Galway, Ireland

Capital City

As a blunt, cynical financial journalist, I can tell you that Galway is a lively cultural hub - but don't expect an easy ride. With a population of 83,456, this city on Ireland's west coast is the fifth-largest in the country. While Galway is known for its arts festivals and 'Irishness', the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the climate is reliably wet and changeable. Still, if you can tolerate the paperwork and the rain, this could be the vibrant, historic city for you.