New sponsor Bathshack announced for Galway Races

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April 11, 2022

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

More than 30 new social housing units will be delivered by charities in Galway thanks to a €1.5 million anonymous donation.

Threshold and the Peter McVerry Trust have been the beneficiaries of anonymous legacy gift in a will left to The Community Foundation for Ireland.

The donation will support the delivery of 32 social housing units in Galway, with a further 14 in Limerick.

It will also support Threshold in a number of initiatives including steps to place the right to housing in the constitution.

Other campaigns by the housing charity include the introduction of a deposit protection scheme, as well as increased security of tenure for private tenants.

Threshold is receiving €1 million and Peter McVerry Trust is receiving €500,000 of the legacy gift.

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust said that they are extremely grateful for this “transformative” gift, that will help them combat homelessness in the west.

“The funding will enable us to help over 100 people move into a high-quality social housing unit with ongoing support from Peter McVerry Trust tenant support team.”

“Our goal now is to move as quickly as possible to use the funds donated to kit oout social housing and support our new tenants benefits arising from this donation to people impacted by homelessness across Galway and Limerick.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said that this charitable donor is supporting works that could change the housing debate in Ireland forever.

“Philanthropic giving is different. It not only responds to immediate need it also has a longer-term view with a focus on solutions. We see that with this donation.”

“The partnership with Threshold will increase protection for tenants which for too long has been lacking, or in some cases does not exist at all.”

She highlighted the “scale and generosity” of this donation, saying that legacy gifts account for just 6% of charitable giving in Ireland.

Planning permission sought for 82 homes in Letteragh

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April 11, 2022

Galway Daily news City Council green lights 82 homes in Rahoon

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 82 houses and apartments on the west side of Galway City.

Burkeway Homes has submitted plans to the council for 52 houses, along with 29 apartments, duplexes, and community units, on the Letteragh Road.

The 2.37ha site is to the north of the existing Fánán housing estate, with a derelict bungalow and outbuilding on the site to be demolished.

Ability West, the registered owner of part of the site in the application, has written a letter supporting the project, as it includes valuable new facilities for the charity.

Ability West has been providing supports and services to adults and children with intellectual disabilities in Galway, and their families, for 59 years now.

Part of this development will include the construction of a day service centre with the capacity to cater for 25 people.

The proposal also allows for a five bedroom bungalow designed to support people with significant mobility needs, and three apartments for semi-independent living.

“Ability West have for several years tried to source suitable properties in the west side of Galway City to provide the services above but have been unsuccessful to date”.

“This development offers us the opportunity to develop new services in this area,” the support letter states.

On top of the units for Ability West, another eight units in the estate will be designated to satisfy the legal Part V social/affordable housing requirements.

Access to the estate will be via an entrance on the Letteragh Road, where the developer intends to build a footpath. It will have a total of 136 parking spaces.

The housing units facing onto the Letteragh Road have been set back to accommodate future road improvements by the city council.

According to the planning application, 15.4% of the site will be given over to public open space, with landscaped amenity areas along the central spine of the estate.

A Natura Impact Statement, Flood Risk Assessment, Road Safety Audit, and Traffic Impact Assessment were submitted with this application.

Burkeway were granted planning permission for a separate residential development of 101 homes on the Letteragh Road by An Bord Pleanála in 2019.

A decision on this planning application is due from the city council by May 9 of this year.

Galway based company Planet creating 100 jobs in Ireland

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April 11, 2022

Galway Daily business Galway based company Planet creating 100 jobs in Ireland

The Galway based software fintech company Planet is creating 100 new jobs in Ireland, as part of a larger international expansion.

The payments company will be adding 100 new positions in Galway, Kilkenny, and Dublin over the coming months, out of 500 jobs created globally.

Planet said that these new posts will feature a mix of remote and hybrid roles in the areas of product development, technology and finance.

Founded in Galway in 1985 as Cashback Ltd, the company began by facilitating VAT refunds for international visitors in Ireland.

In the 1990s they expanded across Europe, and began working with major retailers to offer and in-store cash refund desk, paying immediate cash refunds in store.

Expansion continued in the area of currency conversion and tax free shopping globally in the coming decades, before it rebranded as Planet in 2018.

