It’s not often a university can boast a former U.S. president among its undergraduate class. But that’s just the case at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where Jeb Bartlett recently enrolled as a student. Granted, Bartlett wasn’t a real U.S. president, but his alter ego, Martin Sheen, played one on TV. When the television series “West Wing” ended its seven-year run earlier this year, Sheen announced plans to return to school to pursue studies in English literature, philosophy and theology at NUI Galway.

And if the possibility of running into President Bartlett — I mean, Sheen — in the campus coffee shop and engaging in a philosophical discussion about world politics isn’t reason enough to visit Ireland’s third largest city, read on.

Widely regarded as the capital of western Ireland, Galway City has come into its own in recent years, experiencing economic growth fueled by manufacturing, tourism, retail and distribution, education, healthcare, financial services and construction. A report released last year by Ireland West Tourism, the regional tourism authority for counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, reveals the changing face of Galway City and its environs. Employment in western Ireland increased by 30 percent from 1998 to 2004 with approximately half of that growth related to tourism. Agricultural employment declined by 21 percent during the same period. Since 1998 the public sector has surpassed manufacturing as the primary employer, while agriculture is now ranked fifth in importance compared to its rank of No. 2 in 1998.

The report also identifies some interesting statistics about the relative importance of tourism in western Ireland compared to the Dublin region. Tourism dollars account for 7.6 percent of the gross value added in western Ireland versus 2.8 percent in the Dublin region. From an economic activity perspective, tourism is 275 percent more important to the Western economy than it is to the Dublin economy. From an employment perspective, jobs related directly to tourism account for 5.4 percent of the workforce in the West compared to 3 percent in Dublin.

Based on the report, Ireland West Tourism concluded that the health of the regional economy is dependent on sustained investment, innovation and development of tourism. To that end, Ireland West Tourism has identified several key projects including the construction of a Galway City outer bypass; completion of the highway connecting Galway and Dublin; development of the coastline; and improvements to regional airports.

With local focus zeroing in on the continued development of the tourism sector, it’s no wonder Galway City and the surrounding region is gaining ground as a meetings and incentive destination. It’s easy to reach to reach from the U.S. East Coast — about six hours by air from New York. And its gateway, Shannon Airport (SNN), is just a 90-minute drive from Galway City. Once on the ground, it’s relatively easy to navigate the diverse, 23,000-square-mile expanse that makes up Galway County.

Divided by Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake, the county is composed of two very different regions — the vast natural landscape of Connemara to the west and expansive farmland to the east. Galway City is at its coastal center. Unique among Irish cities due to its strong Celtic heritage, Galway City is one of the few places in Ireland where visitors still may hear the native language used in casual conversation. (I dined next to a couple speaking Gaelic and was struck by the Germanic sound of the language; surprised by the contrast to the lilting sounds of English spoken by Irish natives.)

Founded in 1320, Galway City retains much of its medieval ambience, particularly in the city center where narrow streets (some now designated pedestrian-only thoroughfares) wind past stone-and-wood storefronts. Perhaps due to its large student population, the city is somewhat bohemian in nature. It boasts an active pub culture with a leaning toward traditional Irish music.

LODGING

ASHFORD CASTLE

Located 45 minutes from Galway City, Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres on the shore of Lough Corrib and the River Cong. Dating to the 13th century, the castle opened as a hotel in 1939. Today it features 83 guestrooms, including six staterooms and five suites. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, interactive TV systems, high-speed Internet access and U.S. voltage electrical outlets. Dining venues include the formal George V Room with period furnishings and Waterford chandeliers or the more intimate Connaught Room. Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room. Ashford Castle is a member of Small Leading Hotels of the World. $$$$
ASHFORD CASTLE
Cong, County Mayo
tel 353 94 954 6003, fax 353 94 954 6260
www.ashford.ie

