Galway competes to be named the best place to live in Ireland

By Roisin Peddle

Galway city faces stiff competition from the likes of Dingle and Clonakilty as judges deliberate on where is the best place to live in Ireland.

The Irish Times has listed 25 places, including Galway, on its ‘The Best Place to Live in Ireland’ long list. Readers were encouraged to submit their town, village, or city and with more than 500 entries, every county in Ireland was represented.

The winner will be announced in The Irish Times on June 25. Conor Goodman, chair of the judging panel and the newspaper's features editor, said that the judges' decision would be tough.

“The competition has been very competitive, with so many entries from every part of the country. Now only 25 areas remain, and the judges have an even tougher decision ahead of them,” he said.

“They will be looking at every aspect of these places, from their beauty, to their community spirit, their services, and transport issues. We look forward to revealing the winner in two weeks’ time.”

The entry for Galway city, written by Padraic J Fogarty, spoke of the beauty of the area.

“The interaction of people and place results in some dynamic landscapes in the city, constantly changing and impacting on all of the senses. The vibrancy of Eyre Square and Shop Street on a sunny day is a tonic for locals and visitors alike. Salthill Prom provides a vista of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills in the background, made famous in song by Bing Crosby,” he wrote.

The winning place will be featured in full in The Irish Times on Monday, June 25, with photos and interviews, as well as the winning entry. The newspaper will also host a celebration party in the area, and a plaque will be erected to mark its achievement.

To view the long list and read the submission for Galway visit www.irishtimes.com/bestplace