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Dovida to hire 40 Caregivers in Galway during National Hiring Week

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Dovida, Ireland’s leading home care provider, will host a series of National Hiring Week events across the county from September 1 – 5 as part of a major recruitment drive.

The company aims to hire 40 new Caregivers throughout Galway to meet the growing need for its services.

Dovida Caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes.

The organisation’s person-centred approach means that its Caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives.

“National Hiring Week is a great way for us to get out and about in the community to connect with people looking to start a rewarding career in home care,” Carolyn Naughton, General Manager of Dovida Galway, said.

“It provides us with an excellent platform to highlight what makes us an employer of choice in the sector and gives potential recruits the chance to meet local Caregivers and support team members to explore whether a career in care is right for them,” she added.

Dovida National Hiring Week events in Galway 

Monday, September 1st, 1pm – 5pm: Open day at Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, H65 E443.

Tuesday, September 2nd, 1pm – 5pm: Open day at Oughterard Community Centre, Oughterard, H91 XA8R.

Wednesday, September 3rd: All day open day and group interviews at Dovida Galway, 12B Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, H91 DT6C.

Thursday, September 4th, 1pm – 5pm: Hiring stand and information at Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road, H91 PX08

Friday, September 5th, 1pm – 5pm: Hiring stand and information session, Tuam Shopping Centre, Tuam, H54 HP30.

Dovida Caregivers provide a range of vital services that empower people in their community to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes.

Dovida offers both full and part-time positions as well as flexible hours in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.

“People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our Caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that,” Carolyn concluded.

University of Galway offers places to 3,800 new students

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Galway Daily

University of Galway has issued offers to more than 3,800 new students for the 2025/26 academic year.

With a record level of applications to the CAO in 2025, University of Galway is offering 3,871 places to first year undergraduate students.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said, “Each and every student who completed their school years this year deserves a very warm welcome, and the best of good wishes, for the next step on their journey – Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2025.”

“These students will no doubt recall the challenges of their school years, from the pandemic, to the state exams, to the questions posed by grade inflation.”

“What they should always remember is the tremendous amount they have achieved already, and that they are now set on a path towards further development and achievement, and the opening up of exciting new horizons.”

“Our admissions team at the University of Galway is once again doing stellar work to facilitate such huge numbers of students, and we look forward to offering them the very best in education and an unrivalled student experience at the University.”

Some two-thirds of undergraduate courses at University of Galway for the 2025/26 academic year have seen their points requirements increase.

All major subject areas experienced this trend, with the largest jumps evident in flagship omnibus programmes in Arts, Science and Business – BA Joint Honours up 50 points; Bachelor of Science up 40; Bachelor of Commerce up 24 points – pointing to increased popularity in flexible programmes that offer opportunities to specialise later.

As expected, Medicine is random allocation (728 points).

Pharmacy (MPharm), a new 5 year undergrad course at University of Galway, is also random allocation (601 points), with 40 places on offer.

The course will expand to offer 75 places in September 2026, responding to the need for qualified pharmacists nationally and the demand for the career.

Reflecting the national trend in CAO applications for healthcare courses, many of University of Galway’s degrees in health and biosciences experienced strong growth – Biotechnology up 28 points; Biopharmaceutical Chemistry up 22; and a significant rise in points across all three nursing programmes.

All Engineering programmes are above 500 points, emphasising the significance of sectors such as medtech in the region and strong career opportunities for graduates.

Similar to the national trend of a 20% increase in CAO applications for Maths and Statistics courses, there has been an increase in the cut-off points for Mathematical Science up 32 points; Physics up 21 points; and Financial Mathematics and Economics up 36 points. These fields feed directly into high-demand careers in data analytics, AI and fintech.

Environmental Science has seen the cut-off points level up by 35 to more than 400 while Marine Science and Earth and Ocean Science are also above 400 points.

BComm (Accounting) rose by 21 points, reflecting the opportunities amidst a well-documented shortfall of professionals in finance and audit sectors. Commerce with Gaeilge was up 33 points.

Courses linked to societal impact also showed increased demand – BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) is up 61 points; Human Rights up 55 points; BA (Child, Youth and Family, Policy and Practice) up 51 points and all Law programmes continuing to cut off well over 500 CAO points, including Law and Human Rights, up 14 points.

Galway RNLI is looking for new volunteer crew

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Galway RNLI is looking to fill a number of volunteer roles including new trainee lifeboat crew, additional Launch Authority positions and a new Lifeboat Operations Manager.

For the past 30 years the Galway RNLI crew has provided search and rescue cover on Galway Bay to the east of a line between Blackhead in County Clare and Spiddal, County Galway.

The station currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat which is 8.44m in length and has a top speed of 35 knots.

The roles that are currently being recruited will support the lifeboat station to continue the RNLI’s work as the charity that save lives at sea.

Amy O’Connor, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said, “Being part of the crew at the Galway station gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family.”

“The lifeboat crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities and supported by a Shore Crew team.”

“All lifeboat and shore crew follow the RNLI’s Operational Competence Framework and respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats.”

The Operations Manager is in charge of providing leadership for the operations and shoreside team to ensure that everything is always ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

They are in charge of the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station, managing the volunteers, and liaising with all local emergency services.

“The ideal candidate will be a team player and a good communicator with leadership skills. While full training is provided for the role, having some RNLI knowledge along with IT literate skills is an advantage,” Amy said.

The Launch Authority is the person in charge of approving the launch of lifeboats in line with RNLI procedures.

The role also involves working with the operations team in maintaining station activities, requiring good communication skills.

