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galway

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Launch of Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’: A Historic Partnership between Kings Head Bar and Traditional Irish Craftsmanship

June 14, 2023

The Kings Head Bar in Galway proudly announces its partnership with the esteemed rebuilt Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe,’ marking a significant milestone in preserving Ireland’s rich maritime heritage. This all unfolded on Friday evening at the Claddagh Basin as the Kings Head Bar officially launched the vessel, sending it off to the open sea amidst a very Galway get together to mark the occasion.

Named in honour of the two O’Clochartaigh brothers- Meaircín and Joe – who built her in 1987 in Mweenish, The Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’ represents a cherished tradition of Irish craftsmanship and seafaring history, showcasing the dedication and skills of local artisans. The rebuilt vessel, meticulously handcrafted by boat builder Joe Joyce, stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and resilience of Galway’s maritime culture.

In late 2010, John Linsey and family in Dublin, gave permission to the Bádóirí an Chladaigh to bring her to Galway in order to restore her. The ‘Meaircín Joe’ has now returned to Galway waters and join the fleet of Bádóirí an Chladaigh.

The Kings Head Bar, an institution in Galway City known for its commitment to preserving Irish traditions, has forged a partnership with the Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe.’ This collaboration aims to honour Galway’s seafaring legacy and promote the region’s cultural heritage to a global audience.

“‘The Meaircín Joe’ which was launched last Friday after being rebuilt by Bádóirí an Chladaigh with generous support from The Kings Head Pub and the Grealish family. The launch was celebrated on the long walk with a few tunes where even the dolphins made an appearance. The Meaircín Joe joins the growing fleet of Galway Hookers which are a fantastic asset to the city of Galway,” explained Paul Grealish of The Kings Head.

Bádóirí an Chladaigh is supported Galway City Council, Cold Chon, Selos, Galway City Partnership and fundraising initiatives from the general public.

For more information check out The Kings Head on social channels, on High Street and here https://www.thekingshead.ie/.

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Award winning entrepreneurial program kicks off at University of Galway

June 14, 2023

IdeasLab Start100 to show impact that can happen in just 100 days

University of Galway IdeasLab has taken home gold for their Start100 Program in the Entrepreneurship at universities category at the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Conference held earlier this month in Budapest. IdeasLab’s Start100 Program which supports entrepreneurial students to take their idea to impact in 100 days was acknowledged for its great emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and support, and showcases stories from across the entrepreneurial spectrum to create relatable and achievable role models.

Based in the heart of University of Galway campus, IdeasLab are back with their six-week student incubator programme, Start100. Now in its second year, this year there are 12 teams who are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the aim of taking their innovative idea to the next step.

‘Within a year Start100 has been embraced by our entire ecosystem and the support we are receiving from mentors, judges and our community is a testament to the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Universities.  This year we have increased our number of projects to 12 based on the huge demand for Start100 from our incredible students.  We have ideas that span digital health and sports, skincare, AI, agriculture and sustainability.   We are looking forward to showcasing our entrepreneurs at our demo day on the 29th of June’ Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, University of Galway.

Throughout the programme Start100 teams will have the chance to hone their business model and connect into a vibrant startup ecosystem. Start100 will link students with a bank of University of Galway Alumni, mentors, and speakers to inspire, advise and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

This programme also connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland. This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs have ideas ranging- from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.

The programme began in May, and will culminate on June 29th, 2023, where the participants will showcase and pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges.  Each team participating will receive funding of €4,000 to aid them in the development of their innovative idea. The overall winning team of the Start100 programme will receive a further €5,000, and the runners-up will receive a further €1,000. AskPaul.ie is sponsoring the overall prize fund of €6,000 for the final event this year.

Within Start100 the judges play a crucial role in selecting the overall winner and runners-up of the Start100 programme. The judges are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture capital.

The Judges for IdeasLab’s Start100 Summer Accelerator programme include VP for Engagement with the University of Galway Paul Dodd, CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) and scientist, Evelyn O’Toole, One of Ireland’s leading financial advisors and internationally recognised CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), Paul Merriman CFP®, One of the Top 100 Women in STEM in Ireland, Partner at Atlantic Bridge – Kauffman Fellow Helen McBreen and Aerogen CEO and founder John Power.

