Galway City is celebrating ‘Purple Flag Month’ this October, acknowledging the people, partnerships and places that make the city’s evening and night-time economy vibrant, welcoming, inclusive, and safe.
Galway City Centre and Salthill hold these prestigious international accreditations, which are awarded by the Association of Town and City Management to only 100 destinations worldwide, in recognition of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy (6pm to 5am).
This October’s Purple Flag celebrations come as Salthill has successfully secured Purple Flag reaccreditation for 2026, reaffirming its status as a destination that continues to meet the high standards in evening and night-time economy management.
First accredited in 2022, Salthill has continued to build on its success through strong partnership working, community engagement and investment in accessibility and visitor experience.
Galway City Centre first achieved Purple Flag accreditation in 2015 and is currently preparing for its next accreditation assessment, which will take place in November 2026, with the outcome expected in January 2027.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, said, “Purple Flag month is a great time to acknowledge the partnerships and people that make Galway City a great place to live, visit and socialise after 6pm.”
“No matter the time of year, Galway City and Salthill are thriving, welcoming destinations – for the people who live here, and visitors, whether young or old, seeking sport, culture, the outdoors or socialising. There is a wonderful, accessible, safe offer here.”
Initiatives this month include;
- Purple Flag flags will be displayed along Salthill Promenade, celebrating Salthill’s successful reaccreditation and raising awareness of the international award.
- The Safe and Sound training programme, designed for those working in the evening and night-time economy, has been extended for a further 12 months, ensuring businesses and staff continue to have access to free practical online training that supports customer care, safety and wellbeing.
- Galway City Council will share An Garda Síochána safety awareness videos throughout the month, encouraging people to keep themselves and each other safe while enjoying a night out.
- A diverse programme of cultural, community and night-time events will continue throughout the winter months as part of the Night-Time Economy Programme, Follow This is Galway guide to experience some of what Galway has to offer, thisisgalway.ie/nighttime
- Members of the public are encouraged to explore the latest Night-Time Economy events and activities through the Gaillimh Ah Boo! programme, which showcases a wide range of family friendly experiences taking place across the city. GaillimhAhboo.ie
Superintendent Finbarr Philpott, Galway City Community Engagement Area, said, “Safety is central to a vibrant and successful evening and night-time economy. Purple Flag accreditation reflects the strong partnership between An Garda Síochána, local businesses, community representatives, and other stakeholders in helping to make Salthill a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
“We congratulate Salthill on its successful reaccreditation and will continue to work with our partners to support a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive Galway City Council, said, “Purple Flag Month is a celebration of the partnerships that help create a vibrant, diverse and safe evening and night-time economy.”
“We are delighted that Salthill has once again achieved Purple Flag accreditation, recognising the tremendous work being done by businesses, community groups, Galway City Council, An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders. Likewise in the city centre, these partnerships are essential to achieve the Purple Flag accreditation.”
