Positive on all counts. The Claddagh is a great and characterful area of Galway - and Edith is an expert on its history, the Famine years in particular. This west side of the river, away from the railway station and the main shops, is less touristy than the east side and was unfamiliar to me, but is lively and full of good places to eat and drink. And is still within easy reach of the centre, university, etc.