Galway city began it life as a settlement. It is located at the mouth of the river . The settlement became an important with trading links with . The of the settlement was dominated by 14 merchant families. For that reason, the city became known as the City of the Tribes. Today, its still exists but the city is now more important as a tourist and centre. The city is the to the spectacular scenery of . Galway also has an important educational function and is the home of .