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An Bord Pleanála green light’s Galway City apartment complex

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Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a residential development of 74 apartments on the west side of Galway City, despite strong local opposition.

Sean Talamh Development Ltd has received planning permission for the demolition of the former T O’Higgins site on the Rahoon Road.

In its place they intend to build a part three-storey, part four-storey u-shaped apartment complex arranged around a central courtyard.

The housing will comprise 19 one-bed apartments, 48 two-bed apartments, and 7 three-bed apartments, with 59 car parking spaces at the basement level.

Galway City Council has already approved this development in January of 2023, with strong local opposition.

A total of 43 objections were received at the planning stage, including one from a Shantalla Residents Association with 73 signatures.

The council’s decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála in four separate third-party appeals, one of which was from the Residents of Shantalla, and included a petition.

A major issue in the appeals was the zoning of the site, stating that the Enterprise, Light Industry and Commercial zoning does not permit residential use.

Other concerns related to the scale height and massing of the apartments, water services and flooding, overlooking, overshadowing, overdevelopment, traffic, parking, antisocial behaviour, damage to wildlife, and aviation safety.

Under the current City Development Plan, the area is zoned C1 Commercial/Industrial, but this site is also part of the Shantalla Strategic Regeneration and Opportunity Site in the plan, which does allow for residential use.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála with 22 revised conditions attached to the approval.

Among these the board stipulated revised boundary walls for private and public open space, and that at least 10% of parking spaces must be fitted with EV charging stations, with ducting to allow for chargers to be installed at all other spaces.

Gardaí attending collapsed wall in Loughrea amid heavy winds

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Gardaí are attending the scene of a collapsed wall in Loughrea amid gale force winds in Galway this morning.

County Councillor Shane Curley shared images of the collapsed stone wall on Moore Street this morning, and advised people to avoid the area.

“Gardaí are on scene on Moore Street. Please avoid the street until the council work with them to clear it.”

Galway is under a status yellow weather warning for heavy winds on Thursday, which will remain in place throughout the day.

“Northwest winds will be very strong at times. High waves are also expected,” Met Eireann has said.

The warning will be in force until 8pm on Thursday, with possible wave overtopping, debris and loose objects, and difficult driving conditions.

TG4 brings Connacht URC Rugby fever to fans this holiday season

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Connacht v Munster. Photo Credit: Sportsfile

TG4 is set to elevate the rugby-watching experience with comprehensive coverage of the United Rugby Championship this Christmas.

With a focus on two highly-anticipated interprovincial ties and three other exhilarating matchups from the global rugby stage, TG4 promises to bring the best of URC rugby to fans across the nation.

Christmas Crackers: Interprovincial Rivalries Ignite the Screen

Ulster v Connacht – December 22 at 19:15

The holiday season kicks off with an intense interprovincial clash. Connacht travel to the Kingspan Stadium having narrowly avoided a shock defeat to Ulster at home in November.

Connacht v Munster – January 1 at 14:30

Ushering in the New Year, Connacht aspire to continue a good run of home form as Munster aim to achieve a valuable win on the road in the Sportsground.

Friends turn to foes in South African duels

South African international players, fresh from achieving World Cup victory, now shift their focus to the URC in three local head-to-heads:

  • Stormers v Bulls – December 23 at 16:55
  • Stormers v Sharks – December 30 at 16:55
  • Sharks v Lions – January 6 at 14:55

TG4’s Rugbaí Beo led by presenter Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill, is produced by Iris Productions.

The Galway-based production company spearheaded many innovations in their previous rugby coverage on TG4, including behind-the-scenes referee briefings and audio-snoops on coaches and players. NEP Ireland will provide OB facilities.

Engage with the rugby community on social media, @SportTG4 will be posting live clips and commentary from all the above games on Twitter / X.

Share your insights, predictions, and favourite moments as TG4 brings the excitement of URC rugby to screens nationwide.

Electric Nightclub reopening in the New Year

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Electric Nightclub reopening in the New Year

Electric Nightclub in Galway City Centre will be reopening its doors for people looking to have a great night out in the new year.