Amy added, “We are also looking for new lifeboat crew to help us save lives at sea by crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the helm.”

“Lifeboat crew also make sure the lifeboat is ready to go on service and contribute to the overall upkeep of the station.”

“We provide all the necessary training. For new lifeboat crew, you don’t need a seagoing background. Only 1 in 10 lifeboat crew members has professional maritime experience – that’s where crew training comes in.”

“We plan training and exercises for trainees so they have a clearly laid out training pathway and knowledge, skills and experience are gained in a logical order.”

“Training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat-handling, search and rescue, and navigation, to radar training, radio communications and casualty care.”

These positions are best suited for people living or working within the Galway City area.

Night closures on Tuam Bypass to last for one month

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Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

The Tuam Bypass will be closed overnight for just under a month while upgrade works are being carried out in September.

The road will be shut nightly between Junction 20 and the Ballygaddy Road Junction.

The closure will be in place from 8pm each evening until 6am the following morning.

This will begin on Monday, September 8, and continue each night until Saturday, October 4.

The closure is to allow for the installation of loops and sensors for a new weigh-in motion station for TII.

Alternate routes will be available via the R939 through Tuam town and R332 Ballygaddy Road.

University of Galway researchers in team that discovered new planet

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A newborn planet eating its way through its dusty cradle as it orbits its host star. This image, taken with ESO’s Very Large Telescope is the first clear detection of a baby planet in a disc with multiple rings. Credit: ESO/R. van Capelleveen et al.

An international team of astronomers, co-led by researchers at University of Galway, has made the unexpected discovery of a new planet.

Detected at an early stage of formation around a young analog of our own Sun, the planet is estimated to be about 5 million years-old and most likely a gas giant of similar size to Jupiter.

The ground-breaking discovery was made using one of the world’s most advanced observatories – the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and second author of the study, said: “We used these really short snapshot observations of many young stars – only a few minutes per object – to determine if we could see a little dot of light next to them that is caused by a planet.”

“However, in the case of this star, we instead detected a completely unexpected and exceptionally beautiful multi-ringed dust disk.”

“When we saw this multi-ringed disk for the first time, we knew we had to try and see if we could detect a planet within it, so we quickly asked for follow-up observations.”

It is only the second time a confirmed planet has been detected at this early evolutionary stage around a young version of our Sun. The first one was discovered in 2018, by a research team also involving Dr Ginski.

WISPIT 2b is also the first unambiguous planet detection in a multi-ringed disk, making it the ideal laboratory to study planet-disk interaction and subsequent evolution.

The planet was captured in near infrared light – the type of view that someone would see when using night-vision goggles – as it is still glowing and hot after its initial formation phase.

The team at Leiden University and University of Galway captured a spectacular, clear image of the young proto-planet embedded in a disk gap. They also confirmed that the planet is orbiting its host star.

The planet was also detected in visible light by a team from the University of Arizona using a specially designed instrument. This detection at a specific wavelength or colour of light indicates that the planet is still actively accreting gas as it is forming its atmosphere.

WISPIT 2b was detected as part of a five-year observational research project during which the international team sought to establish whether wide orbit gas giant planets are more common around younger or older stars. This led to the unexpected discovery of the new planet.

Dust and gas rich disks around young stars are the birth cradles of planets. They can look quite spectacular with many different structures such as rings and spiral arms, which researchers believe are related to planets forming within them.

The disk around WISPIT 2b has a radius of 380 astronomical units – about 380 times the distance between Earth and the Sun.

Dr Ginski added, “Capturing an image of these forming planets has proven extremely challenging and it gives us a real chance to understand why the many thousands of older exoplanet systems out there look so diverse and so different from our own solar system.”

“I think many of our colleagues who study planet formation will take a close look at this system in the years to come.”

The study was led by an early career PhD student, Richelle van Capelleveen from Leiden University and co-led by a graduate student team at University of Galway.

Chloe Lawlor, PhD student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in such an exciting and potentially career defining discovery.”

“WISPIT 2b, with its position within its birth disk, is a beautiful example of a planet that can be used to explore current planet formation models.”

Jake Byrne, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, said, “The planet is a remarkable discovery. I could hardly believe it was a real detection when Dr Ginski first showed me the image.”

“It’s a big one – that’s sure to spark discussion within the research community and advance our understanding of planet formation.”

Dan McLachlan, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, added, “In my experience so far working in astronomy, sometimes you can get so focused on a small task and you forget about the big picture, and when you zoom out and take in the magnitude of what you are working on it shocks you.”

“This was one such project, an exoplanet direct detection, and it was such a mind-blowing thing to be a part of.”

Heavy overcrowding at UHG with long wait times for admission today

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UHG is cancelling some elective procedures today amid extremely heavy overcrowding at the hospital’s emergency department.

On Monday, 304 people attended the Emergency Department, resulting in 59 admissions.

As of this morning, there are currently 26 patients in the Emergency Department and a further 12 patients on trolleys at ward level.

Additional surge beds have also been opened yesterday and will be in use again today.

The hospital is advising that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.

Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

UHG has said in a statement that all available beds in the hospital are currently in use, resulting in long waiting times for people to be admitted to a ward.

Efforts are being made to discharge patients home to free up bed space amid the overcrowding.

“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”

“We continue to request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if possible.”

“The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”

Over €1.8 million raised for the community as Wisconsin man wins dream home in Clifden

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The live draw for the Win A Home In Clifden, Connemara which took place at the Station House Theatre on Thursday night. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Douglas Berg from Wisconsin, USA, but with Irish connections, is the owner of a magnificent 3-bedroom luxurious duplex apartment in Clifden after winning the hugely exciting Win a Home in Clifden fundraising draw.

