Kenny Deery has been announced as Chairperson of the board of Galway Science and Technology Festival.

Former CEO of Galway Chamber, Kenny is currently Head of the West Regional Enterprise Plan working with over 100 stakeholders to drive enterprise ambitions across counties Mayo, Roscommon and Galway.

The 29th annual Festival is happening across Galway this November and takes pride in inspiring the next generation of scientists, technology specialists and engineers.

Speaking on the appointment, Kenny Deery said “Galway Science and Technology Festival is one of Irelands leading STEM festivals. Its success over the years has been built around a phenomenal volunteer effort, loyal sponsors and a small team led by Anne Murray.”

“The joy, the energy, the curiosity the festival curates in the mind of those attending, particularly the students of all ages, is the real magic of the event.”

He continued, “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to outgoing Chair Paul Mee and to outgoing board member Des Foley of ATU for their combined years of voluntary service to the Festival board.”

“I look forward, in partnership with my board colleagues, to building on the legacy created by previous Chairpersons and board members over the years.”

The largest event in Ireland during National Science Week continues to be Galway’s exciting Exhibition Day which draws record numbers of families and curious minds of all ages. It has been confirmed for Sunday, November 8 on the University of Galway campus.

In addition, the Festival’s annual Schools Programme will bring a wide variety of free science shows and workshops to classrooms across Galway city and county, ensuring that thousands of students have the opportunity to engage directly with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Full details of the 2026 programme will be released later this year at GalwayScience.ie

Galway Science & Technology Festival is proudly supported by its main sponsor Medtronic, lead academic partner University of Galway and a wide network of local and national partners.

Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed have been chosen to represent County Galway in the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards.

The community groups will compete in the 24th annual all-island competition, which recognises the achievements of voluntary groups and organisations working to improve local areas through volunteering, inclusion and regeneration.

Galway County Council has nominated Portumna Tidy Towns in the Community Tourism Initiative category, while Tuam Women’s Shed on behalf of Tuam Palace Grounds is participating in the Inclusive Communities category.

Judges will visit Portumna on August 31, and Tuam on September 1, as part of the adjudication process, before the winners are announced at the IPB Pride of Place Awards Gala Dinner in the Convention Centre Dublin on 24 October.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Councillor Andrew Reddington said the two nominations reflected the strength of community spirit across the county.

“Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed represent the very best of community leadership and volunteerism in County Galway. Their dedication has transformed local spaces, strengthened community pride and created places where people feel connected and supported.”

“They are wonderful ambassadors for Galway, and I wish both groups every success in this year’s competition.”

Galway County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Uinsinn Finn, said the nominations highlighted the positive impact of communities working together. “The Pride of Place Awards celebrate communities that achieve extraordinary things through partnership and volunteer effort.”

“Both Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed have demonstrated what can be achieved when local people work together with a shared vision to improve their communities. We are delighted to nominate them to represent County Galway and look forward to welcoming the judges later this summer.”

Portumna Tidy Towns has led a range of initiatives to enhance the south Galway town, with a focus on heritage, environmental quality and tourism. The group has supported projects showcasing local attractions including Portumna Castle, the Blueway, Forest Park and the restored courthouse, helping strengthen the town’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.

Established in 2021, Tuam Women’s Shed has developed into a significant community organisation focused on wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.

Working alongside volunteers, schools, businesses and Galway County Council, the group helped deliver the Michael McGrath Sensory Garden at Tuam Palace Grounds, creating an accessible community space designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Rural, Community and Tourism Development, urged local communities to get behind both groups during the adjudication visits.

“The judging days are an opportunity for communities to showcase not only the outstanding work undertaken by these groups, but also the pride and community spirit that exists in Portumna and Tuam.”

“I would encourage everyone in Portumna and Tuam to come out and support their local groups during the adjudication visits. A strong community welcome will help demonstrate the lasting value these projects have brought to their local areas and the positive impact they continue to have every day.”

Organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards honour communities that have shown outstanding commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable places to live.

County Galway has enjoyed notable success in the competition in recent years. Clarinbridge won the 300-1,000 Population category at last year’s awards in Limerick, while Creggs Rural Development Group secured victory in its category in 2023.

Boil Water Notices have been issued for both the Tully-Tullycross and Letterfrack public water supplies due to mechanical issues at their treatment plants this week.

Approximately 400 homes and businesses in the Tully-Tullycross are affected, along with another 138 homes in the Letterfrack area.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working to rectify the mechanical issues at the treatment plant and lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Leo O’Shea of Uisce Éireann regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, “Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority, and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to homes and businesses and would like to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly and as safely possible.”