Create Real Estate announced on LinkedIn that, “The rumours are true… Electric is back!!!” this week.

“Those of us who are old enough to remember it as CP’s all have fond memories of this much loved Galway institution…!

“Create Real Estate are delighted to have put this off market letting together over the last few months..

“Best of luck to James and the team – due to open early in the New Year.”

Both Electric and Halo nightclubs closed down in November 2021 due to extensive losses brought on by pandemic restrictions.

In an emotional statement from the two clubs they said that after enduring over 600 days of closure, and all the associated losses, there was no option but to fold.

Traffic delays expected from emergency N84 roadworks

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Galway Daily news

Traffic on the N84 will be disrupted by emergency roadworks taking place on Thursday.

Galway County Council is carrying out emergency surface repair roadworks on the N84 Clonboo today.

In order to facilitate these works, a Stop & Go traffic management system with lane closures will be in place today.

The roadworks are scheduled to take place from 9am to 4pm on Thursday.

As a consequence of this, road users are advised to expect delays and allow additional time for journeys.

Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

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Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

Heavy winds and dangerous waves are expected throughout the day in Galway today, with a weather warning in force this morning.

Galway is included in a Status Yellow Wind Warning which will be in force until 8pm on Thursday.

Northwest winds will be very strong at times today, and high waves are also expected Met Eireann has said.

This weather may lead to wave overtopping, debris and loose objects, and create difficult driving and cycling conditions.

The weather warning is in place for all of Connacht, along with counties Clare, Kerry, and Donegal.

It will also be mostly rainy in Galway today, light and scattered most of the time, but turning heavier in places.

Highest air temperatures today of 10 to 11 degrees, but the sharp wind will make it feel much colder than that.

A separate wind warning is also in place for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford today.

In addition, dangerous conditions are expected off the coast, with a marine gale warning issued for coastal waters from Roches Point to Bloody Foreland to Wicklow Head and on the Irish Sea North of Anglesey.

West to northwest winds will reach gale force 8 or higher off the coast today.

The blunder of Checo Pérez in the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix

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The Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Checo Pérez was having quite a difficult 2023 season. If you love Formula 1, you can wager at 1xBet – place a sporting bet on all its races and win.

On the 29th of October 2023, the Mexican Grand Prix was going to be celebrated at Pérez’ home, in Mexico City. For this reason, it was expected that this would be a golden opportunity for the Mexican driver to deliver a magnificent performance. Whenever a Formula 1 Grand Prix is being held, don’t forget to place a sporting bet at 1xBet today.

However, as we will discuss here, what could have been a dream race for Pérez quickly turned into a total nightmare.

A dramatic start

Checo Pérez did a pretty good qualifying phase before the actual race. For this reason, he managed to secure the 5th place of the starting grid. Whenever the qualifying are being held, visit 1xbet.ie/en/line/formula-1 – best betting on Formula 1 and its next rounds can be made.

The pole position was for Charles Leclerc, who would become the other protagonist of the horror movie that had Pérez as its main protagonist.

Eventually, the race began. All drivers quickly accelerated on the first part of the track. Only a few seconds into the race, the unthinkable happened. The best betting on Formula 1 is present at 1xBet, and here you can also wager on unexpected occurrences too.

The front left wheel of Leclerc made contact with the rear part of Pérez’s car. This lifted the Mexican’s car, and caused him to lose control for a few seconds. Pérez left the track and continued into a safety area. Thankfully he didn’t crash with the walls. However, his race was basically over.

A futile attempt

The replays showed that Pérez’s car suffered a hard landing, and apparently the suspension was broken. The most profitable wagers are present at 1xBet – best tennis betting is available alongside great Formula 1 wagers too.

Pérez managed to return to the track, but his car had sustained serious damage. He made one full lap and immediately entered the pits. However, there was nothing that the mechanics could do to fix the car quickly. He was forced to abandon, and by the way, he had completed all races since 2018.

The hundreds of thousands of Mexican fans who gathered at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to see their driver could not believe it.