The 59-year-old’s ticket was the first out of the drum at the big finale at the magnificent Clifden Station House Theatre on Thursday night.

“I just couldn’t believe it when I got the call. It’s a fantastic apartment in such a beautiful location. It’s always been a dream of mine to buy a property in Ireland,” said Douglas.

This new home is a return to Douglas’ family roots, as his great-great-great-grandfather was Robert Barry from Carna, his great-great-grandmother was Barbara Conneely from Lettermullan, and great-grandfather was William Barry from Inverin.

Douglas has been to Ireland numerous times over the years and is a regular visitor and friend of the Emigrants and Diaspora Centre in Carna, which is run by well known Galway journalist Máirtín Ó Catháin, a cousin of the winner who was in the audience for the big draw finale.

The Big Winner Douglas Berg

In just over four months, Connemara Chamber raised over €1.8 million which has proved to be one of the most successful fundraising draws ever to take place on this Island.

“I just want to thank everybody who supported us and bought tickets since we launched our campaign last April. The response locally, nationally and overseas has just been incredible,” said John Sweeney, Chairperson of Connemara Chamber and the Win A Home in Clifden project.

All proceeds from the draw are going towards the development of a state-of-the-art community and enterprise hub in the centre of Clifden, a project led by the Connemara Chamber.

The hub will provide vital professional resources and support to local businesses, fostering efficiency, productivity and innovation, and creating new opportunities for the entire community.

“I’d also like to thank our members and all the local businesses who helped us along the way. But a special word of thanks to the brilliant team who worked tirelessly on this draw in Terry O’Toole, Damien Joyce, Simon Ashe, Conall Joyce, Sadhbh O’Gorman, Bernie Collins, Nicole Bann, Michelle Price, Aidan Brady (Aidan Brady & Co. Ltd), Cormac Donoghue (JEL Marketing) and Paul Byrnes Media,” added John.

Tickets were bought in all 32 counties and in 40 countries around the world, including the UK, across Europe & Asia. Tickets were also sold in Australia and in all 50 American states.

Hare’s Corner project set to create 1,600 biodiversity habitats

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The Hare’s Corner biodiversity initiative is marking its 5th anniversary by creating a projected 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties this year.

The Hare’s Corner takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature.

This year, landowners in Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Meath, Offaly and Carlow are being supported in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and plans for nature on their land through the initiative.

To mark the project’s fifth anniversary, The Hare’s Corner launched a dedicated website this week (www.theharescorner.ie) complete with practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hare’s Corners.

Examples of the practical tips on creating Hare’s Corners include ‘how to plant a native tree’, ‘how to create a pond for wildlife’, ‘how to create a dead hedge habitat’, ‘how to create a wildflower meadow’ and many more.

The project delivered 100 Hare’s Corners in Clare in its first year, 2021. This increased to 900 in four counties in 2024, and it is already well on the way to meeting its projection of 1,600 in six counties this year.

The delivery of the habitats has also become more economical with the expansion of the project, with an average price per habitat of €500 in 2021 projected to be halved to €250 this year.

The Hare’s Corner is coordinated by Burrenbeo Trust, a national non-profit organisation that supports people to take positive action for their local landscapes.

Its flagship programmes – ‘Farming for Nature’, ‘Heritage Keepers’ and ‘The Hare’s Corner’ – initiated in and inspired by the Burren are spreading across the country due to their proven efficacy and demand.

The Hare’s Corner project offers landowners practical support to carry out simple but impactful actions for nature in the form of materials (mixed species of common and rare native trees and heritage apple trees), micro-funding (towards machinery costs for pond digging), and professional services (such as input from a hydrologist or ecologist).

This year, Burrenbeo Trust has partnered with biodiversity officers in counties Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Meath, Offaly, Carlow and Galway city to deliver Hare’s Corners.

The initiative is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund and is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 – 2030.

Private funders include the Life’s2Good Foundation, SSE Generation Green Fund, NTR PLC, Greencoat Renewables PLC, ESB, 123.ie, and Aldi Stores Ltd.

The project plans to expand its reach in 2026 with the ambition of ultimately going nationwide and welcomes interest from private and public funders to help achieve this.

It is also interested in hearing from ecologists and hydrologists who have hands-on experience of working with people and nature and who would like to join The Hare’s Corner team as freelance advisors in their own counties.

Lee Worrell, The Hare’s Corner Coordinator, says, “We believe that by enabling thousands of small, tangible actions for nature we can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss.”

“It has been heartening to see the demand out there for making space for nature, for taking the steps that have proven benefits not just for biodiversity but also for climate resilience and for the wellbeing of participants.”

“The Hare’s Corner has been oversubscribed each year, which clearly demonstrates the public appetite for becoming involved in biodiversity initiatives.”

“We would be delighted to welcome new sponsors interested in helping us to expand the reach of The Hare’s Corner next year.”

Retail Operations That Never Miss a Beat

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Running a store is tough. You’re juggling stock, people, deals, and keeping customers happy—often all at once. Now that online and offline shopping are mixed, it’s even harder. Just one small problem can turn into lost sales or angry customers.
The best stores are the ones that have their act together behind the scenes. They set up systems that make sure deals start on time, employees know what to do, and they always know what’s in stock. That’s why many store managers pick the best project management tools that put communication, schedules, documents, and operations all in one spot. Lark is one of these tools, helping stores stay on top of things without slowing down. Wonder how it stands out? Let’s dive in and see where it make a difference.