The company now employs over 2,000 staff operating in more than 20 markets globally.

RNLI rescue people stranded on Lough Derg

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April 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI assist six people on cruiser run aground

Six people stranded on a boat in Lough Derg were rescued by the RNLI after it became stuck on rocks last weekend.

The lifeboat crew were called out shortly after 3pm last Friday after a 37ft cruiser ran aground on rocks north of Hare Island.

Winds were northerly force 3/4, gusting to force 6 at the time of launch, with visibility affected by frequent squalls.

At approximately 3:30 the lifeboat found the cruiser inside the navigation mark with its bow up on the rocky shoal. Standing off, the lifeboat observed that the casualty boat was rocking from side to side.

Using charts and electronic navigation, and with an RNLI crew member taking sounds from the bow, the lifeboat plotted a safe approach to the stern of casualty vessel.

Once they were alongside, one of the RNLI volunteers boarded the stricken boat to check beneath the floorboards and in the engine housing to ensure there was no water coming in.

Given the conditions, location and circumstances, the helm made the decision to set up a tow and to take the casualty astern off the rocks.

At 3.59pm the lifeboat had the cruiser off the rocks and out in safe water. The RNLI crew member on the boat again checked that there was no water coming in, and that the drives and rudder were in working order.

With an RNLI volunteer remaining on board, and the lifeboat in company, the cruiser made way under its own power to Garrykennedy Harbour.

Aoife Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to, “study your charts when planning your passage, anticipate each navigation mark along your route and keep a constant lookout”.

5 Ways to Help Your Team Adapt to New Technology

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Thomas O'Brien

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April 10, 2022

Introducing a new piece of technology to your workforce can often be a challenge. Some may find it hard to grasp the new system, while others may be resistant to change.

The key to successfully introducing new software is your staff’s understanding of it. When introducing new technology into the workplace, you become the teacher, and your employees become your pupils.

To ensure that any new automated system is integrated successfully into your workplace, you need to be able to nurture their learning and be receptive to their criticisms.

Otherwise, you run the risk of losing money and wasting your valuable time and energy. That’s not to mention the effects that not implementing new technologies will have on the long-term growth potential of your business.

The following are some ways to help your team adapt to new technologies so you can all reap the benefits.

Create a Sandbox

An easy way to teach your employees about business tech for the 2020’s and new systems within your company is by setting up a sandbox.

A sandbox is an online replica of the new software you will be implementing. It allows the user to play around in the software without actually affecting anything in reality.

Most people learn by doing, and this allows your employees to get to know the system without risking any major mistakes.

Show Your Staff the Benefits

If you are receiving some pushback on the implementation of a new technology, you should have an open line of communication on why you are using it. Often these new advancements serve to benefit the employee as well.

Many vehicle fleets are implementing driver assistance systems to improve driver safety. These systems use AI or GPS technology to determine if a crash is about to occur and, best of all, it can reduce the severity of the impending collision.

By slowing down the speed of the vehicle, this system can improve safety and save lives. But your team might never know that if you don’t explain the benefits in great detail.

Use Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms are another great tool when it comes to helping staff become familiar with new systems. You can upload instructional videos and helpful tips that they can review and refer back to at any time.

Many online learning platforms allow you to create quizzes too. Having regular quizzes during the transition period can help you evaluate everyone’s skill level and identify those who may need a little more help.

Create a Mentorship Program

If you feel there are some people falling behind, you could set up a mentorship program. Those who are better at using the technology can provide one-to-one support to those who are struggling.

One-to-one teaching is often the most effective method for learning, and it’s a great way to encourage communication within your team members.

Take Feedback

When trying to implement new technology into your business, it’s important to encourage feedback from your staff.

If they have an issue with the system or the learning process that isn’t addressed, you could run into issues further down the road.

Let your employees know that you are open to feedback, and that nothing is off the charts when it comes to discussion.

Search for missing man Stephen Cunningham ends after body found

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April 10, 2022

Galway Daily news renewed focus in searches for missing Stephen Cunningham

The search for missing man Stephen Cunningham has ended after his body was found on Saturday.

The 32-year-old had been missing since November of last year, and searches were focused around the Maam Cross area of Connemara.