The top drivers of that day were:

  • Charles Leclerc, whose car suffered minimal damage after colliding with Pérez;
  • Carlos Sainz Jr.;
  • and Max Verstappen.

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Gardaí investigate as items stolen from shop in Loughrea

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Galway Daily news

Gardaí are currently investigating an incident of theft at a retail premises in Loughrea in Co. Galway.

On Monday, 18 December, at around 8am, a number of items were taken from a premises in the area.

No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

More to follow…

Weather warning issued for Galway

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Galway Daily news Storm Amy

A status yellow warning has been issued for Galway by Met Éireann ahead of high winds which could lead to hazardous conditions for road users on Thursday.

Met Éireann is warning of very strong winds, and high waves are also expected during the weather warning.

The forecasters are also warning people in Galway that debris and loose objects may be displaced, and that there will be difficult driving and cycling conditions.

As well as Galway, the status yellow warning affects Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, and Roscommon.

It comes into effect at midnight tonight, remaining in place until 8pm tomorrow (Thursday).

More luxury holiday cruises coming to Galway

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glaway daily news o toole tourism mnager

A luxury travel company has launched a new Galway branch specialising in cruises and luxury holidays, welcoming specialist Caroline O’Toole to the team.

To celebrate the launch, JWT Travel cruise bookings has confirmed that by the end of February all cruise bookings will enter into a draw to win a €500 spending voucher onboard of their selected cruise holiday.

Celebrity Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Uniworld, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Lines and APT are some of the companies which will offer people a choice of destinations.

Caroline O’Toole, new head of cruise sales at JWT Travel, who has over 25 years of experience in cruise and luxury travel, says that from seasoned cruisers to first timers, honeymoons and even those looking to get married onboard, they have the perfect cruise for those onboard.

“We have a great selection of cruise holidays for 2024 and 2025 and we will be adding more exciting destinations in the coming weeks.”

University of Galway plans for professor of applied clinical data analytics

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galway daily news professor applied data analytics
Professor John F. and Dr Marie Greally with (back row from left) University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway. Photo: Martina Regan

University of Galway has announced plans to establish a Professor of Applied Clinical Data Analytics.

The Lectureship is named after University graduates Professor John F. and Dr Marie Greally, and will be a shared position between the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the Insight SFI Centre for Data Analytics.

This new Lectureship aims to bridge the gap between traditional statistical approaches and emerging cutting-edge methods in data analysis.

The aim is to encourage innovative thinking in areas like understanding the cause of illnesses, predicting clinical outcomes and factors that can affect the population’s health.

President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that the University of Galway expresses its gratification at the distinguished honour bestowed upon Professor John F. and Dr Marie Greally through the naming of this new Lectureship.

“This will further enhance the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science’s leadership in the field of Clinical Data Analytic,” he said.

“Driven by years of unwavering commitment and service to the field of medicine, both in Ireland and globally, both John and Marie have left an indelible mark. Their unwavering commitment is evident in the substantial contributions they have made to the advancement of medical knowledge, healthcare practices and the betterment of patient outcomes.

“The establishment of this Lectureship stands as a pivotal initiative within the University’s comprehensive Meitheal campaign. Aligned with our commitment to values of openness, respect, sustainability and excellence, this campaign aims to propel initiatives that fortify the University’s core principles.”

Dr Marie Greally said: “Our career paths exposed us to the excitement and value of being able to incorporate research into medical practice. We are grateful to the University of Galway for the opportunity to help the career of someone who can inspire a generation of students to learn about the value of research in medicine.”

Professor John F. Greally said: “It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to our University and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, to which we are grateful for giving us the chance to have our careers in medicine.”

Worst year on record for hospital overcrowding with UHG in top 3

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Over 120,000 patients have gone without a bed in Irish hospitals in 2023 in what has been the worst year for hospital overcrowding on record.

The most overcrowded hospitals were University Hospital Limerick with 21,141 patients on trolleys, Cork University Hospital with 12,487, and University Hospital Galway with 8,914 who waited on trolleys for a bed.

A total of 517 patients are on trolleys in Irish hospitals today, according to the INMO.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that with six days to Christmas, there has been no let-up in pressure for nurses and midwives who are working in overcrowded and understaffed hospitals.