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, GALWAY CITY

Just a short drive from the center of Galway City, Courtyard by Marriott is a convenient option for business travelers. Guestrooms feature high-speed Internet access, coffeemaker and mini-refrigerator. Public areas and meeting rooms offer wireless Internet access. Dining venues include the Olive Point Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Point Bar, open for lunch and dinner. There’s an on-site fitness center outfitted with weights and cardio-vascular equipment. $$$-$$$$
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT GALWAY CITY
Headford Point, Galway
tel 353 91 513200, fax 353 91 513201
www.marriott.com

GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL GALWAY

An extensive renovation completed in 2003 restored this circa-1845 property in the heart of Galway City to its 19th century grandeur. The 99-room property seamlessly melds its elegant Victorian features with all the modern conveniences required by business travelers. Located at Eyre Square, the hotel’s guestrooms feature beds made up with crisp linens, high-speed Internet access and comfortable sitting areas. Junior suites include a large dressing room, spacious sitting room and marble baths outfitted with Molton Brown toiletries. Guests staying in junior suites have access to the executive lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary high-speed Internet access and honor bar. Dining venues include the elegant Oyster Room and the informal O’Flaherty’s Bar. $$$$
GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL GALWAY
Eyre Square
Galway City
tel 353 91 564041
www.gshotels.com

DINING

MORAN’S ON THE WEIR

It’s easy to miss the sign for this for this little hideaway, but well worth the effort to discover the waterside dining venue. Located in a thatched-roof cottage, the casual eatery is known for its seafood – oysters, smoked salmon and rich chowder. The menu also features an incredible warm goat cheese salad. Run by the Moran family for six generations, the establishment is also home to a friendly pub. $-$$$
MORAN’S ON THE WEIR
Kilkogan, County Galway
tel 353 91 796113

MAXWELL McNAMARA’S

Located just off Eyre Square, this restaurant has a pleasant feel about it, with nooks and crannies making it intimate and cozy. It is family-oriented and reasonably priced, with good, generous meals offering the choice of steak, pasta, chicken and seafood. Special children’s meals are also available, and the restaurant is fully licensed. $$
MAXWELL McNAMARA’S
Williamsgate Street
Galway City
tel 353 91 565727

GEORGE V ROOM

Named following a visit by the Prince of Wales who subsequently became George V of England, this elegant dining room where gentlemen are required to wear a suit and tie is ideal for impressing business clients or romantic partners. Period decor is illuminated by Waterford chandeliers as discreet servers cater to diners’ every need. Menu highlights include smoked organic Connemara salmon, roast of spring lamb with herb crust, sauteed vegetables and roast potatoes, and rhubarb crumble with créme fraiche ice cream and vanilla sauce. $$$$
GEORGE V ROOM
Ashford Castle
Cong, County Mayo
tel 353 94 954 6003, fax 353 94 954 6260

Checking In With Joseph P. Byrne
Executive Vice President for the U.S. and Canada, Tourism Ireland

Global Traveler: Galway City boasts a laidback attitude conducive to leisure and relaxation, but it’s also a bustling city. What appeal does Galway City hold for the business traveler?

Joe Byrne: Ireland is absolutely the right place for the business traveler to visit. Even though the Emerald Isle is the fastest growing and most successful economy in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in the past 25 years, the Irish people are also among the friendliest and warmest visitors will find anywhere. The environment for business is extremely attractive — educated workforce, low taxes, customs duty-free access to the biggest consumer market on earth and much more.

To cater to the international business community, Galway now boasts some of the finest hotel and conference facilities in the country. Galway offers a wide range of great hotels, such as the G Hotel, SAS Radisson, Great Southern Hotel and the Glenlo Abbey Hotel and each caters to the special needs the business traveler.

Galway is now a diverse city — traditional and progressive at the same time. Visitors can experience firsthand how an economy that is booming has not changed a friendly, creative and fun.

