Description of Gakvay. S43 



So desolate a scene of apparent ruins on a flat 

 surface I never before saw ; and, instead of the 

 view presenting the indications of a large and 

 populous town, containing thirty thousand in- 

 habitants, I should have supposed the place 

 unpeopled, and in the most inhospitable region. 

 The bay seems to have been the only induce- 

 ment for its adoption as the site of a large town ; 

 and even this may be objected to, as the ap- 

 proach to it is dangerous for ships exceeding a 

 certain moderate draft of water. Newton, 

 which is on the opposite side of the bay, is the 

 principal resort for the shipping. 



The town of Galway occupies a considerable 

 extent of ground. The Irish town is of great 

 length, and crowded with low, mean cabins, 

 which shelter a numerous population, living 

 apparently in great poverty. In the old town 

 the houses are lofty, with their gable ends 

 towards the streets, which are very narrow and 

 dirty. The modern parts are in a much better 

 style the square is an airy spot, and when 

 completed will be handsome. The jail is a fine 

 modern building, and is well regulated. There 

 are also a respectable garrison and considerable 

 barracks. Too much in commendation of the 

 quays cannot be said. The herring fishery is 

 considerable ; yet to a stranger unconnected 