Keeping staff aligned with Lark Messenger

In retail, everyone’s always talking to each other. Store managers give updates to cashiers, headquarters tell teams about deals, and suppliers confirm when things will arrive. When these updates are all over the place in emails or chats, mistakes are bound to happen.
Lark Messenger puts all this talking in one spot. Stores can have their own chat groups, and headquarters can send updates straight to the right groups. Replies stay organized in threads, so important questions don’t get lost. Things like new signs or training stuff can be put in chats where everyone can easily find them.
Think about a big store getting ready for a weekend sale. Instead of calling all the managers, headquarters just posts the new price lists in Lark Messenger. Managers see them right away, react to show they got them, and tell their staff. The sale info goes out in hours instead of days, so every store is on the same page.

Scheduling promotions and staff with Lark Calendar

Getting retail right is often about timing. If your campaign starts too late, you lose sales. If you don’t schedule staff well, customers get bad service. Lark Calendar is a good way for stores to handle both promos and staff schedules in one spot.
Teams can make shared calendars for campaigns, deliveries, or staffing. When tasks are made in Lark, they pop up in Lark Calendar, so deadlines for things like displays, ad buys, or training are right there with meetings. Permission settings let managers control what staff sees, keeping some info private but schedules clear.
For example, a sportswear store planning a holiday push can have marketing put campaign dates in Lark Calendar, while managers add staff schedules. Leaders can see it all together, so there are no staffing problems when promotions start. That way, promotions go smoothly, with enough workers to handle the rush.

Capturing retail know-how with Lark Wiki

Retail teams need to be on the same page, all the time. Whether it’s processing returns or putting up holiday decorations, employees need crystal clear directions. If all that info is just stuck in training or lost in emails, things are going to go wrong, a lot.
That’s where Lark Wiki comes in—think of it as the go-to guide for how your store runs. You can put all your rules, how-tos, and guides into easy-to-find pages that everyone can get to. New employees will pick things up faster, and your veterans will have a place to double-check stuff when they’re not sure.
Let’s say you’re a bookstore chain. You could put your return policy and what to say to customers in the Lark Wiki. Doesn’t matter if someone’s working in New York or Dallas, they’re looking at the same info and giving customers the same quality of service. Over time, your Lark Wiki turns into a treasure chest of knowledge that keeps your stores running smoothly, no matter what.

Managing campaigns and inventory with Lark Base

Retail operations are complex. Inventory needs to be tracked, promotions coordinated, and vendor deadlines met. Spreadsheets may work temporarily, but they quickly become unmanageable. Lark Base gives retailers the flexibility to design workflows that scale.
Teams can build tables to track stock levels, campaign milestones, or vendor contracts. Filters allow quick insights, like identifying products running low across regions. Views can be customized to show progress by store, campaign, or product category.
Automations inside Base reduce manual work. A product falling below a set inventory threshold can trigger a Messenger alert for the supply team. A campaign marked as ready can automatically generate a task for the marketing calendar. In this way, Lark comes as your smart business process management software, helping retailers prevent issues before they reach the customer.
Picture a home goods retailer running a summer clearance. As items sell quickly, Base highlights which products are almost out of stock. Automated alerts notify procurement immediately, ensuring popular items are restocked before shelves go empty. This proactive system helps sales run without interruptions.

Creating campaign materials with Lark Docs

Promotions usually involve different teams – like marketing, merchandise, and store staff – all working on materials together. When these documents are passed around through endless emails, things get messy and slow. Lark Docs fixes this by letting everyone work together at the same time.
Designers can drop in pictures, writers can work on the ad copy, and managers can leave comments, all in the same doc. Version history tracks every change, and you can set permissions so only certain people can make edits.
For example, say you’re getting signs ready for a back-to-school sale. The marketing team can make the poster in Docs, store managers can comment on the layout for smaller stores, and the bosses can sign off right away. Everyone’s working on the same file, which speeds things up and cuts down on expensive printing errors.

Turning meetings into action with Lark Meetings

Running a retail business means always juggling a lot of things – talking to suppliers, keeping store managers in the loop, and checking on how campaigns are doing. The hard part is making sure those talks turn into real action. Lark Meetings can help since it takes AI meeting notes for you and saves them in Docs. Plus, you can share recordings in Messenger.
This way, when you decide things like changing delivery times or saying yes to campaign budgets, it’s all written down and easy to find. People don’t have to just remember stuff or hunt through random notes.
Say, for example, managers decide to change when some seasonal stuff gets delivered during a call with a supplier. Lark Meetings can catch that update and share it with the folks in charge of logistics. That way, everyone knows what’s going on, and you don’t end up with mix-ups that mess up your shelves.

Conclusion

Retail is fast-paced, and customers expect nothing less than flawless execution. By using Lark Messenger, Calendar, Wiki, Docs, Base with Automations, and Meetings, retailers gain the systems needed to stay organized, efficient, and responsive.
Beyond internal operations, customer relationships also define success. Strong loyalty programs, personalized service, and consistent follow-ups are all easier when supported by the right tools. In competitive markets, no toolkit is complete without a reliable CRM app. Pairing this with disciplined internal systems ensures retailers deliver excellence to customers at every touchpoint.
With the right foundation, retail operations never miss a beat — no matter how many stores, promotions, or customers they manage.

Tiny Mutiny takes centre stage at Clifden Arts Festival

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Sparkcatchers! is set to present Tiny Mutiny ‘25, a free family-friendly arts event showcasing the creative talents of young artists from across County Galway.

