I have been accepted onto Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, people, planet, prosperity at ATU Galway City
The aim of the programme is to introduce the theory and application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with a particular focus on their application in the regional context.
The programme aims to encourage knowledge of and reflection on how the SDG framework can be applied in a local context to encourage the implementation of environmentally sustainable, living and working practices, that support a just transition to more equitable society.
Communication and action is where I find purpose. I lead communication efforts that promote sustainable development, preserve Galway’s Westend unique values, and foster an environment that respects and supports the residents and businesses that call the Westend home. As the area undergoes growth and development, there is a need to preserve its distinctive character, promote sustainable practices, and maintain a strong sense of community.
Through collaboration with local businesses, residents, community organizations, and local government bodies to gather insights and perspectives that inform
I am interested in the learnings from this course to further inform a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with Galway’s Westend’s commitment to sustainable development and community preservation.
Asking questions through art is a creative and different way of us seeing each other. Have you ever wondered how your child sees you? Well, the answer might lie within the ‘I See You Like This’ exhibition. With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras – asked to smile, look natural and come in closer. In I See You Like This, Australian artist Jessica Wilson, flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects.
Facilitated by Jessica in a private session the week before the festival begins, children will design and direct a creative photoshoot of their significant adult, captured by photographer Julia Dunin. The resulting portraits will create the exhibition. If you would like to be part of this exciting exhibition you can book an appointment for you and your 7 – 14 year old child with Jessica via baboro.ie. In the appointment Jessica will ask the child questions about how they see their adult’s personality and then design and direct their own photoshoot using unusual objects to express how they see their adult.
Artists Maisie Lee from Ireland and Jessica Wilson from Australia have embarked on a creative journey with children from Galway, inviting them to creatively express their feelings about climate change. The outcome of this imaginative collaboration is ‘The Shape of Quiet Feelings’, a captivating and immersive experience that transforms children’s ideas and dreams into myth-like stories and creatures. This unique project aims to empower children and their families to approach the formidable challenges of climate change with fresh perspectives.
Climate change, though a pressing global issue, can often seem abstract and intimidating to young minds. Lee and Wilson sought to change that by encouraging children from 4 national schools and the Baboró Children’s Panel to envision their feelings about climate change. What do they feel when they imagine it? What colours and shapes represent those feelings? The results of these creative inquiries are at the heart of work.
Through an atmospheric and sensory world, this immersive experience invites children aged 8 and above, along with their families, to explore the imaginative landscapes and stories born from the minds of Galway’s youth. By giving form and narrative to the seemingly insurmountable concept of climate change, this interactive exhibition promises to inspire new approaches to the challenges that lie ahead.
The Shape of Quiet Feelings opens on Saturday 14 and runs until Sunday 22 October at Blue Teapot Theatre on Munster Avenue in Galway’s Westend. The Duration is 20 min + 20 min workshop. For more www.baboro.ie
A Baboró commission funded by the Arts Council Commissions Award. Supported by TRACKS co-commission fund. Co-conceived by Lead Artist Baboró Artist in Residence Maisie Lee and Mentor Jessica Wilson.
Galway Food Tours has been named in the prestigious list of the ‘World’s Tastiest Autumn Food Experiences’ by Sunday Times Ireland. This exclusive compilation features 25 extraordinary food adventures from around the globe, highlighting Galway Food Tours’ exceptional contribution to the culinary world.
Galway Food Tours stands out as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to savor the flavors of autumn in Ireland.
The list showcases an array of adventures, ranging from an Italian chestnut festival to foraging for German forest mushrooms and indulging in New York state wine and cider doughnuts. Galway Food Tours is part of this esteemed selection, representing Ireland’s rich gastronomic culture and the city’s vibrant food scene.
Galway Food Tours has been recognised for its commitment to providing an immersive and unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Galway. The tours offer participants the opportunity to discover the city’s hidden culinary gems.
