Located on the western coast of Ireland is the county and city of Galway. Although small, it's the second largest county in Ireland and has the nation's largest Gaelic-speaking population. This quaint seaside town served as a busy port for commerce with Portugal and Spain. At one time, 14 wealthy merchant families ruled Galway, earning it the nickname "City of the Tribes." Thirty miles off the coast, but still part of the county of Galway, are the Aran Islands, which are famous for their towering cliffs. Visitors travel to the three islands via ferry or plane. (DOUGLAS PEARSON—GETTY IMAGES)