What do you think of when you think of County Galway?
Yes, it’s in Ireland. Yes, they serve Guinness in their pubs (and it’s amazing).
Here’s a few special facts about County Galway:
1. County Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, has some of the most dramatic landscapes and seascapes in the country. In fact, it has Ireland’s only fjord, the gorgeous Killary Harbor.
2. There are many famous symbols associated with Galway. You’re probably familiar with the Claddagh Ring, the iconic ring of love and friendship known around the world. The Aran Sweater, from Galway’s Aran Islands, has become a symbol of Ireland itself. The Galway Hookers – no, they’re not what you think—are Galway’s signature ships.
3. Galway is known as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland” due to its thriving traditions in music, song, dance and the Irish language.
4. Galway has the largest Gaeltacht (Irish speaking community) in Ireland.
5. The longest place name in Ireland is (drumroll please) Muckanaghederdauhaulia. Phew! I hope I spelled that right. In the Irish language, it is Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile, meaning “piggery between two briny places.”
6. The most famous person born in County Galway is movie icon Peter O’Toole, born Peter Seamus Lorcan O’Toole in 1932 in Connemara.
7. Writer and poet Oscar Wilde summed up Connemara in County Galway in two words: “savage beauty.” It’s the perfect description for what has attracted production companies to shoot their films here.
8. County Galway has a long movie history. Here’s just a handful of the many movies made in County Galway: The Guard (2011 – Oscar nominated); Marley and Me (2008); Tristan and Isolde (2006 – James Franco); Into The West (1992 – Gabriel Byrne); The Field (1990 – directed by Jim Sheridan, starring Richard Harris); The Quiet Man (1952 – John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara)
When you experience this part of Ireland, you may feel you’ve gone to heaven. Its rugged beauty and its friendly people will definitely change you.
We’re going to be in County Galway October 9-15, 2016 on our Ireland Screenwriting Retreat. If you want to come along, we’d love to have you join us. There’s only one spot left. You can get info and register here.
Slan,
Diana
