Is Galway a City in Decline?

Those cities with excellent public transport are indeed doing better. I would suggest that most of them are still in decline though and this will continue.

No matter how good the public transport, it is still easier to drive to a mall on the outside of a town, get free parking and all retail outlets in the one building. Even these are starting to struggle now though. I can't see a future in it. Convenience and cost will win out.

It isnt true that retail is doomed in town/city centres. But the centres do need to be accesible by public transport.

There are very few empty units in Dublin city centre. Some, but not many and no more than there have been in the past.

In Dublin, Restaraunts and bars are increasing in number, not declining.

There will also be heavier taxes on online shopping in the future, to help reduce the carbon footprint of cheap product being flown across the world from china etc and all the emmissions and product packaging that comes with it.

That move will also help support local high streets.

Yeah I was there a few weeks ago and got the exact same vibe (I’ve been a regular visitor since the 70s)

I think part of the problem is the very cheap looking buildings that emerged in the late 80s right into the 2000s- they’re looking very drab now and haven’t at all aged well- they’re all over the city- so that may exhibit A for me.

On the retail shops front, I guess Galway isn’t unique but maybe how the retail sector is laid out in Galway it’s more obvious. Theres a handful of established shops remaining from years ago- Treasure Chest closed last year- Kenny’s bookshop gone many years now- Griffins bakery sadly also closed a few years ago -there was a lovely French shop off Shop st that only survived a few years-and whilst I appreciate no one person may like all of what these shops sold, together they make up a vibrant selection of choice that attracts people into the town- they were all quality and independent retail outlets -without these shops you’re left with pubs cafes and vape shops and even some of these will be gone overnight.

My own view is Galway needs to start again- get rid of the many shabby buildings from the last 30 years and build sympathetically.

Seems a far greater amount of people walking through the city centre now than there was 20-30 years ago. But far fewer shops, retail outlets. I can only assume that the huge increase in cafes, restaurants and other eateries is turning Galway into an experience city rather than a retail one. Have a coffee or a bite to eat, browse a clothes shop or similar. All the major purchases are done in shopping centres and retail parks on the outskirts.

Does this spell the end of bricks and mortar retail. No, but it's definitely changing. I don't think we're going to see any generational business in the city centre. We won't be going into shops as adults that we visited as children. 10 years max is probably how long they last.

I actually think COVID has slowed down the online takeover, even though it boomed during that period. My daughter and wife really missed the browsing experience that you lose when shopping online( not me. I hate shopping) There's also the social aspect of a city centre that a lot of young people missed during COVID that they're embracing now.

How was Paddies Day in Galway.

Good parade, family friendly, messy later but all in good spirits?

Is that the county or Galway city itself?

12% increase from 2016 to 2022?

Yeah I always notice this in Irish towns, you forgot to mention the generations of different wires and cables nailed and cable tied all over the place like some third world country all over the front of every building aswell.

The CSO says that Galway (county and city) grew 8% since 2016. Regardless, the city is definitely growing so the other poster's point was incorrect.

May or may not be a lot but it does counter your "population isn't growing" comment.

From what point has it stood still?

It doesnt seem to get the investment, jobs or population growth vs Limerick or Cork.

I was referring to the place itself, rather than the people.

Limerick is pretty bland. Ok, but a but meh.

People are nice though, I agree.

In terms of population booms people go where the jobs are and it has nothing to do with how "nice" a place is.

It's funny the negative comparison to Limerick because here in Limerick people use Galway as a stick to beat themselves with in regards to Limerick "being a city in decline"

All cities are having similar problems with no easy solutions. Thankfully Ireland is a bit behind as usual and hopefully we can do something before we become like the UK where Galway/Limerick sized cities really have been gutted and are nothing but the same few chain pubs and coffee shops replicated over and over.