Irish Gaillimh county in the province of Connaught (Connacht), western Ireland. With an area of 2,293 sq mi (5,939 sq km), it is bounded on the north by Mayo and Roscommon and Tipperary, on the east by Roscommon and Offaly, on the south by Clare and Tipperary, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern two-thirds of Galway is part of the Irish central lowland. In the west is Connemara (q.v.), mainly a lowland, … Galway is divided into two contrasting regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. To the west is Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur, dominated by the rocky mountains known as the Twelve Bens. Many Connemara inhabitants are Irish speakers and much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved. The Aran Islands lie thirty miles off the Connemara coast. Formed from a limestone ridge, their stunning coastal views and prehistoric stone forts are well worth a visit. Why not explore this beautiful corner of Ireland with a rail and coach tour? Galway is a large county divided into two contrasting regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic, is Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens. A great many of the inhabitants are Irish speakers, and much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved., East of Lough Corrib, a fertile limestone plain extends to the Galway-Roscommon border and the River Shannon. Galway city with its seaside suburb of Salthill lies south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county. Province : Connacht Location: Maritime county on the west coast. County size: 2nd in Ireland Land area: 2,349.79 sq miles Highest point: Benbaun (727 m) Main Rivers: Suck; Owenglin; Corrib; Cregg; Clare Main Lakes: L Mask; L Corrib Main Islands: Aran Islands; Inishbofin; Inishshark; Inishgort; Omey; Lettermullan; Mweenish, Rossroe; Rusheennacholla; Inishnee. Areas of Geographical Interest: Connemara National Park, the Aran Islands, Killary Harbour, Lough Corrib. Areas of Historical Interest: Dun Aenghus, Athenry Castle, Kylemore Abbey, Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee (home of W.B. Yeats) Total Population: 131,613 (exc Galway city) County Capital and Largest Town: Galway Main Towns: Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Tuam Main Business Contact: Galway City/County Council Enterprise Board: Wood Quay Court, Wood Quay, Galway. Tel 091-565269 No of Schools: National 238; Secondary 48 No of Golf Clubs: 17 Blue Flag Beaches: 5