Gardaí issued a renewed appeal last week after shoes and socks believed to belong to Stephen were found in an area between a small lake and Maam Cross.

Stephen’s sister said that the family is heartbroken, and thanked everyone for all the support over the last few months.

“It truly means a lot to all of us,” she said.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis

Galway weather: Mostly dull week forecast but becoming gradually warmer

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April 10, 2022

Galway Daily weather Wet start to the New Year but brighter colder weather coming our way

Met Éireann has forecast a wet and mostly cloudy week for the West, but early indications show that it will turn milder towards the end of the week.

Monday will be a mostly cloudy and wet day with outbreaks of rain – possibly heavy at times.

Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees are forecast on Monday, and moderate to fresh southeast winds will ease later in the day.

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy again, with light rain and outbreaks of showers. Afternoon temperatures of around 14 or 15 degrees are forecast in the West.

Wednesday will be a drier day, and some brighter spells are possible after showers ease by the afternoon. High temperatures will remain around 14 degrees.

Met Éireann say that there is some uncertainty about Thursday, but that it looks like it will be quite cloudy again with some showers, but with the chance of a more widespread spell of rain moving in from the west.

Friday and Saturday look set to be dry, with high temperatures rising to 17 degrees in Connacht.

Evening of Floral Delights to take place in Galway city

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April 10, 2022

Galway Flower & Garden Club will host an Evening of Floral Delights with Mary Keogh, AOIFA demonstrator later this month in Galway City.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 19 in Menlo Park Hotel on the Headford Road at 8pm.

Doors open at 7.30pm on the night, and admission for non-members is €10 which includes door prizes, tea and coffee.

The club has also announced that members floral art work and arrangements with a theme of spring and Easter will be on display in Mc Donagh’s Garden Centre and Galway Crystal from 12 to 19 April.

First Division Standings: Who Might Make it to the Top?

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Thomas O'Brien

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April 10, 2022

Now that the First Division is once again in full swing, many fans are eagerly following the latest odds and fixtures. Although there is no doubt that the season is far from over, it might still be possible to make a handful of predictions in regard to what the near future has in store.

What teams have the potential to make it to the top and which players are likely to be recognized for their efforts while on the pitch? Let us take a quick look at the answers to both of these important questions.

Cork City or Waterford?

These two teams have exhibited a significant rivalry for some time and it should come as no surprise that they are likely to be battling it out for the top spot.

However, many analysts feel that Waterford has a slight edge over Cork City. This is largely due to the presence of players such as Phoenix Patterson and Anthony Wordsworth (both midfielders who are currently at the top of their game).

While Cork City currently holds an impressive five wins to their name, it is likely that Waterford will continue to gain momentum as the season progresses. We nonetheless need to remember that this is far from a certain observation.

An unexpected injury or a management modification could throw these predictions into turmoil. This is why it is best to keep a close eye on the League of Ireland First Division table, as all of the latest odds and fixtures are available within a single click.

Player of the Year?

There are many shining stars currently making their presence known within the First Division. However, some seem to exhibit more talent than others. What names might we expect to rise to the top of their class in the coming season?

One personality who comes to mind is Eoin Doyle. Doyle is one of the most potent strikers in the business and he has been able to score ten or more goals in the past seven seasons.

Doyle has been a highly reliable goal scorer and while he is considered to be slightly old (at 33 years), a stellar 2022 performance could very well cement his place as Player of the Year.

Let’s also remember that younger stars are rising to the occasion. One name to watch carefully is Brian Maher. At a mere 21 years of age, this Derry goalkeeper has always exhibited amazing blocking abilities.

Many feel that he and Brian Kavanaugh could lead Derry to a memorable season. While still somewhat young to be competing against some of the other personalities in the First Division, we should expect great things from Maher.

One of the most exciting aspects of the First Division is that nothing is set in stone. These observations could all change within a short period of time. So, be sure to closely follow the latest news and fixtures. Whether you are a fan of sports betting or you simply love the sport, the 2022 season will not disappoint.

Call for additional supports for first time buyers as costs rise

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April 10, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

East Galway TD Seán Canney has called on the government to provide additional supports to first time buyers of new homes.

He argued that the government could introduce a VAT refund scheme for first time buyers, which would be paid back over three years.

