Loughrea
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Loughrea Baile Locha Riach
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 Loughrea
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| Coordinates: 53°11′49″N 8°34′01″W / 53.197°N 8.567°WCoordinates: 53°11′49″N 8°34′01″W / 53.197°N 8.567°W | ||
| Country | Ireland | |
| Province | Connacht | |
| County | County Galway | |
| Elevation | 82 m (269 ft) | |
| Population (2011) | ||
| • Urban | 5,057 | |
| • Environs | 883 | |
| Irish Grid Reference | M621163 | |
| Website | www |
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Loughrea (/lɒxˈreɪ/ lokh-RAY; Irish: Baile Locha Riach, meaning "town of the grey lake") 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.
The town takes its name from Loch Riach (Irish for "the grey lake") on which it lies. It is also suggested that the town's name derives from Loch Riabhach (meaning "speckled lake"). 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.
Loughrea was traditionally a farming town that cut its industrial teeth with the Tynagh mines, 6 km (3.73 mi) 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.
The Cathedral of St. Brendan on the lakeshore, in the town centre, is considered an important repository of Celtic-revival art and architecture in Ireland.St. Brendan's Catholic Cathedral was designed by William Byrne in 1897 and completed five years later. Its double transepts are an unusual architectural feature. It contains some very fine internal decoration. Spring-fed, Loughrea Lake overlooked by Knockash is popular for trout, pike and perch fishing. The lake is home to many waterbirds. Migratory species from Europe live at the lake during the winters, and it provides nesting grounds for other species during the summer. The lake is listed as a site of international importance for the shoveller and a site of national importance for the coot and tufted duck. In addition it is frequently used for water sports and swimming. Immediately behind the Loughrea boathouse are the remains of an old crannog. The Loughrea dwellers of another time would have sought protection from raiders by living in the comparative security provided by the lake.
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Wikipedia