John F. Kennedy visited Galway, so did Christopher Columbus (in 1477 according to legend). But this medieval fishing village had been established long before either man was born and still thrives today. Now a colorful, pub-filled university town and a Gaelic cultural center, it’s among the best places in the country to hear traditional Irish music played nightly with rollicking abandon. It’s also a popular gateway to the ruggedly beautiful Aran Islands.