Water must be boiled for:

• Drinking
• Drinks made with water
• Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
• Brushing of teeth
• Making of ice. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

What actions should be taken:

• Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads)
• Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling
• Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the seizure of nearly €250k worth of drugs during two raids in the Galway City area this weekend.

On Saturday, during the search of a home in the Roscam area of Galway, Gardaí found and seized cannabis with an estimated value of €122,000.

During a follow-up search under warrant of a residence in the Castlepark, Galway area, a further €111,000 of Cannabis herb was seized.

Two men, one aged in his 40’s and one in his 50’s, were arrested in connection with the investigation.

They are currently detained pursuant to section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug trafficking) Act 1996, at a Garda Station in the North Western Region.

The seized substances are being sent for analysis. An Garda Síochána has said that investigations into this matter are ongoing.

Letteragh Road on the west side of Galway City will be closing for ten days in September while infrastructure works are taking place in the area.

Galway City Council has given notice that Letteragh Road will be shut in two phases next month from September 7 – 17 while Uisce Éireann is carrying out upgrade works on the water network.

Phase 1 of the works will run from Monday, September 7 through to Tuesday, September 15, and phase 2 will take place on Wednesday & Thursday, September 16 – 17.

In phase 1 Letteragh Road will be closed between An Tobar Junction to Tonabrucky Cross. Local access only between Circular Rd and An Tobar housing estate entrance.

Diversions will be in place via Leitriff Road, N59 and Circular Road. Alternatively, via Leitriff Road, Rahoon Road, Bishop O’Donnell Road and Circular Road.

Phase 2 will see the road closed from Tonabrucky Cross to L-13234. Local Access only between L-13234-0 and Drum Rd during this time.

Diversions will be in place via Oranswell Road, N59 and Leitriff Road. Alternatively, via Drum Road, Rahoon Road and Leitriff Road

A motorcyclist in his 30s has died in a single vehicle crash on the Claregalway to Tuam road late on Friday night.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision at Carraghy, on the N83 Claregalway to Tuam road at approximately 11:40pm on Friday.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has since been removed to University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem examination will take place.

A Forensic Collision Investigators examination is currently being conducted at the scene.

The road remains closed at this time, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the N83 between Claregalway and Tuam between 11:00pm and 11:40pm, to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam or other relevant footage is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388 030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Construction is due to begin later this month on a €15.1 million social housing development in Tuam which will provide 62 new homes.

Galway County Council has signed the construction contract for the Farrannamartin development on the Galway Road, around one kilometre from the town centre.

The scheme is being funded under the Government’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP), with construction expected to be completed in April 2028.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Micheál Regan, said the new homes would benefit both families and the wider Tuam community.

“This development is very much welcomed by elected members and will provide secure, high-quality homes for families and individuals in Tuam,” he said.

“These new residents will become part of the community and help sustain local schools, businesses, clubs and services.”

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said increasing the supply of social housing remained a priority across the county.

“Galway County Council is continuing to deliver a broad housing programme across the county, with new homes being built alongside the regeneration and improvement of our existing social housing stock,” he said.

“We are working with Government, Approved Housing Bodies and other partners to increase housing supply and support sustainable communities in our towns and villages.”

The development will include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, made up of houses, apartments and bungalows. A number of the homes will be universally designed or specially adapted to meet the needs of people with different levels of mobility and accessibility.

The 1.87-hectare site will also include a central landscaped park with play facilities, seating and pedestrian paths. Public open space will account for 16% of the site, while new footpaths, landscaped streets and cycle parking will form part of the development.

Director of Services for Housing, Damian Mitchell, said the Farrannamartin scheme would make an important contribution to meeting housing need in Tuam.

“This development will provide secure, high-quality homes which will make a real difference to families and individuals. It is located close to schools, shops and public transport and has been designed with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, accessibility and active travel. Increasing our social housing stock is critical to the future sustainability of towns and villages across County Galway.”

Galway County Council said it is progressing a number of social housing developments across the county, with other schemes recently completed and further projects planned.

The Farrannamartin project is being delivered by OCC Construction.

The design team comprises Collins Rolston Architects and Vincent Hannon Architects, Gilligan & Partners and MFA Consulting Engineers, AH Design and Engineering Design Consultants, and AtkinsRéalis.

Work undertaken by Galway County Council in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn to strengthen customer service and community support will be showcased at a national local government event.

Local government officials from across Ireland will gather at Kilkenny Castle on October 1 for the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) Customer Service Workshop 2026, where Galway County Council will present its work on the formalisation of a County-Wide Community Support Centre Network.