Start100 is funded by the Government of Ireland Human Capital initiative

For more on IdeasLab and Start100 teams for 2023 check out https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab/.

-ends-

More on Start100:

Start100 supports entrepreneurial teams to take their idea to impact in 100 days. The program revolves around five key pillars:

• Networking (peer-to-peer and external)

• Matched mentorship

• Workshops (pitching, financial literacy, introduction to local ecosystem)

• Support (from program hosts and one another)

• Storytelling (from existing entrepreneurial role models).

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Introducing Galway’s Westend Walking Tours: Unveiling a Journey Through Galway’s Vibrant Cultural Hub

June 14, 2023

Galway’s Westend, the beating heart of Galway City known for its captivating culture, announces the launch of its Galway’s Westend Walking Tours, set to commence in June 2023. This immersive experience will allow visitors and locals to delve into the rich tapestry of Galway’s Westend, revealing the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination.

Galway’s Westend is celebrated for its bohemian charm, artistic flair, and diverse community, making it a focal point of Galway’s cultural scene. The Galway’s Westend Walking Tours aim to showcase this captivating district, guiding participants through its picturesque streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food, and music scene that defines the area.

Led by expert local guides, each Galway’s Westend Walking Tour will take participants on a journey of discovery, exploring the district’s rich history, captivating tales, and fascinating anecdotes. From traditional Irish music venues to independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and artisanal food markets, visitors will immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that defines Galway’s Westend.

The tours will tell the tales of Irish-town (West End) versus the Norman/English town of Galway to being introduced to the home of Lady Gregory’s son, Major Robert Gregory, whose death in January 1918 inspired WB Yeats poem, ‘An Irish Airman foresees his death’. Where now lies The Galway Arts Centre, Galway’s only dedicated art gallery and Aras Na Gael – the Irish language experience with Dance, music, song, conversation, and a bar!

The tours will begin each day on Raven’s Terrace where the great Claddagh connection begins. Tour guides will touch on Pawnbroker, Fish on Friday, Claddagh ring, Claddagh fishing tradition and the Galway Hookers.

Then the connection to maritime history will be the focus of walks along The Eglinton Canal that lead to the University. Tour guides will draw on the Lock gates, bridges, tow-paths and how the Canals connect to Corrib with Water activities from past to present day. 

As people step through the neighbourhood, they will be introduced to the socio-cultural fabric through food, people and place and of course nuggets of information like, did you know that The area is home to Galway’s only LGBT Bar, Nova on Henry Street?

Back into The Small Crane where the History of the Galway markets, potato, hay, turf, vegetable, pigs, calves were held and now will be told. Right alongside here the stories of prolific Galway author Walter Macken and of Titanic survivor Eugene Daly from Raleigh Row will be highlighted to walkers.

Galway’s Westend Walking Tours will commence in June and will run throughout the year. The tours will be available twice daily, at 3pm and 6om from Ravens Terrace. Participants will be treated to a captivating journey through the district, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets, €15 + Booking fee can be purchased online through the official Galway’s Westend website or directly at the meeting point.

For more information about Galway’s Westend Walking Tours, including ticketing details and the tour schedule, please visit www.galwayswestend.ie

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GalwaysWestendTours and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

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The Kings Head Wins Family Run Business of the Year

June 14, 2023

Outstanding Woman, Mary Grealish Honoured at the 3rd Irish Women’s Awards 2023

The King’s Head has won Family Run Business of the Year at the 2023 Irish Women’s Awards. This event is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in Ireland, and Mary Grealish was honoured at the 3rd edition of the Awards held on June 2nd in Dublin.

The gala ceremony brought together women from various fields, highlighting their exceptional contributions and inspiring stories of success.

The Irish Women’s Awards serves as a platform to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of women who have made a significant impact in their respective industries. The event aims to inspire and empower women, encouraging them to reach new heights of success and leadership.