Founder of Galway Food Tours,Sheena Dignam, “We are honoured to be included, this acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication of our team and the incredible culinary talent we have in Galway. We look forward to welcoming food enthusiasts from around the world to join us in experiencing the magic of autumn in Galway.”
For more information about Galway Food Tours and to book your food adventure, check out www.galwayfoodtours.com.
This autumn, let The Gallery Cafe in Gort be your destination for memorable culinary experiences that capture the essence of the season, with the launch of enticing new evening and brunch menus, alongside the debut of their wine shop.
The Gallery Cafe, located in the historic market town of Gort, County Galway, is more than just a cafe; it is a restaurant and art gallery nestled within a beautifully restored building dating back to 1820. Founded in 2005 by artist and designer Sarah Harty, The Gallery Cafe celebrates local flavours through thoughtfully created food and art.
Start your autumn evening on a high note with baked Wicklow Blue cheese with roasted grapes and sourdough crisps, or succulent scallops paired with courgette, papadum, and a buttery sauce that is nothing short of divine.
For the main course, the menu boasts champions the land and sea, the humble cauliflower no more as it is served with black bean mole and beetroot pico, or savour the flavours of a striploin steak pappardelle accompanied by black kale and chestnut mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Wrap up the evening on a sweet note with dessert options like a rich dark chocolate mousse, baked plum and walnuts, or a blackberry and hazelnut frangipane tart complemented by whiskey crème.
Do not miss their Sunday brunch experience, served from 10 am to 4pm, with a rotating menu that keeps things fresh and exciting every week. Some of the brunch stars have included Eggs in Purgatory – poached eggs with roasted tomatoes, chili, local kale, crumbled feta, and toasted sourdough. Or, if you are craving something richer, then it must be the Guinness-braised beef cheek McMuffin* with smoked cheddar, a fried egg, spiced apple, and leafy greens. And for those with a sweet tooth, the apple crumble French toast, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream and toasted almonds, is sweet perfection. Pair your meal with a specialty coffee or a mimosa for the perfect autumn brunch experience.
The Gallery Cafe Autumn wine shop is where wine enthusiasts can discover a curated collection of wines that pair exquisitely with the dishes created. From rich reds to crisp whites, expertly chosen by Argentina Sommelier Gabriel Perez Levitzky. The wine list features mostly organic wines from some of Europe’s finest wine-producing regions, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Explore a diverse range of terroirs, climates, and altitudes, from sparkling Blanquette de Limoux to Austrian Pet Nat Roses, classical French Sauvignon blancs, and modern Gruner Veltliners. Sip on oaky Riojas Reserva or elegant Spatburgunders (Pinot Noir) from Germany that only elevate the flavourful creations of Head Chef Hannah O’Donnell.
“We are thrilled to welcome autumn at The Gallery Cafe,” says Owner Sarah Harty. Our new menus reflect the essence of the season, highlighting the finest ingredients and flavours that autumn has to offer. The addition of our wine shop allows our guests to enjoy the perfect wine pairings with their meals or to take home to enjoy.”
The Gallery Café, The Square, Gort, Co Galway is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm with evening menus on Friday and Saturday until 9pm. They have two sittings 6pm/6.30pm and 8.30pm. For reservations and more information, call 091-630630 or connect on Instagram and Facebook at The Gallery Cafe. Visit www.thegallerycafegort.com to explore menus, events, and more.
27th Baboró Festival is officially launched ahead of October
Every child from 0 to 16 years is invited to let their imagination run wild over ten days in Galway this October. Artists and performers from as far as Australia, across Europe and closer to home will bring captivating, enchanting and exhilarating theatre, dance, art and more to Baboró this year. Experience the magic of Baboró throughout venues across Galway City and Countywith family, friends, and your school.
For the youngest audience (0-2 years), Universe at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane is a sensory experience for babies and their grown-ups, full of visual poetry, live music, and movement.
In this gentle interactive performance, the audience is invited to explore the universe in order to find their place in it. People and objects are in constant motion as they seek balance and harmony amongst the chaos. Each inhabitant in this cosmos, each sound, each movement, is bound together as we are guided in a playful exploration of the surrounding universe.
