Galway

Galway, a maritime county of Ireland, in the province of Connaught, and, after Cork, the largest of all the Irish counties. Area, 1,569,505 acres, of which a little more than one-half is arable. Pop. (1831) 414,684; (1871) 248,458; (1881) 241,662; (1891) 214,756 (208,011 Catholics). It is watered in the east by the Shannon, the Suck, and their feeders; and in the west by Loughs Mask and Corrib, and by the streams which fall into these loughs and into Galway Bay. In the south are the Slieve-Baughta Mountains; and in the west are the Maam-Turk Mountains, and the well-known Twelve Pins, a striking mountain group, culminating in Benbaun (2395 feet). This western portion of the county is wild and romantic; the hills are separated by picturesque glens, and by secluded and beautiful loughs. South-west from Lough Corrib to the sea is the district called Connemara, which contains vast bogs, moors, lakes, and morasses, and presents a peculiarly bleak and dreary aspect. North-east of Connemara is Joyce's Country, and south-east of it is Iar-Connaught, or Western Connaught. The shore is much broken, offering many bays that serve as harbours for large vessels, and is fringed with numerous islands. The climate is mild and humid, but in low-lying localities is sometimes unhealthy. The richest soil occurs in the district between the head of Galway Bay and the Shannon. Agriculture and fishing are the most general pursuits. The lakes and loughs, as well as the coasts of Galway, are well stocked with fish. The county abounds in ancient remains of the Celtic as well as of the English period. Raths and cromlechs are numerous; there are seven round towers; whilst of many monastic ruins the finest is that of Knockmoy, near Tuam. Since 1885 Galway county has returned four members to parliament.