Deputy Canney said that he has been contacted by many young couples who have been approved for a mortgage, but with the unprecedented rise in costs they cannot go ahead with their houses.

The Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) estimates that houses building costs have risen in excess of 20% in the last four years.

The SCSI Report also found that 52% of the cost of a new house is taken up with land costs, VAT and other fees.

“The Government could immediately introduce a VAT refund scheme for first time buyers and self-build people,” Deputy Canney said.

“The VAT can be refunded over the three-year time frame which will benefit first time buyers.

“The VAT rate is presently 13.5% and is an ideal measure to make houses cheaper and put money back into first time buyers accounts.

“The VAT Refund Scheme is a sure way of helping young people who want to own their own homes and do not want to be a burden on the state.”

Government criticised for not extending fuel allowance

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April 9, 2022

Galway Daily news councillor calls for extension of the fuel allowance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has criticised the government for not extending the Fuel Allowance.

The Fuel Allowance season ended yesterday, Friday, but Deputy Kerrane has been urging the government to extend the season by six weeks due to the cost of living crisis.

She said that people are under huge pressure to pay their fuel and energy bills and the Fuel Allowance can be a vital lifeline to ensure that they can cover basic costs.

“The government’s failure to extend the Fuel Allowance is yet another sign that they simply do not get the urgency of the crisis that people are in,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“Time and time again, we see no urgency from the government. Instead of showing decisive leadership, they are abandoning people in desperate need.”

Deputy Kerrane said that Minister Humphreys also needs to ensure that financial supports are available through Community Welfare Officers, including those who are locked out of the Fuel Allowance and those working 30 hours or more per week.

She once again urged the government to listen to her party’s proposals on extending the Fuel Allowance season and eligibility, which she says are fully costed and deliverable.

20% reduction in bus fares for Galway commuters from Monday

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April 9, 2022

galway daily news bus fares reduced in galway city

Bus fares on subsidised public transport services provided by Bus Éireann and Local Link in Galway are to be reduced by an average of 20% from Monday, April 11.

The fare reductions will benefit Bus Éireann customers on city services in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, as well as town services in Athlone, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan and Sligo.

Fares on Bus Éireann’s inter-urban and commuter services will also fall, but fares on the company’s commercial Expressway services are not included.

Passengers on TFI Local Link rural services operated by 15 Transport Co-ordination Units around the country, including in Galway, will also see their fares drop by 20%.

This means that a journey from Galway to Clifden that currently costs €11.20 using a Leap card will now cost €8.96.

On Galway city services, the Leap fare of €1.68 will drop by 20% to €1.35.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said that they want to make it easier for people to be able to choose public transport throughout the country.

He said that he is delighted that this saving of 20% off public transport costs is now being implemented for commuters across regional cities and towns particularly.

“People are coming under more and more pressure as the price of essentials continues to increase,” said Minister Ryan.

“As one element of a suite of measures being introduced by the government, this fare reduction will go some way to easing some of the financial strain that households are experiencing.”

He said that choosing public transport over the private car, even for one trip a week, can begin to help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

“It will also help improve the air quality and cut down on congestion in our cities and towns throughout the country.

“And at a time when fuel security is a greater concern than it has been in decades, leaving the car behind, if at all possible, is one of the best things we can all do to help reduce our energy use.”

NUIG webinar to examine history of Irish Travellers over last 100 years

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April 9, 2022

galway daily news irish travellers from the past

NUI Galway marked International Traveller and Roma Day yesterday by announcing a webinar which will examine the experience of Irish Travellers since the foundation of the State.

The event is a collaboration between Traveller activists, allies and NUIG, titled Irish Travellers/Mincéirs and the State 1922 – 2022: The Struggle for Equality.

Yesterday, Friday, was International Traveller and Roma Day which marks the first World Romani Congress which was held in London on 8 April in 1971.

It was the beginning of a European movement to lobby against the inequalities faced by Roma and Travellers.

The NUI Galway events will be launched by Senator Eileen Flynn, with participants including President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, President of NUI Galway Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, and broadcaster Vincent Browne.

President Higgins said: “It is particularly apt that the launch of this conference takes place on International Traveller and Roma Day, a day which invites us to reflect on the many challenges still facing Roma and Travellers and the strategies necessary to meet these challenges.