Dance, fashion, and live music meet the magic of origami to whisk you away on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play. Children from 2 to 5 years are asked to join Club Origami as they rip, fold and scrumple a single square of paper, at the O’Donoghue Theatre at the University of Galway. This immersive and interactive dance show invites audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing, and moving.
Back on campus at the University of Galway, an immersive, multi-sensory dance theatre performance titled ‘Making Waves’ has been made especially for children aged 8-13 years with mild to complex needs. The audience members are seated in pods representing boats on stage, which enables everyone to become part of the adventure. This performance is non verbal and suitable for wheelchair users.
At Nuns Island Theatre it is time to Fall and Float. With playful energy, impressive acrobatics, comic timing, and a joyful soundscape, two dancers create a magical world through the clever manipulation of simple balloons. Their imaginations seem to know no bounds – resulting in a hypnotic, funny and uplifting performance full of falling, lifting, throwing, catching, stumbling, floating … and sometimes maybe even a little bit of flying.
At the Town Hall Theatre children from 5+ years will be presented with a show celebrating difference and the power of friendship in Polar Bear & Penguin. This is a quirky tale of our time, infused with humour, friendship and fish! The tender and heartfelt show follows a polar bear and a penguin as they get to know one another and learn how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet…paws…flippers.
In An Taibhdhearc an honest, funny, and heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia and seeing things differently is told in Little Murmur. This dance theatre show is based on the true story of a child who one day realises they have been misspelling their own name. Defined by his learning difficulties, not his abilities, dance became Aakash’s mode of expression.
The University of Galway Concert Orchestra and Music Generation Galway City join forces to present an interactive cushion concert in The Wildlife Orchestra Experience. From the smallest piccolo to the largest tuba – a spectrum of orchestral sound tells a story of Galway’s wildlife, green spaces, and seascapes. Listen to the fluttering butterflies, buzzing bees and the caw of the crow, alongside other characters from the natural world around us. This relaxed event for families will take place on Saturday 22 October in Galway Community College on Wellpark Road and it’s for children of all ages.
The reality of the world in which we all exist is addressed through soft questioning in The Shape of Quiet Feelings. Baboró artist-in-Residence Maisie Lee and Jessica Wilson (Australia) asked Galway children to use their imaginations to respond to their feelings about climate change. Their ideas and imaginings are reflected in an immersive experience through an atmospheric and sensory world, where children’s imagined stories and creatures take on myth-like qualities. By giving story and form to something that can sometimes feel scary and intangible, The Shape of Quiet Feelings at Blue Teapot Theatre will empower children and their families to consider new approaches to some of the big challenges presented by climate change. The Shape of Quiet Feelings is a Baboró commission and part of TRACKS Touring Network.
The Baboró art trail is a way in which people can enjoy free exhibitions around the city. Asking questions through art is a creative and different way of us seeing each other. Have you ever wondered how your child sees you? Well, the answer might lie within the ‘I See You Like This’ exhibition. With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras – asked to smile, look natural and come in closer. In I See You Like This, Australian artist Jessica Wilson, flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects.
Facilitated by Jessica in a private session the week before the festival begins, children will design and direct a creative photoshoot of their significant adult, captured by photographer Julia Dunin. The resulting portraits will create the exhibition. If you would like to be part of this exciting exhibition you can book an appointment for you and your 7 – 14 year old child with Jessica via baboro.ie. In the appointment Jessica will ask the child questions about how they see their adult’s personality and then design and direct their own photoshoot using unusual objects to express how they see their adult.
This unusual, fun, and intimate process gives adults an experience of being ‘seen’ as more than just a parent or guardian to their child, whilst making space for a playful surrender to their child’s thoughts and ideas, giving them real agency. The adult subject will see their portrait for the first time when they are hung in Galway Arts Centre and gifted to the families at the end of the festival.
