Galway (gôlˈwā) [key], county (1991 pop. 180,364), 2,293 sq mi
(5,939 sq km), W Republic of Ireland. The county town is Galway.
The county is divided into two sections by Lough Corrib. The
mountains of the Connemara region lie to the west; to the east
stretches a rolling plain, partially covered with bogs.
Principal rivers are the Clare, the Clarinbridge, the Dunkelin,
and the Shannon (which forms part of the eastern boundary) and
its tributary, the Suck. The shoreline is extremely irregular,
and there are numerous islands, the chief of which are the Aran
Islands, lying off the mouth of Galway Bay. The main industries
are agriculture (sheep, cattle, oats, and potatoes) and fishing
(salmon). Marble is quarried, and some light manufacturing has
developed. See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish
Political Geography