“The distinctive history, identity and tradition of Irish Travellers is woven deeply into the story and culture of Ireland and it has made a significant and positive contribution to Irish society.”

The conference was proposed by Traveller activist Patrick Nevin and psychologist Elaine Martin, and will be hosted in collaboration with the Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class at NUI Galway.

Psychologist Elaine Martin said that there is a blind spot in the Irish psyche about Travellers.

“We denigrate Irish Travellers in the same way as Irish people were othered throughout history; the shoe is merely on the other foot,” she said.

Traveller activist Patrick Nevin said: “The project by the new Irish state from 1922 to the present, was to deny, assimilate, absorb, and to attempt to eradicate Tinker/Traveller identity. It has been an organised and concerted effort from the start.”

NUI Galway’s Traveller Education Officer, Owen Patrick Ward, added: “This conference will highlight the many contributions made by Irish Travellers since the foundation of the Irish State; contributions, that for so long has been ignored and erased from public discourse.

“I want to commend all involved in this collaboration and NUI Galway for continuing to play a leadership role in this area.”

The webinar event is being held on September 16 – 17, 2022 as part of the Decade of Centenaries.

Housing for All not living up to its promises says Canney

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April 9, 2022

Galway Daily news House prices in Galway City fell in first three months of 2023

East Galway TD Seán Canney has challenged the Housing for All Policy, saying that it is not living up to its promises.

Deputy Canney said that the Affordable Purchase Scheme is not available in Galway or throughout the country, and that people are frustrated at the pace that it is being rolled out.

The Independent TD said he is also convinced that the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is not fit for purpose.

Many landlords are refusing to enter in HAP agreement, Canney said, as they are then left carrying the can if the tenant does not pay their contribution to the rent.

“I have many people contacting me saying they cannot get a house to rent through HAP as landlords are not willing to take the risk in the event of non-payment.

“The Local Authority Home Loan is a renamed scheme for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme with some small adjustments. There is nothing new here except a name change.”

Deputy Canney said that the government is placing great emphasis on innovative construction when the fact of the matter is that the greatest delay in delivery housing is the process of seeking planning, provision of finance and the long arduous procurement process, which can take up to five years.

“A procurement industry has grown out of the rules, regulations and the multitude of gateway approvals required prior to a housing scheme going to tender, it has become a consultancy gravy train and a nightmare for local authorities in trying to deliver housing and infrastructure.

“Construction on site is the easiest part of the process and if the projects go to tender, they will be built without any delay. Both Civil Engineering and General Building Contractors have proven this time and time again.

“The housing supply is now a crisis and emergency actions are required to cut out the costly bureaucratic nonsense which has enslaved the construction of housing and infrastructure in general.”

Search ends for missing man in Co. Clare after body found

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April 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

The missing person appeal for Thomas Gattringerm (40) has been stood down after a body was found in Co. Clare yesterday.

Gardaí say the search ended after a body was found in the Liscannor area of Clare on Friday afternoon.

Thomas Gattringer had been missing since last Sunday, April 3.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Dozens of Galway City community groups share over €260,000

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April 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups share over €260,000

More than a quarter of a million euro in funding has been announced for dozens of community groups in Galway City today.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced that 83 projects in the city have been awarded grants under the Community Activities Fund.

The key theme of the fund is to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.

The money for groups in Galway is part of a once-off pot of €9 million announced in November of last year.

Some of the larger grants include €16,000 for Amach! LGBT, €15,000 for Ballybane Community Resource Centre, and €15,000 for the SVP Croí na Gaillimhe centre.

The Minister said that she was happy to support “locally led, ground-up” projects in local communities.

“This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community during COVID-19,” Heather Humphreys said.

“While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.”

“I would like to thank Galway City Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”

The full list of projects in Galway City awarded funding is:

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Arrieta Announces MLB Retirement

By

Thomas O'Brien

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April 8, 2022

Jake Arrieta has announced that he is retiring from Major League Baseball, ending a career that was one of the most remarkable in MLB history. There was a time when every single Arrieta start provided a great betting opportunity when doing any sort of online sports betting.