At Engage Art Studio in Salthill, There Are Little Worlds exhibition explores moments of curiosity and joy through detailed miniature paperworks. Local artist and educator Paula Henihan has constructed illustrative scenes made from brightly painted paper cut outs that are positioned carefully in layers within tiny boxes. Paula’s work contains scenes that capture pleasant moments, brave moments, quiet and calm moments. You are invited to peer into these little worlds of wonder. Come with a curious eye and you may find some hidden details.
Irish companies, Fidget Feet & Ceol Connected, return to the festival with When the Moon Spun Round for children aged 6+ years. Galway audiences will be enthralled by this enchanting show featuring a playful mix of contemporary aerial dance and traditional music performed by tricksters in the moonlight. Come on an imaginative journey of joyful movement in this charming and uplifting performance.
From Australia Slingsby will perform The Boy Who Talked to Dogs for anyone aged 12+. This rough-and-tumble tale fuses shadow puppetry, live music, and stunning physical performance to bring this epic true story to the stage. Based on the best-selling memoir by Martin McKenna, and beautifully adapted by playwright Amy Conroy, The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is a magical and mischievous tale of hardship, transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
A new show from Moonfish Theatre, The Crow’s Way is a thrilling and unpredictable tale of friendship and self-discovery for children 8+ years and anyone who loves adventure, brought to life with Moonfish’s signature brand of theatre magic. A co-commission with Baboró in partnership with the Town Hall Theatre.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Artist Fernanda Ferrari who will perform ‘What to do on a Rainy Day’ as part of this year’s festival with children Sadhbh Chang, Eoghan Chang, Theo Adlaon, Faye & Elliot Nicholls Sames. With an exhilarating lineup of art, theatre, dance, literature and music for families and children of all ages, Baboró will unfold across various venues throughout Galway city and county this October (Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd). Tickets are available now at www.baboro.ie. Photo Declan Colohan.
Galway City Museum will host two hands-on events. Superhuman, developed by CÚRAM, is an exciting new exhibit that invites children to explore the creativity and innovation of medtech research. While Cultivating Curiosity from Toodlelou Creativity Lab is an opportunity for children and their grown ups to experience the joy of discovery together.
As part of the literature focus, Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, author and illustrator of the ‘Rita’ series of books will introduce Rita’s latest adventure, Rita agus an Dineasár. There will be storytelling, music, chat, live illustration and…. DINOSAURS! This lively interactive session is for Irish-speaking children from 1st class onwards. This will take place on Monday 16th October at 10am and 12 noon in An Taidhbhearc.
Families can join Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, for a hands-on creative session to celebrate Rita’s latest adventure, ‘Rita agus an Dineasár’. With storytelling and art, the children will create their own fantasy pets, just like Rita! Suitable for Irish-speaking children and their grown-ups. This will take place on Sunday 15th October at 2pm in the Portershed on Market Street.
The full programme, workshops, adult events and tickets are now online at www.baboro.ie. Follow Baboró on social media or sign up to their newsletter on www.baboro.ie for the latest programme and box office announcements.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Mufutau Yusuf, Christine Kandiwa & Jeanne – Nicole NiAinle.. With an exhilarating lineup of art, theatre, dance, literature and music for families and children of all ages, Baboró will unfold across various venues throughout Galway city and county this October (Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd). Tickets are available now at www.baboro.ie. Photo Declan Colohan.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families and a registered charity. Baboró is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway City and County Councils. This year’s festival is supported by our Irish Language Partner, Cúla4; Literature Partner, Charlie Byrnes and Sustainable Print Partner, iSupply. Baboró is also supported by the businesses and venues of Galway City.
The Mystery Tours will run on Thursday 26th October the exact venues will be kept secret but will be in walking distance throughout central Galway City centre and around the west end area. At the four mystery venues, it will be a celebration of local food and of course there will be plenty of tasty tipples to whet your appetite throughout the evening.