“For the second year in a row we have broken overcrowding records. The year is not even over and 121,526 patients have been admitted to hospital without a bed,” she said.

“Over 3,450 children have been on trolleys so far this year, an increase of 24% on the previous year. This is not something to celebrate and was entirely predictable.”

Ms Ní Sheaghdha said that instead of coming forward with plans to drastically improve the lot of their members and patients who find themselves in emergency departments, the HSE has instead decided to implement a recruitment freeze which will further demoralise a burned out, exhausted workforce.

“We know from past experience that it can take a long time to reverse the impact of any recruitment freeze.

“What will it take for the HSE and Government to act? The independent agency HIQA last week stated that in over 80% of the hospitals they have inspected, patient dignity was compromised and that workforce planning must be prioritised.

“Long delays, inadequate bed space and unsafe staffing levels are making it impossible for our members to provide safe care.

“We are about to walk into an unbearably busy time in our public hospital system and it is clear that lessons from the not-so-distant past have not been learned when it comes to tackling the root causes of hospital overcrowding.”

Just over 2 weeks for Galway lotto player to claim October prize

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Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

A Lotto player in the Portumna area has yet to come forward to claim a prize worth €24,224 which was won on 7 October.

The Galway player shared the €48,448 Match 5+Bonus prize with a Dublin player after purchasing their winning Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw at Desmond Salmon on Patrick Street in Portumna.

The winning numbers in the Saturday 7 October Lotto draw were: 23, 25, 28, 32, 33, 44 and the bonus was 29.

As ticketholders have 90 days from the draw date to claim their prize, the claim deadline for this Match 5 + Bonus prize is close of business on Friday, 5 January 2024.

A National Lottery spokesperson has appealed to Lotto players who may have purchased their tickets in Galway for the 7 October draw to check their old tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this €24,224 prize.

“A Lotto player in Galway will hopefully be celebrating Christmas early by claiming a €24,224 prize which they won back in October,” a spokesperson said.

“The winning ticketholder purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket for the Saturday 7th October on the day of the draw at Desmond Salmon on Patrick Street in Portumna, Co. Galway.

“We are hoping that our Lotto players in the West will check their old tickets that might be stuck in the end of old handbags or glove compartments as soon as possible as the winner has just less than three weeks left to claim their Match 5 + Bonus prize.

“The winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket, which is now worth €24,224, and to make contact with our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for the winner to visit Lotto HQ as soon as possible.”

Local groups condemn “certain politicians spreading fear and hate”

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galway daily news roscahill fire

Galway Communities Against Racism and Discrimination has condemned the criminal burning of the Ross Lake House Hotel in Rosscahill and is urgently requesting politicians and communities to show leadership in calling for this type of behaviour to end.

In a statement, the groups said that people in Galway have always welcomed people who have come here to build their lives, to work, study or because they need a safe place to live.

“We pride ourselves on being a county that celebrates culture and diversity. We stand in solidarity with those who are due to be accommodated at the hotel and will work to ensure their safety and welcome,” they said.

“Certain politicians, in particular local Fianna Fáil councillors, and groups, seeking to spread fear, hate and misinformation about people seeking asylum, want to distract us from the real problems our communities are facing – such as not having enough homes, healthcare, or public transport.”

GCARD said politicians and policymakers must focus their attention on finding the solutions to these problems that affect all of us, as a matter of urgency, and that An Garda Síochána bring those responsible to justice.

“No matter who we are, where we were born or where we come from, whether we have lived here all our lives or come here seeking safety, all of us as human beings deserve a safe and secure place to live, thrive and flourish.

“We want to live in communities that are safe and welcoming and that are respectful of everyone, regardless of our ethnicity, gender, or skin colour.

“GCARD promotes the values of inclusion, human rights, and equality. We extend our friendship and welcome to all those who have come to Ireland seeking asylum and refuge. We will continue to work collectively to build a country that is inclusive, welcoming and that rejects the spread of hate and fear.”