The initiative, which has been developed since December 2025, has put in place a more structured and coordinated approach to supporting communities during periods of significant disruption.

Storm Éowyn caused widespread disruption across Galway in January 2025, including prolonged power and communications outages. During the storm, community groups and local facilities played an important role in supporting people affected by the disruption.

The experience highlighted the value of strong community networks while also identifying the need for a more structured approach to coordinating community support during future emergencies.

Galway County Council subsequently formalised the County-Wide Community Support Centre Network, moving from an ad hoc response to a county-wide system with designated centres, agreed procedures and clear responsibilities.

The council has established an expression of interest process for community groups wishing to participate, developed standard operating procedures and put arrangements in place to link the centres into the wider emergency management response.

The initiative has also included the development of a storm resilience and household preparedness brochure in partnership with Local Development Companies (LDCs).

Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens said the work demonstrated the importance of building on experience to improve services.

“Storm Éowyn provided a valuable learning experience for Galway County Council and communities across the county. It demonstrated the strength of local community networks, while also highlighting the need for a clear and coordinated approach to supporting communities during major disruption.”

“Since then, the council has worked to formalise that approach, putting structures, procedures and relationships in place that can be activated when required.”

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to present this work at the NOAC Customer Service Workshop and to share our experience with colleagues from local authorities across the country.”

The project will be presented at the workshop by Galway County Council Community Development Administrative Officer Theresa Donohue. She said the work had developed from the lessons learned during Storm Éowyn.

“The response from communities across Galway during Storm Éowyn was exceptional, with people volunteering their time and local facilities being made available to support those affected.”

“The experience also showed us the importance of having a clear framework in place so that this support can be coordinated effectively when it is needed.”

“The County-Wide Community Support Centre Network provides greater clarity for community groups and a more structured approach for the council. The work carried out since December has helped us to develop and formalise that model, and we look forward to sharing what we have learned at the national workshop.”

Galway City Council met with After School Matters this week as part of the Chicago Sister City programme, advancing a growing partnership focused on youth development, creativity, and community engagement.

ASM supports nearly 20,000 young people across Chicago each year through paid programmes that build skills, confidence, and leadership. The Galway delegation received an overview of ASM’s structure, impact, and approach to youth empowerment.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu reflected on the importance of youth engagement in her own work. “Supporting young people has always been central to my role in Galway.”

“When young people are given space to lead, to create, and to contribute, they strengthen their communities and shape the future of our city.”

The delegation highlighted a recent Galway City initiative led by Fergal Cushen, where primary school students in Ballybane created a rap video as part of an environmental awareness campaign.

The Mayor described it as, “a simple example, but a powerful one — young people using creativity to influence their neighbourhood and make their voices heard.”

Both cities expressed commitment to developing a long‑term partnership. ASM will visit Galway later this year to meet youth organisations, community leaders, and education partners.

The meeting marks a significant step in building shared learning and exchange opportunities for young people in both cities.

Galway City Council opened its 2026 Sister City delegation visit to Chicago with a reception at Ireland House hosted by Acting Consul General Pádraig Manning.

The event on Monday, August 10 marked the beginning of a three‑day programme focused on strengthening civic, cultural, educational, and economic ties between Galway and Chicago.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the delegation. She highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two cities, noting the shared values of migration, community, and opportunity.

“Standing here tonight as Mayor of Galway City means a great deal to me personally,” she said. “Chicago understands better than almost anywhere the power of migration, community, and opportunity. Those values shaped this city, and they shape Galway today.”

The Mayor acknowledged the work of the Sister Cities Committee, including Co‑Chairs Nuala Kavanagh and John Wrenn, and representatives Maya and Karissa from Chicago Sister Cities International. She also recognised the Galway City and County councillors travelling as part of the delegation.

The Galway delegation includes representatives from Galway Chamber, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Platform 94, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Galway Technical Institute, and the Galway Convention Bureau. Their participation reflects the broad scope of collaboration underway between the two cities.

The Mayor emphasised that the visit is focused on learning from best practice in Chicago and Milwaukee, deepening partnerships, and opening new doors for Galway’s people, students, businesses, and cultural organisations.

The delegation will participate in a series of engagements over the coming days, including economic briefings, youth development meetings, cultural events, and civic discussions.

Atlantic Technological University is appealing to homeowners in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal to consider offering a spare room in their home to a student for the upcoming academic year, under the national Rent-a-Room scheme.