Arrieta, 36, put together one of the most dominant seasons in MLB history back in 2015, and that run actually extended into 2016 as well. There was a brief time when Arrieta was the best pitcher in baseball and he was putting up numbers that were in line with the top pitchers in MLB history.

The former Chicago Cubs pitcher announced his retirement from baseball on “Pardon My Take,” which is a podcast under the Barstool Sports Network. Arrieta has not yet signed any retirement papers, but he has no intentions of ever suiting up again.

Arrieta wraps up his career with a record of 115-93 and pitched to an ERA of 3.98. Those numbers don’t even come close to representing how dominant the right-hander was during the height of his career.

After beginning his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Arrieta was acquired by the Chicago Cubs in one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. It was with the Cubs in which Arrieta developed a new pitching style and turned into a nearly unhittable pitcher on the mound.

Not only was Arrieta a dominant pitcher during his prime, but he was also someone that took great care of his body. His warmup and stretching routine became legendary in Chicago, and this was often performed on the field prior to the game.

The 2021 season was not good for Arrieta, and it actually began in a Cubs uniform. Chicago brought him back in hopes of rekindling the magic from the earlier years, but things did not go as planned.

In 2021, Arrieta went 5-14 with a 7.39 ERA in time spent with both the Cubs and the San Diego Padres. It was a sad end to a terrific career, and the final year proved to be a sign for the right hander to give it up.

2015: A Year to Remember

There was about a four-year stretch in which Arrieta was considered among the best in baseball, but his best season came in 2015. Arrieta was named the Cy Young in the National League that year, and his stats were absolutely ridiculous.

Something started to click for Arrieta around the mid-way point of the 2015 season and he was nearly unhittable after the All-Star Break. Arrieta set a new MLB record by posting a 0.75 ERA after the All-Star break that season.

During the 2015 season, Arrieta started 33 games, and he went a remarkable 22-6 during those starts. The ERA for the year was 1.77 and he easily won the Cy Young Award that season.

Jon Lester was brought to Chicago prior to the 2015 season to be the ace of the staff, but Arrieta quickly proved that he was the real leader. It was almost a given that Arrieta was going to take the ball and go at least seven innings for the Cubs in every single start.

The Cubs decided to let Arrieta go at one point and he eventually landed with the Philadelphia Phillies. The hard-throwing right-hander never seemed to regain his same dominance, and injuries started to catch up to him.

Career Highlights

Arrieta pitched for 12 years in Major League Baseball, but nearly all of his postseason accomplishments came during a two-year stretch in 2015-16. This was the same time in which the Cubs were establishing their dominance over the National League.

In a year full of memorable moments for the Cubs, it was Arrieta’s no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers that was the highlight of the season. Arrieta struck out 12 batters in that win and dominated one of the best teams in the National League.

Arrieta followed up his no-hitter in 2015 with another one in 2016 in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The biggest win for the right-hander in a Cubs uniform came against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2015 NL Wild Card Game in Pittsburgh.

Getting to know Galway with Walking Festival 2022

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April 8, 2022

Galway Daily tourism Galway named one of the Top 10 cities in the world by renowned travel magazine

Often you can live in a city for years, thinking you know the place, only to be surprised by hidden gems around every corner, and history that you never knew of.

Galway is no exception to this, but one advantage the City of the Tribes has, is that you only need your own two feet to explore it.

Galway Walking Festival returns this month for its second summer of pounding the pavements, with over a week of free tours.

This initiative to ‘Get Galway Going’, is supported by Galway City Council, and follows the success of last year’s Festival.

From April 15 – 24 there will be up to three, totally free, walking tours a day, for a total of 30 over the course of the festival.

These will explore different points in its history, the architecture and heritage of neighbourhoods, the music and literature originating here, and links with other countries.

Check out the schedule of free walking tours in the brochure below.

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As well as English, different tours are available in Irish, French, Italian and German.

Booking is either online through the Galway Walking Festival website at: www.galwaywalkingfestival.ie.

Here’s a little bit more about the different tours on offer, and the people who will be taking you on them.

All tours start in Eyre Square unless specified otherwise.