The GCARD statement was signed by Galway City Community Network, Galway Traveller Movement, AMACH! LGBT+ Galway, Galway Anti Racism Network, Melting Pot Luck Galway, University of Sanctuary, Galway, Community Knowledge Initiative Galway, Shining Light Galway.

Cheque presented after Aran to Spiddal swim for breast cancer research

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galway daily news mná n dtonnta hading over cheque to lambe institute
Photo by Sean Lydon

Four women have handed over a cheque to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute following a successful fundraiser earlier this year.

The women, Mná n dTonnta, took on a challenging marathon swim from Inis Mór on the Aran Islands to Spiddal in September to raise money for breast cancer research.

Not only did they complete the challenge safely, but they raised an incredible €8,230 for the Institute.

Attending the presentation to the charity recently at the Lambe Institute, were; Dr Heidi Annuk, swimmer Bridget Wing, Chairperson of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Caroline Loughnane, swimmer Bernagh Hynes and Hannah Ryman. 

One person killed in Galway traffic collision

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Galway daily news

One person was killed in a road traffic collision outside Galway City in the early hours of Monday morning.

Gardaí and emergency services attended a single vehicle collision on the N59 Moycullen Road today.One person was killed in a road traffic collision outside Galway City in the early hours of Monday morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 5am on Monday, and one person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The body was later removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

A technical examination was carried out earlier today by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. The road is currently open.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and who were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 5am this morning, Monday 18th December 2023, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station

Funding for mental health supports in universities

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Galway Daily news Coronavirus: NUIG confirms two cases among student body

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD has announced €5 million in mental health support for students.

University of Galway has been allocated €316,438 and ATU will receive €431,667.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said that this generation is facing mental health challenges like no other.

“The pressure our young people are facing requires important interventions at the right stage of their lives,” he said.

“That is why we have provided €20.9 million to Higher Education Institutions since 2020.

“Crucially, this has allowed universities recruit additional Student Counsellors, additional Assistant Psychologists. 77 were hired last year alone.

“The funding this year will embed these services in our college campuses.”

Universities have the flexibility to use the funding to address the needs of their student population.

They can engage a range of other important staff in this domain, such as clinical case managers, heads of service, mental health officers, framework implementation managers, admin staff, mental health nurses or GPs, etc.

Minister Harris added: “Since I became Minister, I have travelled to almost every college campus in the country and one of the consistent messages I receive is that students need support in this area.

“I am so delighted we have managed to have secured this level of funding every year for the past three years.

“Crucially, this will also help us roll out national projects including a 24/7 peer service, the establishment of a national office for the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland and a new data building service to establish a research network of researchers in the area of suicide and self-harm. I know this funding will make a real difference to college-goers across the country.”

Cultural Treasures And Trendy Hangouts In Galway’s Nightlife

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Galway Daily news Iconic Galway nightclub reopening this weekend

Galway is known as a captivating city that intertwines its rich cultural heritage with a lively and diverse nightlife. Known for its warm hospitality, historic charm, and vibrant arts scene, Galway has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Galway’s culture is woven with threads of history, art, and music. The city proudly boasts historical landmarks like the iconic Spanish Arch, standing as a testament to its medieval past, while the Galway City Museum invites visitors on a journey through the region’s fascinating heritage. Theatres such as the Town Hall Theatre serve as cultural hubs, showcasing a range of performances from traditional plays to contemporary productions. Galway’s streets echo the lively tunes of traditional Irish music, offering a dynamic and authentic experience for those seeking a connection to Ireland’s cultural roots.

Cultural Treasures Of Galway

Galway’s landscape is adorned with historical landmarks that stand as silent witnesses to the city’s storied past. Among these, the Spanish Arch and the Galway City Museum emerge as iconic sites, beckoning visitors to explore the remnants of a bygone era.

The Spanish Arch, an enduring symbol of Galway, is a marvel of medieval architecture. Originally constructed in the late 16th century as part of the city’s defensive walls, the arch once served as a gateway for ships entering the bustling Claddagh Quay. Today, it stands as a picturesque reminder of Galway’s maritime history, offering panoramic views of the River Corrib and the lively atmosphere that surrounds it.

