The New International Encyclopædia/Galway (county)

GAL′WAY. A maritime county of Connaught, Ireland, and, after Cork, the largest of the Irish counties (Map: Ireland, B 3) . It is bounded on the east by the Shannon and its affluent the Suck, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Area, 2452 square miles, of which bog and marsh make up about 15 per cent. The coast-line is about 400 miles in length, and the shore, much broken, is fringed with numerous islands. Copper is the only mineral of importance that is found. Agriculture and fishing are the leading pursuits; the production of kelp is large; and woolens, linens, friezes, and felt hats are manufactured. Chief towns, Galway, the capital, and Tuam. Population, in 1841, 440,700; in 1851, 322,430; in 1891, 211,227; in 1901, 192,150.