The event forms part of this year’s Clifden Arts Festival and celebrates the next generation of filmmakers, musicians, dancers, writers and animators.

Tiny Mutiny ‘25 highlights the achievements of teenagers recognised through the Tiny Mutiny Project Awards and First Sparks Bursaries.

The production provides a platform for young artists to shine, offering both stage and screen opportunities to present their work to the public.

The event features a stop motion animation by Dean Oates, live music from singer-songwriter Millie Ross, a reading by writer and illustrator Aiobhín-Lily Ralph, and a comedy film from Bog Standard Films, the creative team of Colm O’Neill, Conor O’Brien, Luca Newell and Connor Gurney.

Digital animator Michelle Jennings and contemporary dancer Amy Lazor will share works in progress developed through their First Sparks Bursaries.

The programme concludes with a panel discussion where the young artists and their mentors reflect on their creative journeys over the four-month Tiny Mutiny programme.

Now in its second year, Tiny Mutiny continues to nurture young talent across County Galway, offering mentorship from professional artists and helping participants to explore, develop and realise their creative ambitions.

The project is commissioned by Galway County Council Arts Office in partnership with Sparkcatchers! and supported by Galway County Council and The Arts Council.

Admission is free and this will all take place on Saturday, September 20 in The Town Hall, Clifden at 4pm.

Six cars stolen in early hours burglary at commercial premises

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Galway Daily news

Gardaí are appealing for information after six cars were stolen in a burglary near Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday.

Gardaí received a report of a burglary at a commercial premises in Darragh, Co. Clare that occurred in the early hours of Friday, August 22.

Six vehicles were reported as stolen. One of these vehicles has since been recovered and seized by Gardaí.

The remaining stolen vehicles are as follows:

  • 2014 blue Audi S3 Saloon
  • 2017 navy Mercedes CLA180
  • 2015 black Volkswagen Golf
  • 2014 white Volkswagen Golf
  • 2018 white Toyota CHR

A technical examination of the scene has since been conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact them.

Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling on the N68 between 1:00am and 5:00am on Friday 22nd August 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

In addition, Gardaí are requesting members of the public to be vigilant for any vehicle matching those described above, which may be offered for sale, or which may be parked up in public carparks, housing estates, etc.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Most Famous Treasures You Will See for the First Time at the Grand Egyptian Museum

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Egypt is on the verge of unveiling one of the most significant cultural projects of the 21st century, which is the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Set to officially open its doors in November 2025, GEM will be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to one of the oldest ancient civilizations in history.

This monumental complex, which is found just two kilometers from the iconic Pyramids of Giza, is designed to showcase the grandeur of ancient Egypt like never before. With a collection exceeding 100,000 artifacts, the museum promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Egypt’s ancient legacy in an immersive, state-of-the-art environment in a very fun and enriching fashion.

Decades in the Making

The vision for the Grand Egyptian Museum began in 2002, when Egypt announced an international design competition. Construction started in 2005, but the project faced delays due to political events like the 2011 revolution and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges, the museum progressed steadily, with key milestones including the transfer of the colossal statue of Ramses II in January 2018 and the Khufu solar boat in August 2021. After over two decades in development and an estimated $1 billion investment from various sources like Japan, GEM is finally ready to welcome the world.

Tutankhamun’s Complete Collection Is Finally Unveiled at Last

One of GEM’s most extraordinary features is its complete exhibition of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. For the first time since their discovery by Howard Carter in 1922, all 5,398 items from the boy king’s tomb will be displayed together in a single space spanning over 7,000 square meters.

Visitors can expect to see his famous golden funerary mask, six ceremonial chariots, his jeweled throne, weapons, everyday items, and even his linen garments. Over 70% of these artifacts have never been seen by the public, making this exhibit one of the most anticipated in museum history.

The Colossal Ramses II Statue

Greeting visitors in the grand atrium is the one-of-a-kind, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II, standing over 11 meters tall and weighing more than 83 tons. Originally discovered in Mit Rahina and once displayed in Cairo’s Ramses Square, the statue was moved to GEM in a highly celebrated relocation effort in 2018.

This imposing monument sets the tone for the museum’s grandeur and historical depth, embodying the legacy of one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.

The Khufu Solar Boat – An Engineering Divine Marvel

Another remarkable highlight is the fully reconstructed Khufu solar boat, a massive cedarwood vessel over 44 meters long. Buried beside the Great Pyramid around 2500 BCE and discovered in 1954, this ceremonial boat was meant to carry Pharaoh Khufu into the afterlife.

Transported in a custom-built climate-controlled capsule in 2021, it is now housed in a dedicated gallery, enhanced with immersive visuals and interpretive displays to reveal its significance and craftsmanship.

Rare Royal Mummies and First-Time Displays

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will unveil an extraordinary collection of rare, never-before-seen artifacts, offering a journey through time from the Predynastic period to Roman Egypt. Among the highlights are the exquisite treasures of Queen Hetepheres (mother of Khufu) and the tomb relics of Yuya and Tuya (parents of Queen Tiye), which reflect the wealth and sophistication of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

Visitors will also encounter restored solar boats and monumental statues salvaged from the sunken cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus, adding a maritime dimension to the museum’s rich narrative. While many of Egypt’s royal mummies have been relocated to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, GEM will showcase elite mummies, beautifully decorated sarcophagi, funerary masks, and ritual items that have never been exhibited before, including newly restored finds from the 18th to 20th dynasties.

These displays offer an intimate window into Egypt’s funerary traditions and spiritual beliefs. In addition, everyday relics such as a 4,000-year-old crocodile mummy, the gold-plated remains of a young girl, and ancient cloth shrouds will help visitors grasp the rituals, status symbols, and daily life of ancient Egyptians in unprecedented detail.