The university, which has nine campuses across Sligo, Galway, Donegal and Mayo, says the limited availability of accommodation continues to place significant pressure on students, particularly first-year students and those relocating to being or continue their studies.

ATU is encouraging individuals, couples, and families with an available bedroom to consider hosting a student. Under the national Rent-a-Room Relief scheme, homeowners may be able to earn up to €14,000 per year, tax-free, subject to Revenue conditions.

ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said, “By offering a spare room, homeowners can play a direct role in supporting a student’s education.”

“It is more than simply providing a roof over someone’s head – it can offer reassurance and stability to a student as they settle into university life.”

“Hosting a student can also be a positive and rewarding experience for the homeowner, bringing new energy and connections into the home and wider community.”

Hosts are not expected to provide transport, while arrangements regarding meals and other household facilities can be agreed directly with the student. A welcoming environment, access to basic amenities and clear communication about household arrangements are encouraged.

ATU is inviting interested homeowners to advertise available accommodation through the university’s accommodation service or to contact the relevant Students’ Union for further information and guidance.

With demand for student accommodation remaining high and purpose-built accommodation limited in many regional towns, ATU hopes homeowners throughout the West and North West will consider whether they have a suitable room available.

The impact of prolonged dry weather is continuing to be felt across Galway, with water restrictions extended earlier across all of Inís Mór this week.

Uisce Éireann has brought nighttime water restrictions on the largest of the Aran Islands forward to 5pm each day, and the last until 9am each morning.

These extended restrictions now cover the entirety of the island until further notice, after already being put in place for Creig a’Chéirin and Cill Éinne in late July.

The restrictions are essential to protect the island’s daytime supply of treated water. Ongoing high demand on the network due to the high number of visitors to the island, together with low levels of rainfall, has led to the island’s reserves of treated water falling to critically low levels in recent days.

Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann has appealed to customers on the Aran Islands, including residents, businesses and tourists, to limit their water usage to essential purposes over the coming days.

“Demand remains at an extremely high levels on Inis Mór, due to the high number of visitors currently on the island. Despite some rainfall over the last week, our reserves of treated water have not recovered sufficiently to meet this ongoing high demand,” said Tony.

“As a result, we are taking the step of extending the restrictions which have been in effect since last month, to come into effect at 5pm each evening and remain in place until 9am in the morning, until further notice.

“This is an essential measure to safeguard supplies and protect a continuous daytime supply of treated water for the island.”

Nighttime restrictions also remain in effect on Inis Oírr between 11pm and 6am nightly.

Alternative water supplies in the form of tankers are available for customers at several locations around Inis Mór. Customers are reminded to bring their own containers to draw water from the tankers and to please boil the water before consumption as a precautionary measure, as per HSE advice.

The tankers are located at:

• Eoghanacht (Onaght)
• Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilmurvy)
• Coláiste Ó Direáin
• Creig a Cheirin
• Sruthan
• Séipéal Eochaill (Eochail Church)
• Cill Éinne (Killeany village)
• Cé an Cill Éinne (Killeany Pier)
• Reilig an Cill Éinne (Killeany Graveyard)

Representatives from Tuam are in Germany this week to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the town’s twinning partnership with the Bavarian city of Straubing.

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Tuam Cllr Mary Hoade is leading the delegation, accompanied by Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens and Meetings Administrator Geraldine Byrne.

The visit centres on a special Town Partnership Day, bringing together delegations from Straubing’s three twinned towns, Tuam, Romans in France and Wels in Austria, to celebrate more than three decades of European friendship and cooperation.

The programme includes a civic reception, visits to major civic projects, discussions on international youth work, and participation in events at the Gäubodenvolksfest, one of Bavaria’s largest traditional festivals, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Also attending are Deputy Consul of Ireland in Munich Kate Hall and Tara Baynes from the Irish Consulate.

The partnership dates back to the mid-1980s, when Tuam historian Dr Tony Claffey proposed a twinning based on the shared heritage and the cultural and religious links established by early Irish missionaries in Bavaria.

German was being taught in most Tuam secondary schools by 1987, with annual student exchanges beginning two years later.

The twinning was formally ratified in 1991 and has since developed into a wide-ranging partnership encompassing education, culture, tourism and business. Exchanges have involved schools, music and theatre groups, while Tuam students have taken up summer employment in Straubing.

The close relationship is also reflected in Straubing, where a street has been named in honour of Tuam.

Cllr Mary Hoade said the 35th anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the generations who had built and maintained the relationship.

“The 35th anniversary is a significant milestone for Tuam and Straubing. What began with our shared heritage and cultural connections has developed into a lasting friendship involving schools, community groups, businesses and families.”

