Headford () is a small town in County Galway, located 26 km north of Galway city in the west of Ireland. It is an angling centre for the eastern shore of Lough Corrib, and Greenfields, approximately 6.5 km west of the town, is its boating harbour. The town is situated next to the Black River (known also for its trout angling) which is the county boundary with Mayo. Located on the N84 national secondary road from Galway to Castlebar and the R333, and R334 regional roads, the town is a commuter town to Galway City. The town is the centre of an area which contains a number of prehistoric burial cairns, Iron Age stone enclosures, early Norman and later castles, and several monastic sites. These include Ross Errilly Friary, located northwest of Headford, which is one of the best preserved monastic ruins of its period in Ireland. According to 2016 census, there were 973 people living in Headford in April 2016. History In his 1837 Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, Samuel Lewis recorded a population of 1,441. He described the town in some detail: This is a neat and clean town, having been much improved by its proprietor, R. J. Mansergh St. George, Esq.; it has a considerable trade, and commands fine views of Lough Corrib, and the mountains of Joyces' country and Mayo. It comprises 217 houses, is a chief constabulary police station, and has petty sessions on Mondays; here is also a dispensary. Bobbin lace, coarse linen, and flannel are made. The market is on Tuesday, and fairs are held on May 11th and Oct. 14th. Headford Castle is the residence of R. J. M. St. George, Esq.; it is a handsome modern building, erected on the ruins of the ancient castle; the extensive demesne, which is laid out with great taste, is entered from the town by a good gateway. Here is also Clydagh House, the seat of G. Staunton Lynch, Esq. The St. George's family ownership of the town is explored in "Headford, County Galway, 1775-1901" by Gerardine Candon (). Education Headford has a small library with two book clubs - one for children from 8 to 13 years and one for adults. Headford has one secondary school, Presentation College Headford, which had approximately 780 pupils as of late 2019. The town itself has two primary schools: Headford Girls National School and St Brendan's Boys National School