A Global Cultural Destination

The Grand Egyptian Museum will also feature conservation centers, a children’s museum, virtual reality zones, lecture halls, and a scenic promenade facing the Pyramids across its 500,000 square meters.

Designed to attract over 5 million visitors annually and increase the number of travelers to over 25 million guests a year, thus increasing the national GDP of Egypt, GEM is more than a museum; it is a cultural epicenter, a symbol of national pride, and a transformative global attraction for scholars, travelers, and history lovers alike.

Plan Your Grand Egyptian Museum Tour

To fully unlock the magic of the Grand Egyptian Museum, travelers are encouraged to join a well-planned Grand Egyptian Museum tour. These tours often include expert Egyptologists who can explain the significance of the artifacts, seamless transport to and from the pyramids, and priority access that helps avoid long queues. A guided experience ensures you won’t just see the exhibits, but also understand the cultural and historical stories behind them.

Whether it’s a private VIP visit to Tutankhamun’s complete collection, a combined Pyramids and GEM day trip, or an extended journey that includes a Nile cruise, choosing a comprehensive Grand Egyptian Museum tour makes the experience smooth, enriching, and unforgettable. It’s the best way to bring Egypt’s past to life while enjoying comfort and peace of mind during your travels.

A Moment in History You Can Witness

The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is not just an event; it’s a moment of global cultural significance. For the first time in centuries, many of Egypt’s most precious artifacts will be on display together in one single place, some after millennia of obscurity.

This is a rare opportunity to witness history being rewritten, and the chance to see these treasures in one breathtaking venue will likely never happen again. Now is the time to plan your visit. Book your Egypt tour with Egypt Tours Portal and become part of this historic unveiling.

Garavan’s crowned best City Bar in Ireland at Bar of the Year Awards

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Photo Credit: Paul Sherwood

Garavan’s Bar in Galway City was crowned one of the best in Ireland at the 2025 Irish Bar of the Year Awards this week.

Garavan’s, located on William Street in the city centre, took home City Bar of the Year at the awards, seeing off incredible competition from across the country.

“For us, this award is about much more than recognition at a national level; it’s a huge honour for our team, who work tirelessly to make Garavan’s a warm, welcoming space, and for the customers who have supported us for generations,” said Emma Dooley, Marketing Manager for Garavan’s.

“Since opening in 1937, Garavan’s has become known for its whiskey expertise, its hospitality, and its role in Galway’s cultural life, and this award really feels like a celebration of all of that.”

Photo Credit: Paul Sherwood

Galway also took home one Silver and four Bronze Medals at the awards at the Clayton Hotel on Monday night.

Blake’s Bar on Eglinton Street, Galway City, went home with the Silver in the Bar Food of the Year category.

Bronze medals went to Tigh Nora in Galway City for Gin Bar of the Year, Peggy’s Bar and Restaurant in Claregalway for Local Bar of the Year, An Púcán in Galway City for Tourist Bar of the Year, and Sonny Molloy’s in Galway City for Whiskey Bar of the Year.

Amid a stellar field of contenders, the most outstanding bars have been honoured for their remarkable impact on the hospitality scene.

These venues have redefined excellence in mixology, atmosphere, and guest service, leaving lasting impressions on all who visit.

“This year’s winners have not just excelled in mixology and service, but have done so while navigating an exceptionally challenging landscape,” said Jill Thornton, Senior Event Manager for the Irish Bar of the Year Awards.

The overall winner on the night was Bar 1661 in Dublin, which took home the Cocktail Bar of the Year, Innovative Bar of the Year, and the top prize of Bar of the Year.

Over 3,500 Galway students receiving Leaving Cert results today

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Galway daily news Almost 3,500 Galway students receiving Leaving Cert results

It’s a big day for Galway students with 3,588 young people receiving their Leaving Cert results today.

Some students will be disappointed as grades this year have been deflated to bring them down from years of grade inflation as a result of the disruption from the COVID pandemic.

The State Examinations Commission has said that this post marking adjustment is meant to bring grades as a whole broadly midway between the 2020 and 2021 levels.

A total of 65,44 students across the country are receiving their examination results today.

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee congratulated the students receiving their Leaving Cert results today, saying that it marks a “significant milestone” in their lives.

“It is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment from you. I’d like to congratulate every one of you on your achievements.”

“This occasion can be one of emotion, reflection and of hope for the future. I hope you can enjoy the time and recognise all you have accomplished, the friendships and memories you have made and how you much you have brought to the life of your school community.”

“No matter what your results are, today is the beginning of a new journey. There are now more ways than ever to build a career and a life that suits you.”

“Whether you go on to further or higher education, an apprenticeship, work, or take other pathways, you will have so many opportunities.”

“What matters most is finding something you enjoy and care about. There are so many chances ahead to learn, grow, and make a difference. All my very best wishes for everything to come.”

Marty Morrissey asks Galway coffee lovers to support Galway Hospice

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Marty Morrissey launches Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of Ireland’s longest charity partnerships, in Bewley’s Café, Dublin. The broadcaster is asking people throughout Ireland to register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 25, or on a date that suits you at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If you cannot host or attend, you can make a donation at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate Picture: Conor McCabe.

Marty Morrissey is encouraging people across Galway to get behind a major national fundraiser supporting Ireland’s hospices.

The Gaelic games broadcaster said he personally witnessed the compassion shown by hospice staff when relatives received palliative care in the past.

