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Galway: The 'Friendliest, Most Charming City'

From Lonely Planet to The New York Times, Galway has been voted the 'friendliest' and 'most charming' city by a number of global publications. Galway really is a place like no other. Set on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the broad sweep of Galway Bay, Galway is as distinctive as it is beautiful.  From this position on the Atlantic edge of Europe, NUI Galway has a proud history of reaching out and connecting with the world. Galway casually combines the energy of a young and diverse population, with the authenticity of a place steeped in history and tradition. We are renowned as a place where arts and culture are celebrated, reinterpreted and shared with the world. But don't just take our word for it!

'Best in Travel 2020' - Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet magazine has ranked Galway among the Top 5 Cities in the World for 2020. According to their global travel index, 'brilliantly bohemian' Galway is Ireland's most engaging city. Lonely Planet focused its praise on the city's culture and creativity, as the county, city - and our campus - prepare for Galway's year as European Capital of Culture 2020: 'Vivid and vibrant, brimful of imagination, Galway in 2020 is home to a year-long, city-wide, arty party. And you’re invited too.' We couldn't agree more!

  Discover more about why Lonely Planet loves Galway

'Ireland’s Most Charming City' - New York Times

The New York Times has dubbed Galway ‘Ireland's Most Charming City’! The newspaper's travel section is seen by 1.8 million people daily and one of the most storied brands in world media, it influences the decisions of countless potential tourists, particularly from North America. The article, states that 'Galway might be Ireland’s most charming city: compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants that walk the fine line between cool and kitsch. Cozy, old-fashioned pubs showcase the city’s ever-growing selection of craft beers, chefs serve up west-of-Ireland ingredients in creative new ways, and almost every building housing a modern cafe or new atelier has a centuries-old story behind it. It’s not a city in which to hustle; rather, it’s one in which to enjoy a locally brewed pint, relish the excellent seafood and get your fill of views of the rushing River Corrib as it sweeps out to Galway Bay.’
 
The Galway feature goes on to describe our city as being "Welcoming and walkable and filled to the brim with old-fashioned pubs and excellent seafood restaurants, scenic Galway may be Ireland’s most charming city," says its author, Nell McShane Wulfhart."

 

 

Voted the Friendliest City in the World

Galway is the World’s Friendliest City! But don’t just take our word for it – US magazine Travel + Leisure ranked us as the friendliest city in the world. Time and time again, Galway is listed among the most charming and welcoming places on earth!

The Condé Nast Traveler magazine has also voted Galway among the top six friendliest cities in the world. Every year, Condé Nast Traveler asks its readers to decide on their favourite cities around the globe in its Readers Choice Awards survey. The magazine has unveiled the results of its 2016 survey – taken by some 128,000 readers – including its list of the world’s friendliest cities, where readers felt most welcome. Galway impressed readers with “live music in the pubs and in the street, the food,” and the vibe, "Just look at this city – it’s hard not to be charmed”. One reader, in all caps, said, “THESE ARE THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.” More here. 

Europe's Micro-City of the Year

In a study of the most promising investment locations in Europe, fDi Magazine – a Financial Times publication – has crowned Galway City a winner of a European City and Region of the Future 2014/15 title and ranked Galway City as Best Overall Micro City in Europe, 2nd place as Best Micro City for economic potential and 2nd place Micro City for economic potential and third best Micro City in business friendliness.

Crucially for its categorisation Galway City is the only micro city to be listed in the Top 25 overall European Cities of the Future.

Brendan McGrath, Galway City Manager, welcomed the awards and the categorisation of Galway within the Top 25 Cities of Europe as a significant endorsement of Galway City and its potential to lead the west of Ireland as a place for investment and economic development.

The City Manager stated how important it is “to attract foreign direct investment and that the staff of the Council would work with the IDA to support investment-led visits to Galway City & the west of Ireland region.”

The survey examined data that was collected from 468 locations, both cities and regions, in five categories: Economic Potential, Human Capital and Lifestyle, Cost Effectiveness, Infrastructure and Business Friendliness.