GALWAY, a maritime co. of Ireland, province of Connaught, and, after Cork, the largest of all the Irish counties. It is hounded on the E. by two navigable rivers, the Shannon, and its affluent the Suck; and on the w. by the Atlantic ocean. Area, 1,566, 354 acres, of which one half is arable, and most of the rest Pop. '51, 297,897; '61, 254,256; '71, 248,458, of whom 239,902 were Roman Catholics, 7,464 Epis copalians, 615 Presbyterians, and the rest of other denominations. It is watered in the c. by the Shannon, the Suck, and their feeders; and in the w. by loughs Mask and Corrib, and by the streams which fall into these loughs and into Galway bay. In the s. are the Slieve-Baughta mountains; and in the w. are the well-known Twelve Pins, a striking mountain group, with a general elevation of about 2,000 ft. high; and the Maam-Turk mountains, of about an equal height. This western portion of the county is exceedingly 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 s.e. of it is Iar-Connaught, or western Connaught. The coast-line is stated to be about 400 In. in length, and the shore is much broken, and is fringed with numerous islands. On the coasts of Connemara of the sea") and Iar-Connaught, there are more harbors for vessels of large size than on any equal extent of coast perhaps in Europe. 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; kelp is largely manufactured; also Woolens, linens, friezes, felt hats, are manufactured. The lakes and loughs, as well as the coasts of G., are well stocked with fish. The county of G. abounds in ancient remains of the Celtic as well as of the Eng lish period. Rags and cromlechs are numerous; monastic ruins are found in all parts of the county; a very fine specimen of this class is that of Knockmoy, near Tuam; and there are no fewer than seven round towers in the county. G. county sends two mem bers to parliament.