“I thought it was amazing. Anyone who has visited a loved one in a hospice will be aware of the serenity, peace and joy – the good feeling that a loved one is being really well minded. The work being done by nurses and care staff is truly incredible, they are a gift from God, they are angels.”

He was speaking as ambassador for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, the annual charity partnership which has raised €47.6 million for hospice care since 1992. The fundraiser, organised by Together for Hospice, takes place nationwide on September 25.

“What I’m trying to do as ambassador, in a very small way, is to support the people who do it, and I am urging everyone in Galway to go to hospicecoffeemorning.ie and get involved.”

Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice, said: “Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers, is now in its 33rd year raising funds for Hospice inpatient and community services around Ireland.”

“Right across Galway, we are asking everyone to celebrate our countless coffee morning hosts, who give so selflessly of their time and energy in their local communities.”

“This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness and their families.”

Cól Campbell of Bewley’s Ireland, said the company is honoured to again support the event, recognised as the country’s most successful charity partnership.

“Bewley’s, an iconic Irish brand, was founded on the strong principle of caring for people and communities, which ties in perfectly with the ethos of Together For Hospice.”

“We encourage everyone to host or attend a coffee morning, wherever they are in Ireland, to help support the incredible work that hospices nationwide carry out every day.”

You can register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, 25th September — or on a date that suits you — at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or by calling 0818 995 996. If you can’t host or attend, you can also donate at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.

Last year, Galway Hospice supported 1,344 patients across all services. This included 340 patients in the Inpatient Unit, 1,017 in the community, and 576 attendances at the Day Care service.

Galway Hospice was involved in the care of 73% of people in Galway who died with a malignant diagnosis.

None of this would be possible without the kindness of those who donate and the dedication of more than 160 volunteers who give their time to support the hospice.

The funds raised during the Coffee Morning play a vital role in supporting the delivery of specialist palliative care in communities across Ireland.

Hospice and specialist palliative homecare services provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, whilst also helping and supporting the patient’s family members.

Water mains replacement works in Galway City to last until early 2026

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Galway Daily news Upgrade works underway on Inverin water mains network

Over a kilometre of new water mains is being laid on the west side of the city this month to reduce water leaks and outages.

Uisce Eireann is replacing 1,150 metres of old cast iron mains along Taylor’s Hill, Maunsells Road and St Mary’s Park with new pipes.

The works began earlier this month and are expected to be completed by early 2026.

This project will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water mains in the road to customers’ property boundaries, and connecting these to the customers’ water supply.

Some sections of the works will require temporary traffic management measures in the form of lane closures.

These measures will be in place to ensure the health and safety of crews, road-users and the public. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Speaking about the significant improvement works, Uisce Éireann programme manager Enda Mac Namara said the residents and business owners of the Maunsells Road and Taylor’s Road areas can look forward to improved water quality and a more secure supply.

“These mains replacement works are essential to improve the quality of drinking water being supplied to homes and businesses in this area of Galway City.

“Once complete, Uisce Éireann customers in the surrounding areas will be able to enjoy a more secure and reliable supply.

“The works will also enable Uisce Éireann to reduce levels of leakage on the network, helping to protect and conserve our vital water resources,” said Enda.

Galway Player Wakes Up €500,000 Richer After Scoring EuroMillions Plus Top Prize

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Galway Daily news €500,000 win for Euromillions player in the west

A EuroMillions Plus player in the west of Ireland is celebrating a life-changing win this morning after scooping the top prize of €500,000 in last night’s draw.

The Galway player purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket, on the day of the draw, from Sweeney Oil, Headford Road, Galway, Co. Galway.

The winning numbers in Tuesday night’s EuroMillions Plus draw were: 6, 9, 36, 38 and 41.

This latest win marks the 27th EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 awarded in 2025, bringing the total prize money paid out to an incredible €13.5 million so far this year.

Emma Monaghan, National Lottery spokesperson, said “Huge congratulations to our latest EuroMillions Plus winner in Co. Galway – what a fantastic midweek surprise!”

“There was also one jackpot winner in France in last night’s EuroMillions draw. In total, over 57,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games.”

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Galway area to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Meanwhile, tonight’s Lotto Jackpot soars to an estimated €16 million! Players dreaming of becoming Ireland’s newest Lotto winner are reminded that tickets for tonight’s draw can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at http://www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7.45pm cut off.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.

In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

PayPal Options to Buy WoW Gold

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World of Warcraft is a game where gold plays a crucial role in character progression. From purchasing high-level gear and rare mounts to stocking up on consumables, gold ensures that players can fully enjoy the game’s content. While farming gold in-game is an option, it can be extremely time-consuming, especially for players who want to focus on raids, dungeons, and PvP activities. Many gamers now turn to purchasing gold online as a convenient way to boost their progression.

With the ability to buy wow gold with paypal, players have access to a fast, secure, and reliable payment method. PayPal offers buyer protection and ensures that transactions are processed safely, minimizing the risk of fraud. Reputable gold sellers accept PayPal for instant and smooth transactions, allowing players to receive gold quickly without compromising account safety. This method provides convenience and peace of mind for WoW players who prefer a trusted and widely recognized payment system.

Why PayPal Is a Popular Choice

PayPal is a globally recognized payment platform known for security and ease of use. For WoW players, it allows them to purchase gold without sharing credit card details or sensitive banking information with sellers directly. Transactions are encrypted and protected, giving buyers confidence that their funds are secure. Additionally, PayPal’s fast processing ensures that gold can be delivered promptly, which is crucial for players preparing for raids, Mythic+ dungeons, or seasonal events.

