Description
Loughrea is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies to the north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains, and the lake from which it takes its name. The town is also famous for its cathedral (see Loughrea Cathedral) which dominates the town's skyline. The town has expanded in size significantly in recent years as it increasingly becomes a commuter town for the city of Galway.NameThe town takes its name from Loch Riach on which it lies. It is also suggested that the town's name derives from Loch Riabhach . This alternative Irish name is used in the name of the local Irish-language multi-faith primary school: Gaelscoil Riabhach. The town is located within an area that was historically called Trícha Máenmaige.EconomyLoughrea was traditionally a farming town that cut its industrial teeth with the Tynagh mines, 6km to the east. There is now a gas powered electricity power station on the site of the mines. As well as being a dormitory town for Galway, Loughrea now hosts a number of pharmaceutical and data-processing industries. Loughrea's tourist infrastructure is supported by several hotels, a country resort, as well as many bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, coffee-shops and pubs.
Tell your friends
Quiz
