Claregalway

Claregalway is a village about 10km north of Galway City in Co Galway. The village was founded on the banks of the River Clare, where it gets its name from. Claregalway lies within the Gaeltacht region of the county and sits at the junction of the busy N17 and N18 national primary routes with over 27,000 vehicles passing through the village every day. It has many features of historical interest but two of the largest ones on the banks of the river include the Claregalway Friary, founded in mid-13th century, and a Norman watchtower completed in the 16th century. Claregalway Parish is one of the largest in the county and includes a number of townlands some of the bigger being Carnmore, Lydican, Loughgeorge and Cregboy. Traditionally agriculture would have been the biggest industry in the area although it is now part of the commuter belt of Galway. Claregalway hosts a Drama Festival each year in March and is also home to a drama group, GAA club and basketball club. There are five national schools in and around the village and a secondary school while other local amenities include shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels, restaurants and a community centre.