Beautiful historic buildings, such as the old stone quadrangle, blend with newer buildings to show UCG's commitment to progress as well as its respect for the past. The university consists of seven faculties, of which the Arts faculty is the largest. The Celtic Studies faculty is known worldwide. There are more that 30 athletic clubs and 20 societies on campus. The university is proud of its outreach programs to the community, the innovative Small Business Development Complex, and the Handiman Library which serves as the main library for western Ireland.
Accommodations are in groups of apartments on campus.
In 1990 a student village was built along the Corib. There are also many private apartment houses in town available to students. The city of Galway is a favorite among visitors to Ireland. Considered cosmopolitan, it attracts writers and artists. Its friendly population of 37,000 adds to its charm.