to 53° 42' (N. Lat.), and from 7° 53' to 10° 15' (W. Lon.); and comprises an area, according to the Ordnance survey, of 1,510,592 acres, of which 955,713 are cultivated land, 476,957 are unprofitable bog and mountain, and 77,922 are under water. The population, in 1821, exclusively of the town and liberties of Galway, which forms a county of itself, was 309,599; and in 1831, 381,564.

In the time of Ptolemy, this region was inhabited by the Auteri, who spread themselves also into the adjoining counties of Mayo and Roscommon. At a later, though still a very remote, date ... Read MORE...

1849 - Queens College opens in Galway

1850 - The railway reaches Galway

1895 - County Galway
Galway, gawl way, a maritime county of Ireland, in Connaught, bounded on the W. by the Atlantic. Area,2342 : miles. The surface in the W. includes Lakes Cor rib and Mask, and the district of Connemara, one of the Wildest and most mountainous in Ireland, with a sea-coast deeply indented with inlets. In the E. it is mostly flat and fertile, but interspersed with bogs. Chief rivers, the Shannon, which bounds the county on the S.E., the Black, and the Suck. The fisheries are valuable. The Irish language is in many districts universal. The county is the second in extent in Ireland. Capital, Galway. It sends four members to the House of Commons,—two for the county and two for the chief town. Pop, in 1881,242,005; in 1891,214,256.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in County Galway:
Galway City: Start your journey in the vibrant heart of the county. Galway City is famous for its lively atmosphere, colorful streets, and friendly locals. Stroll along Shop Street, enjoy street performers, and visit landmarks like the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Cliffs of Moher: Although they are technically in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit when in Galway. These dramatic cliffs rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and offer breathtaking views. It's a scenic drive from Galway City to reach them.

Connemara National Park: Located to the west of Galway City, Connemara National Park is a rugged and beautiful natural reserve. Hike through the stunning landscapes, explore the Visitor Center, and take in the vistas from Diamond Hill.

Aran Islands: A short ferry ride from Galway, the Aran Islands are a step back in time. Visit Inishmore, the largest of the islands, and explore ancient stone forts like Dun Aonghasa, or rent a bike to see the island's... Read MORE...