Starting time is 4pm from outside McCambridges on Shop Street. Book now at www.galwayfoodtours.com The Tour will take place over two hours. The cost is €45pp and limited to a max of 12 people.
Since Baboró’s foundation in 1997, volunteers have helped to inspire children to engage with the world through their experience of the arts. Now in its 27th year, the annual festival reaches thousands of children across the city and county.
Volunteers are invited to apply for this year’s festival, taking place from 13 – 22 October, 2023. Volunteers will be based in different venues throughout the city, helping to create a positive Baboró experience for audiences. Volunteering during the festival is also a wonderful way to meet a great bunch of people, with many returning to volunteer year after year.
Benefits of volunteering: by volunteering with Baboró you will be part of a team who plays a huge part in creating wonderful experiences for children, families, and carers.
You will get to see the behind the scenes of the Festival, you will interact with artists and audiences alike and you will meet new people, we guarantee that most likely you will make new friendships!
Deadline for applications: Thursday 28th September
For more information, contact our Baboró’s Festival Team Coordinator, Elena, at team@baboro.ie. or at www.baboro.ie
“Oh I never knew that about this place” A line repeated about Galways westend as soon as people discover the neighbourhood. Filled with small independent shops, art spaces, cafes, restaurants and one of the biggest nightlife scenes in the country, heading back the west is the place to be always.
To know more about how it became the place we all get to enjoy today, we need to learn how it has come to be. The Galway Westend Walking Tours which started just in June has given locals and people visiting this opportunity.
Running twice daily from Ravens Terrace, you are taken on a social and cultural exploration of Sea Road, touching on the Claddagh, through Dominick Street, along the canals and onto Henry Street, sneaking into the Small Crane and then onto Williams Street west. The stories of the west are told by an array of guides who have connections for very different and diverse reasons with the area. Some live and work (ed) here, some came, fell in love, and never left, some have studied it and others have taking the reigns and have a desire to share the magic of the west with as many people as possible. The walking tours explains the history of the buildings, the public spaces from Lady Gregory holiday residence to a small potato market, to famous traditional public houses to national music institutions and that is before you even eat a bite of food in the many award-winning restaurants.
There is a beautiful park that so many do not know about and ample stories of trade on the Eglington canal which now in our times just acts as a beautiful waterway we walk, run and cycle safely along up to the University.
Take a westend walking tour and understand the origins of this wonderful neighbourhood and just
why its has that special draw for everyone who spends time here. Book here: www.galwayswestend.ie
As part of Galway International Arts Festival The Kings Head are delighted to support the Irish premiere of Dragon, a fantastic creature that will pass through the streets of Galway. This free street performance will allow us to dive into this extraordinary world, as an enormous Dragon wanders the medieval streets of Galway!
Dragon will run 3 times during the festival – Friday 21 July 9.30pm, Saturday 22 July 2pm and 9.30pm. The route is Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch via the O’Brien’s Bridge & Dominick St. Lower.
Look at the fire, witness the shadows dancing in the night. Let the Dragon make your forgotten dreams come true!
Artistic Director and producer Pierre Povigna created Planète Vapeur in 2006. Having studied architecture, Povigna was always passionate about complex mechanisms and giant biomechanical machines. Working with a team of technicians and artists, Planète Vapeur bring fantastic and magical worlds to life.
“Galway International Arts Festival is the highlight of our year at The Kings Head. We have been involved as a venue since the late eighties and look forward to hosting Lunchtime Comedy with the ‘Laughter Loft’ again this year. This year is extra special, as we are lending our support to this amazing, family friendly, free event. Dragon will give that sense of magic on the streets of Galway that we have come to expect every July from Galway International Arts Festival,” said Paul Grealish of The Kings Head.
Great people of Galway take centre stage at the docks
People make the place and within Galway there are many people who are doing what may seem like ordinary things but with extraordinary affects. This summer as part of an initiative by Edward Capital at Bonham Quay, Serve The City Galway, Claddagh Watch and Tony McDonagh who looks after Fonthill Cemetery are being honoured.