Ireland’s western seaboard is a mecca for golfers, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Fabulous restaurants and bars and myriad entertainment options include theater and live traditional musical evenings like Trad on the Prom (www.tradontheprom.com) – an electrifying mix of music, song and dance that takes place several times each week from May through September.

Galway is also easy to get to. It has superb ease of access by road, train or bus and is conveniently close to Shannon Airport for trans-Atlantic visitors.

GT: Describe Galway City and its environs as a meetings and incentives destination. What are some of the highlights in terms of accommodations, activities, meeting and conference facilities?
JB: Galway is a fabulous place for corporations to schedule conventions, incentive travel programs, conferences or business meetings from small to large. There is a wide choice in the types of facilities available to service events — from high-quality, five-star resort properties like nearby Ashford Castle to more modern, leading-edge facilities available in hotels such as the SAS Radisson near the heart of Galway City.

Within a short drive there are also superb options to consider at magnificent venues such as Dromoland Castle, Adare Manor, Galway Bay Hotel, Glenlo Abbey, the University of Limerick and many others. All of these venues offer the very best in meetings and conference facilities. All have hosted major meetings and events for international corporate clients. Ireland is targeting business tourism as major sector for growth in the future. Galway plays a key role in that strategy.

Ireland is now host to more than 1,000 international companies that have located manufacturing or international service operations in Ireland. Many major American companies operate in Ireland — from software engineering to computer and electronics manufacturing right across the spectrum to bulk pharmaceutical production. These companies demand and receive the very best in conference, meetings and conventions facilities. Staging meetings in Ireland is a sure bet on success.

GT: Given its central location in western Ireland, Galway is well situated for business travelers who may choose to extend their stay and explore the region — perhaps planning to have their families join them. Please suggest a three- to five-day itinerary beginning and ending in Galway City.
JB: Galway City is a vibrant cultural capital of Ireland and it enjoys much charisma and charm for those seeking to add a short vacation stay to a business itinerary. Literally on the city’s doorsteps, visitors can escape to the breathtaking scenery of Connemara. The entire West of Ireland region is rich in castles and country estates, many of which can be hired exclusively for business meetings or group bookings.

GT: In October, Global Traveler will be introducing a spa report. Although Galway isn’t widely known as a spa destination, I understand it has its share of top-notch spas. Please familiarize our readers with some of the region’s top spas.
JB: One of the hottest hospitality industry trends in recent years has been the development of the luxury spa concept. Ireland’s hotel partners in the tourism business have been investing very heavily in building some of the most innovative and luxurious spa facilities available anywhere in Europe. And Galway has been no exception to that trend. The following represent a small sampling of recent spa developments in the Galway region:

Designed by Espa, the new spa at the ultra-trendy G Hotel (www.theghotel.ie) — the five-star urban hotel designed by Philip Treacy

Marriott Courtyard and Absolute Spa (www.absolutespa.ie) is a spanking-new spa that boasts extensive facilities and features holistic treatments including Ayurveda

Radisson SAS Galway and Spirit Spa (www.spiritonespa.com) offers visitors a state-of-the-art leisure center with wet and dry treatments and a thermal suite

Ashford Castle (www.ashford.ie) has opened a new spa treatment facility in the luxurious surroundings

Just the Facts

Standard Time Zone: GMT+1
Phone codes: 353
Currency: Euro
Entry/Exit Requirements: U.S. citizens require a passport (valid for six months), but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Official Language: English
Key Industries: Manufacturing, tourism, retail and distribution, education, healthcare and financial services.

INFO TO GO

Shannon Airport (SNN), the gateway to western Ireland, is about 90 minutes by car (56 miles) from Galway City. Most major car rental agencies have offices at the airport. A taxi desk is located in the arrivals hall. Citylink (www.citylink.ie) provides express coach service to Galway. Fare from the airport to Galway is is about $20. The return trip costs about $30. For more information about Galway City and its environs, visit the Tourism Ireland Web site at www.tourismireland.com or call 800 223 6470.