The historical landmarks of Galway serve as touchstones connecting the present to the city’s rich and varied past. The Spanish Arch, named for its association with trade with the Iberian Peninsula, encapsulates the strategic importance of Galway as a medieval trading port.

Similarly, the Galway City Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting the multifaceted history of the region. 

Fusion Of Culture And Trend

A new wave of establishments blends cultural traditions with contemporary trends, creating unique and enticing venues that cater to the diverse tastes of both locals and tourists. The Crane Bar stands as a prime example of cultural fusion. This traditional Irish pub not only preserves the authenticity of Irish folk music but also introduces a modern flair. Live sessions featuring local musicians playing traditional tunes resonate through the centuries-old walls, creating an atmosphere where the past and present converge.

The fusion of culture and trends in these unique venues mirrors the spirit of Galway itself. 

The Genuine Spirit Of Galway’s Inhabitants

Galway proudly earned the distinguished title of European City of Culture, a recognition that celebrated not just its cultural richness but also the warm embrace of its people. At the heart of this accolade lies the genuine and renowned Irish welcome, a trait deeply embedded in the character of the locals. Galway’s friendly inhabitants contribute significantly to the city’s allure, making it a standout destination for cultural enthusiasts and travellers alike.

The essence of the famous Irish welcome is palpable on the charming streets of Galway. Visitors find themselves enveloped in hospitality that goes beyond politeness, it’s a genuine warmth that reflects the community’s pride in their city and eagerness to share its treasures. Whether engaging in a casual chat with a local at a pub or seeking directions from a passerby, the people of Galway embody the spirit of hospitality that has become synonymous with Irish culture.

 

Central to Galway’s European City of Culture status is its vibrant cityscape, where the bustling atmosphere is synonymous with the term “craic” an Irish term for fun, enjoyment, and lively entertainment. The city’s cultural calendar is filled with events, festivals, and artistic performances, creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration and celebration of the arts. The lively atmosphere of Galway fosters an environment for people to discuss market trends like BitIQ emergence as an application for cryptocurrency. 

Traditional Music And Dance In Galway

Galway, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, serves as a vibrant hub for traditional Irish music and dance. The pulsating rhythm of bodhráns, the melodic tunes of fiddles, and the rhythmic tapping of Irish dance shoes create an atmosphere that resonates with the soul of Ireland. The traditional music scene in Galway is not merely a performance; it’s a living, breathing expression of the region’s history and identity.

 

In the heart of Galway, pubs and venues come alive with the sounds of reels, jigs, and ballads, inviting both locals and visitors to experience the authentic spirit of Irish music. Musicians often gather in informal sessions, creating an intimate and spontaneous setting where the joy of playing and sharing traditional tunes becomes a communal celebration.

Sum Up

The cultural treasures, spanning historical sites and artistic performances, showcase Galway’s commitment to preserving its heritage while evolving as a dynamic and cosmopolitan hub. The trendy hangouts, from traditional pubs to modern lounges, mirror the city’s ability to embrace the old and the new, inviting all to partake in its diverse offerings.

As we conclude this journey through Galway’s cultural and nightlife scene, we extend an enthusiastic invitation to readers to embark on their exploration of this captivating city. Whether you’re strolling through the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, savouring the sounds of traditional Irish music in a historic pub, or indulging in the contemporary vibes of a trendy club, Galway promises an experience that caters to every palate.

ATU Galway scientists deploy first acoustic monitoring devices in European waters

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ATU Galway scientists deploy first acoustic monitoring devices in European waters
ATU marine scientist María Pérez Tadeo and Yaiza Pozo Galván

The first acoustic devices to monitor marine mammals and underwater noise levels in European waters were deployed by researchers from ATU Galway recently.

ATU’s Dr María Pérez Tadeo and Erasmus intern Yaiza Pozo Galván deployed the monitoring devices in Turkey in recent days.

This is part of the EU-funded “Strategic Infrastructure for Improved Animal Tracking in European Seas” (STRAITS) project.