Brendan J. Hynes –NUI Galway Campus Walking Tour

Come on a walking tour of one the most beautiful University Campus in Ireland which was founded in 1847. See the famous quad, the concourse from the 1970’s and the Alice Perry Engineering Building. Discover the famous past alumni from Michael O Shaughnessy to Martin Sheen. Let master guide Brendan J. Hynes take you on a journey of discovery.

www.brendanjhynes.com

Kathleen Reid – The Story of Galway City

Discover how it all began for the City of the Tribes.

This tour is all about the history and heritage of the city. We will walk through the medieval streets and see how the city has managed to retain much of its grandeur and character from its medieval past

Ger Considine – Heritage and Culture

Discover Galway’s rich heritage and lively culture

Patrizia Interlandi – Italy and Galway: A Shared History

Hear tales of the links between Italy and Ireland through the centuries – a walking tour for all ages with an Italian guide who has made Ireland her home

A leisurely loop walk from St Nicholas Collegiate Church to the Rowing Club while you are listening to fascinating stories of Italians who came to Ireland and of Irish people who ended up in Italy.

Medieval bankers, sought-after craftspeople, the Italian king of Irish roads, the mysterious whereabouts of Daniel O’Connell’s heart and much more…

Bilingual with Italian.

Gabrielle Campbell – 14 Tribes

A walk through the city and the centuries, concentrating on the 14 tribes that made Galway a great city. Starting at Eyre Square, finishing at the cathedral, approx 90 minutes duration. Bilingual in French.

James Walsh – The Claddagh

The Claddagh region had its own unique culture and heritage as most of the men were fishermen and great sailors who plied their trade since the sixth century.

But before Nimmo’s Pier was built they were subject to winds and storms that arrived in the Spring and damaged boats.

This Pier was built between 1820 and 1830 and opened up the fishing to other vessels. The main boat used by them was the Galway Hooker with its famous red sails and great control.

One of these is on show at the Museum and so we will start the Walk at the Museum where there is more information about those boats.

There are many treasures of song and music to be had on this walk not least a visit to Kate’s Cottage along the return journey which is a wonderful restored cottage from the thatched cottage era, pre-1926 and has many artifacts of great interest to the connoisseur of heritage items associated with that era and collected or made by the owner.

Derek Spillane – Discover Galway City from the Latin Quarter to the River Corrib.

Discover Galway City Centre on a meander from the Latin Quarter to the River Corrib. The tour covers 800 years of history with many tales, some fun, some gruesome.

Karen O’Leary – Wonderful Walks Tour

Colour, beauty and inspiration are added to the side streets by locally and internationally acclaimed street artists, including Finbar 247, Sufek_west, Danleo, Emma Blake and Shane O’Malley.

This maybe the most Instagrammable tour that you have ever been on.

Tour duration, 60 to 90 minutes. All welcome. Bilingual in German.

Meet at Hughes Opticians, Wood Quay at 12:00 and finish at Wolfe Tone Bridge.

Jim Ward – Galway 1916 – 23 Revolutionary period

Although Galway County had the largest uprising outside of Dublin in 1916, Galway City was relatively quiet with mixed loyalties.

The subsequent Tan War and Civil War did bring some activity to the City. In Jim’s walk, the local sites associated with the period are toured in the context of the ideology and times.

Meet at Tourist kiosk in Eyre Square

Jim Ward – Salthill walk

Jim is a native of Salthill’s ‘The Village’. In this relaxing walk, the history and character of this colourful resort are toured with tales galore of this mid-point of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Meet at the Aquarium, Salthill

Anne Burke – Architecture Tour of Galway City Centre

On the tour you will see many outstanding examples of Galway’s built heritage dating from the 12th to the 20th century while walking in the footsteps of its Medieval citizenry, the street layout of the city having remained much the same for the last few hundred years. “

The tour lasts one and a half to two hours.

Billy Murray – Galway through Literature and Film

Tour of the city taking in the cultural interests with both buildings and statues such as Padraig O Conaire and Oscar Wilde, buildings such as the Savoy cinema, Town hall, Taibhdhearc, Druid, Kirwans Lane theatre, the Arts Centre, Bowling green etc.

Discover what makes Galway a UNESCO city of film and creativity with poet and writer, Billy Murray.

Child seriously injured following Ballinasloe crash

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April 8, 2022