“The annual student exchanges, which began in 1989, are an important part of that relationship and have created friendships and connections that have lasted across generations. It is a great honour to represent Tuam in Straubing as we celebrate this important anniversary.”

Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) of Straubing Markus Pannermayr said the partnership had created lasting links between the two communities.

“For 35 years, Tuam and Straubing have built a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and learning from each other.”

“It has grown from its early focus on education into a wider relationship involving culture, music, business, tourism and community life. We are delighted to welcome our friends from Tuam this week and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council’s Municipal District of Tuam, said the relationship had been sustained by generations of people in both communities.

“The strength of the Tuam-Straubing relationship is that it has always been about people. Over 35 years, students, families, community groups, performers and businesses have maintained those links.

“The 35th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the partnership and to build on those connections for future generations.”

The historic city of Straubing in southeast Germany is located on the banks of the River Danube. With a population of around 50,000, it is known for its well-preserved medieval centre, Gothic architecture and strong agricultural heritage.

Gardaí are launching a plan for more high-visibility policing in the Salthill area involving more foot patrols in multiple areas.

Starting from today, Gardaí from Galway Garda Station and Salthill/Bóthar na Trá Garda Station will be deployed on a daily basis at seven dedicated patrol areas.

From 8am to 4am each day, up to 13 Gardaí will be deployed specifically for these high visibility patrols, which have been identified following an analysis of calls for service, crime trends and feedback from the community and businesses in the city.

These will focus on policing public order offences, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging and shoplifting. An Garda Síochána have said that they will be taking a “pro-arrest” approach recidivist offenders including strong bail objections where appropriate.

Speaking about the launch of the Galway City High Visibility Policing Plan, Assistant Commissioner Clíona Richardson of the Garda North Western Region said, “I welcome the introduction of this permanent High Visibility Policing Plan in Galway City and Salthill.”

“The additional Garda presence will provide reassurance to the community, strengthen our response to crime and anti-social behaviour and help ensure that Galway remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, visit and socialise.”

“This initiative demonstrates the positive impact of increased Garda resources and operational experience, while also reflecting our commitment to working closely with local communities, businesses and partners to keep people safe.”

The introduction of the HVPs follows the allocation of 28 new Gardaí to the Galway Division through consequential transfers and allocation of probationer Gardaí.

Considerable numbers of new members of An Garda Síochána – 206 at the most recent attestation in July 2026 – have enabled the consequential transfers of Gardaí with operational experience who were stationed elsewhere in the country.

The increased foot patrols will be supported by resources from the Galway Garda Roads Policing Unit, the Garda Public Order Unit, Detective and plainclothes Gardaí.

Acting Chief Superintendent of Galway Garda Division, Damien Flanagan, said, “This is an important development for policing in Galway and one that I believe will make a real difference on the ground.”

“The plan has been shaped by a clear understanding of the issues affecting the city and by listening to the concerns of the local community and business sector. I want to thank our recently retired Chief Superintendent, Gerry Roche, for his support in the roll-out of this plan.”

Community Policing Gardaí will also deploy the Garda Community Engagement Van to locations around Galway City to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.

Community Policing Gardaí/ Units also remain in place and will continue to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.

A programme of outdoor activities is taking place across Galway next week as women and girls are invited to take part in HER Outdoors Week 2026.

The initiative, led nationally by Sport Ireland, runs from 10 to 16 August and aims to encourage more women and girls to get active outdoors by offering opportunities to try a range of activities in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Galway Sports Partnership has partnered with local clubs, sports organisations, community groups and outdoor activity providers to deliver a programme of events across the city and county.

The programme includes walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing and swimming, with many activities suitable for beginners and no previous experience required.

The week is designed to encourage participants of all ages and abilities to explore Galway’s outdoor spaces while enjoying the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.

Andrew McBride, Sports Coordinator with Galway Sports Partnership, said HER Outdoors Week was about making outdoor activities accessible to everyone.

“Galway is fortunate to have incredible natural amenities right on our doorstep, and this week provides the perfect opportunity for participants to experience them while meeting new people and having fun,” he said.

“Whether trying an activity for the first time or returning to something they already enjoy, HER Outdoors Week is about empowering women and girls to get active in a supportive environment.”

Organisers are encouraging people to register early as places for some activities are limited.

A full programme of events taking place across Galway City and County is available at www.galwayactive.ie. Participants can also follow the social media hashtags #FindYourOutdoors and #EmbraceYourSpace throughout the week.