Each of these people and the organisations they help with have massive impacts on why Galway is such a safe, welcoming, and kind place to live and visit.
A Lifesize picture board installation has been installed at Bonham Quay so that every motorist, cyclist, and person passing through the Galway Docks will get to know who these unsung heroes are.
Arthur Carr from Claddagh Watch is pictured at Bonham Quay. Claddagh Watch Patrol was formed in 2019 with a mission to prevent accidental deaths and suicides on the waterways and bridges of Galway City. Teams of volunteer’s patrol from late evening until the early hours, approaching anyone near the water distressed, disorientated or vulnerable.
Tony McDonagh, Fonthill Cemetery commented, “I have been volunteering since 1972, minding this beautiful space. Following in the footsteps of my father John, and my sons and grandsons will continue this tradition.”
Serve the City is a worldwide movement of volunteers connecting with local charities and opportunities. In Galway city, it is led by Tim O’Toole, Mary Reardon and Kristina O’Toole. “We volunteer to serve the practical needs of marginalised and vulnerable people within the community,” explained Mary Reardon.
To find out more, simply head to Bonham Quay where the large-scale pictorial exhibition by Pat Cantwell is on display 24/7 for everyone to see. Or go to www.edward.ie.
Discover Galway’s Rich Whiskey Heritage through Galway Whiskey Trail
The Galway Whiskey Trail is back, inviting curious visitors and whiskey enthusiasts to embark on a journey through Galway’s vibrant whiskey scene. Born from the fact that Whiskey was once Galway’s largest employer and which carried the Galway name with pride and distinction around the world. The Persse Galway Whiskey Distillery was established in 1815 in Newcastle, Galway by Henry Stratford Persse. Now this trail, which showcases the city’s finest whiskey bars and outlets, promises an immersive experience that combines the rich history of Galway’s whiskey heritage with the opportunity to enjoy whiskeys from renowned distilleries from Ireland.
This Whiskey Trail offers an opportunity to delve into the captivating world of whiskey while exploring the streets of this historic city. Each stop along the trail has its own unique charm and story to tell, and whiskey lovers will be captivated by the diverse flavours and warm hospitality they encounter.
The self-guided Whiskey Tour brings you to 12 locations that play a significant role in Galway’s whiskey heritage. You choose your starting and finishing so suit yourself!
In the Latin Quarter you will be warmly welcomed by the staff in Sonny Molloy’ to savour a wide selection of premium whiskeys while immersing yourself in the rich history of the iconic Persse Distillery. Uncover the secrets of Galway’s whiskey traditions at Freeneys as you explore their impressive selection of local and international whiskeys. Pop in to enjoy the cosy ambiance of Tigh Neachtain, where you can indulge in an extensive whiskey menu while revelling in the lively spirit of Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter.
Up the Street to the 800-year-old The Kings Head where you can sample rare whiskeys from around the world, all while surrounded by the captivating ambiance of one of Galway’s oldest pubs. Step into Garavan’s, a cherished whiskey establishment that has been delighting patrons for generations. Break from the pub scene and step into McCambridges, one of Galway’s oldest grocery stores, here you can engage in fascinating conversations about Galway’s whiskey heritage.
Experience the lively atmosphere at Blake’s Corner Bar and raise a glass at O’Connell’s where they will uncover the stories behind each bottle and embrace the welcoming spirit of Galway. Just off Eyre Square is An Púcán and just steps away from the hidden gem that is Garvey’s, a cosy whiskey bar where you can relax and enjoy a diverse array of whiskeys. As you head Back west a pit stop in The Dáil, a pub that exudes old-world charm and soak in the atmosphere that transports you to another era. Then across the bridge into Galway’s Westend where at Taylor’s Bar there is a very Galway welcome and a fine selection of whiskeys awaiting.
The Galway Whiskey Trail can also be booked for guided groups. To find out more check out https://www.galwaywhiskytrail.ie/ and get social @GalwayWhiskeyTrail on Instagram and Facebook.
