History of Galway History of Galway Galway, one of the largest cities in Ireland, situated on the west coast of Ireland, has a complex history going back around 800 years. The city was the only medieval city in the province of Connacht. The city takes its name from that of the river, the "Gaillimh". The word "Gaillimh" means ""stony"" as in ""stony river"". Today, the river is commonly called the River Corrib, after Lough Corrib, just to the north. In Irish, Galway is also called "Cathair na Gaillimhe" ("city of Galway") which is a modern creation to prevent confusion with "Contae na Gaillimhe"
Castlegar, County Galway Castlegar, County Galway Castlegar ("An Caisleán Gearr") is a village and parish in County Galway, Ireland, located just outside the city of Galway. It extends from Lough Corrib across to Merlin Park by the old Galway-Dublin road. The annual Galway Races are held at Ballybrit Racecourse in Castlegar Parish. The Castlegar ED has a population of 1,000 and 11% are Irish speakers. The name "Castlegar" is derived from the Irish words "Caisleán Gearr", which means "Short Castle". The small Castlegar Castle, in the middle of the parish, was a guest or "short stay" castle for the Blake family's Menlo Castle.