Safe Ways to Buy WoW Gold

Safety is paramount when purchasing WoW gold online. Trusted sellers use verified methods to deliver gold, including in-game mail, face-to-face trades, or Auction House transfers. Choosing sellers with positive reviews, secure payment systems, and responsive customer support helps ensure a safe and smooth purchase. Using PayPal adds an extra layer of security, as disputes can be filed if a transaction does not go as planned.

Advantages of Using PayPal for Gold Purchases

PayPal provides multiple benefits for buying WoW gold. It is fast, convenient, and widely accepted by reputable sellers. Transactions can be completed instantly, allowing players to receive gold without delays. Additionally, PayPal offers buyer protection policies that cover eligible purchases, reducing the risk of losing money to scams or fraudulent sellers.

How to Choose a Trusted Gold Seller

To ensure a safe purchase, choose a provider with a solid reputation, clear pricing, and positive customer feedback. Look for sellers who offer transparent delivery timelines, multiple payment options, and responsive customer support. Avoid unverified websites or offers that seem too good to be true. Checking forums and independent reviews can help identify reliable platforms that safely accept PayPal for WoW gold purchases.

Tips for Maximizing Your Gold Purchase

When buying gold with PayPal, consider your goals in World of Warcraft. Decide whether you need gold for gearing up for raids, boosting PvP performance, or advancing professions. Choose a package that fits your budget and desired in-game impact. Many providers offer flexible packages, including instant delivery or scheduled transactions, ensuring you get gold exactly when you need it.

Final Thoughts: Safe and Convenient Gold Purchases

PayPal options to buy WoW gold provide a secure, convenient, and fast way to boost your in-game progression. By selecting a reputable seller and using PayPal, you can enjoy instant access to gold while protecting your account and personal information. This allows you to focus on enjoying raids, dungeons, and other WoW content, making your experience in Azeroth smoother and more rewarding.

County Council buys three new trucks for road maintenance ahead of winter

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Declan Thornton, Driver; Liam Conneally, Chief Executive; Noel Divilly, Machinery Yard Supervisor; and Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services, Galway County Council pictured with the five new trucks. Credit: Galway County Council.

Galway County Council has expanded its vehicle fleet with the addition of three new trucks and two salt spreaders to support road maintenance this winter.

The council has taken delivery of three new 26-tonne Renault tipper trucks at a total cost of €600,000.

Supplied by Dublin-based Setanta Vehicle Sales North Ltd., the vehicles will assist Municipal District Offices in delivering the annual roads programme.

In addition, funding of just over €500,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has enabled the purchase of two permanently mounted salt spreaders with brine-spreading capability.

These vehicles form a key part of the Galway County Council’s Winter Service fleet, helping to keep strategic routes open during severe cold weather.

Last winter, more than 1,300 kilometres of the Galway road network were treated, with over 8,000 tonnes of salt spread as part of winter operations.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said the investment will have a direct impact on safety and service delivery.

“This investment in modern, high-capacity vehicles means our outdoor crews are better equipped than ever to maintain roads, respond quickly to weather events, and keep people moving safely. It is a very tangible improvement in the way we serve communities across County Galway.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services, Galway County Council, said the investment reflects the ongoing need to modernise and upgrade the fleet.

“Our teams work in all conditions to keep the road network safe and operational. Having the right, modern equipment is essential if we are to maximise their ability to do the job effectively.”

“These new trucks will not only improve efficiency in day-to-day roadworks but also allow us to treat more routes, more quickly, during winter weather events. The support from TII has been crucial in enabling us to make this upgrade.”

Six water themed events in Galway awarded funding for Heritage Week

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Lough Corrib near Rinnerroon (see above) after waterweed removal works

Six water-themed events in Galway have been awarded funding to take place on Water Heritage Day this Sunday.

Overall €30,665.25 in funding has been awarded for 82 events in 24 counties under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2025’.

Under the grants scheme, local communities and groups were invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of events and initiatives celebrating Water Heritage Day on Sunday, 24th August.

Water Heritage Day celebrates water throughout Ireland, its history and heritage and our connections with it. Projects approved for funding in Galway this year include:

  • Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark- Raise awareness of the Arctic char’s existence in Lough Mask and the threat of extinction (€961).
  • Oyster Country Heritage Group (Clarinbridge Tidy Towns subcommittee)- Highlight the heritage of the area from the past to the present (€400).
  • Portumna Festival committee subgroup of Portumna CC- To inform the local community of the rich heritage of the area and demonstrate the significance of the Shannon and its rich biodiversity and significant cultural heritage (€400).
  • Corrib Beo CLG- ‘Loch Corrib: A Rich Heritage / Loch Coirib, Oidhreacht Shaibhir’ (€400).
  • Glenamaddy Tidy Towns- To increase awareness of the uniqueness of Turloughs worldwide and, in particular, the details of Glenamaddy Turlough (€400).

Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD welcomed this announcement: “The Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme gives communities and groups across Ireland the opportunity to organise events that celebrate and raise awareness about their local waterbodies. This grants scheme is an investment in the protection and restoration of good water quality nationwide. It allows people to create connections with their rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and coastal waters in new and innovative ways.”

Held in partnership with The Heritage Council, Water Heritage Day takes place as part of National Heritage Week 2025, which runs from 16th to 24th August. The theme of Heritage Week 2025 is “Exploring Our Foundations”.

As part of Heritage Week there are awards for events held throughout the week. If you are holding a Water Heritage Day event you can submit your event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award. More information on the awards can be found here: www.heritageweek.ie/awards

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