The research project will study the movement of sea animals at four strategic locations in Europe in a bid to better understand their biology and ecology, and aid in conservation and management.

Led by the Loughs Agency in Northern Ireland, the four-year €3.5m project is funded by the Horizon Europe Framework Program.

The project team is drawn from ten world-leading organisations that together will advance the public’s understanding of aquatic animal movements in Europe and abroad.

ATU’s focus will be specifically on the movement of marine mammals led by marine scientist Dr Joanne O’Brien, Principal Investigator, and Dr María Pérez Tadeo, postdoctoral researcher at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) in ATU Galway.

Dr Tadeo, accompanied by Yaiza Pozo Galván, travelled to the Strait of Dardanelles last week to set up the equipment and co-ordinate the deployment of the first passive acoustic monitoring devices for the STRAITS project.

The research visit to Turkey was funded by the Oranmore-based Marine Institute.

Dr Tadeo explained that they brought the equipment to Turkey to set it up, and a research group from Ege University dived to attach it to their moorings in the Straits of Bosphorus and Dardanelles.

“There was a heavy storm over here not long after the dive so we were extremely lucky getting the equipment in the water beforehand, since the weather window was very brief.”

Dr Atlan Lok, Dr Evrim Kurtay, Dr Aytaç Özgül, pictured with María Pérez Tadeo and Yaiza Pozo Galván

“Equipment was also shipped to Spain and was deployed last Wednesday in the Strait of Gibraltar by Dr Ricardo F Sánchez Leal and his team, researchers from the Spanish Oceanographic Institute.”

he study of animal movements offers one of the best ways to monitor animals from regional to continental or even global scales, and from minutes to decades.

Although animal tracking is not new, it is only recently that the technology has enabled the tracking of animals over larger areas and longer timescales.

This advancement has yielded key information about the biology and ecology of these animals, but much more knowledge could be gained if efforts to tag and detect animals were performed collaboratively, as part of a network.

Researchers at ATU are in charge of assessing underwater noise levels and monitoring marine mammals at the different sites, which will be of great relevance to assess impacts of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans and to comply with EU regulations.

Cetaceans, reliant on sound for communication, navigation and foraging, face risks from increasing anthropogenic activities, potentially causing physical damage and behavioural changes.

The STRAITS pan-European project sees acoustic telemetry arrays deployed in four major swimways in Europe:

  1. the Danish Straits, between the Kattegat Sea and the Baltic Sea
  2.  the North Channel in the Celtic Sea
  3. the Strait of Gibraltar, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea
  4. the Strait of Bosphorus and Dardanelles, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea

Minister condemns “deeply disturbing” events of fire at hotel earmarked for asylum seekers

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Minister condemns "deeply disturbing" events of fire at hotel earmarked for asylum seekers

Minister Roderic O’Gorman has condemned the fire at Ross Lake House in Galway as “deeply disturbing” and called for unified condemnation.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said that fear mongering was what led to this act.

The hotel was chosen to house 70 asylum seekers from next Thursday, with locals being informed of the news on Friday.

Ross Lake House in Rosscahill was burned in a large fire on Saturday night, shortly before midnight.

The blaze happened at around 11:35pm and afterwards Fire services brought the fire under control.

Gardaí have said that they are investigating the fire as a “criminal damage incident by fire”. Fortunately, no-one was injured.

“Deeply disturbing news from Galway last night,” Minister O’Gorman said in a social media post.

“Politicians across the board should condemn this disgraceful act and the fear mongering that led to it.”

Galway County Cllr for Connemara Alastair McKinstry condemned the arson, and those “stoking fear” with racist claims.

“We must overcome this hatred with humanity,” the Green Party councillor said on X, formerly know as twitter.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly added that she was “disgusted” by the fire and, “the attitude of some local politicians over the past couple of days”.

“I beg of people to show their common humanity,” the Senator said.

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Killimor-based visual artist Laurie Legrand.

Galway County Council announces 2026 Artist Support Scheme recipients

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Galway County Council has announced the 13 recipients of its 2026 Artist Support Scheme, with €33,860 awarded to artists working across literature, music, theatre,...

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