Each winner has displayed exceptional talent, expertise, and dedication in their field. Their achievements not only serve as an inspiration to others but also contribute to the advancement of gender equality and diversity in Ireland.

The 800-year-old Kings Head pub has been owned and operated by the Grealish family since the late 80s, and it has long been one of the most beloved spots in the city. Mary’s influence, her creativity, work ethic and warmth can be found everywhere in the Kings Head, from her eye for interiors evident in recent decor upgrades, to her management of HR for 75 employees.

“It’s wonderful to win this award and to be recognised for The Kings Head and all that it offers in terms of food, drinks, live music. We have a team of 75 in house and we work with local suppliers, musicians, and artists.  WE are embedded into Galway and love to champion this wonderful city through our partnerships with Galway International Arts Festival, Druid Theatre Company, Connacht Rugby and the rebuilt Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’. We are gearing up for the summer of fun in Galway and this win is setting the tone for what will be a fantastic year ahead,” explained Mary.

A Spokesperson for the Irish Women’s Awards 2023 said: “We would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding accomplishments and their positive influence within their industries and communities. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Pop into The Kings Head on High Street 7 days a week for food, drinks and live music. Get social online at www.thekingshead.ie.

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Father’s Day- Eating, whiskey, walking and a few laughs

June 14, 2023

Experience is the best gift, so why not do just that this Father’s Day?

Every year the dilemma of what to do or get for Dad comes into play, so the team at Galway Food Tours have put together a food and whiskey tour that will tick all the boxes for you the giver and your dad this year.

Spend time together and enjoy a three-hour whiskey pairing tour with beautiful plates of food at some of Galway best food spots. Tickets €90 pp available online at  www.galwayfoodtours.com.

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Exploring the illusion of separation

June 14, 2023

An immersive sculpture installation engaging all senses

Self taught , professional Irish artist and teacher of wire sculpture. Glenn Gibson’s work, spanning two decades, explores themes of mysticism, consciousness and the natural world. For the last six years Glenn has been the Creative Director for Art in Mind, Galway’s artist led non-profit organisation that is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing through creative practice. Now Glenn is launching One, an immersive sculpture installation engaging all senses which will launch in September 2024.

What started as a hobby became a vital therapeutic tool to combat life’s more difficult times. Combined with a meditation practice Glenn discovered that this focused activity began to untie all the knots in his mind, giving clear and calm periods where creativity poured from him. “It was the only time in my day where the chatter of my brain would abate, my stress and anxiety would fade and time dilate. I had accidentally stepped into a flow state, and have been fascinated with it ever since,” said Glenn.

Introducing One The project:
This work explores the illusion of separation in three parts. “In an ever ‘connected’ world we find more and more people experiencing loneliness and feelings of isolation. The first part explores the sensation of being surrounded by people and still feeling alone, while at the same time offering a perspective shift to realise that everything is interconnected and that we all participate in the creation of our experience,” explained Glenn.

Why 108? In many cultures 108 is a sacred number. According to the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, who was born around A.D. 1170 and after whom the Fibonacci sequence is (nick)named, it is believed that the number 108 has a way of representing the wholeness of existence. This subject will be explored more throughout the installation.

Join The 108

The reason I chose to use this number is an entire rabbit hole in itself but suffice to say, 108 is a sacred number, According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, represents the universe and all our existence. In yoga, the number 108 refers to spiritual completion. That’s the reason why malas used for japa (silent repetition of a mantra) are composed of 108 beads.

The 108 are the core supporters of this project. For more information, to get involved and or to support check out https://108.ie/.

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With cheese please
Meet the Maker series with Galway Food Tours gets cheesy

May 15, 2023

The award-winning Galway Food Tours who guide people through the food scene of Galway have added to their offering this spring/summer with a new program that will introduce the people behind the food. The Meet the Maker tour will combine food and the unique characters in Galway who bring the best of what is on offer to life.

Bringing in the cheese is Teresa Roche, the woman behind the award winning Kylemore FarmHouse Cheese – produced on Teresa’s family farm at the foothills of the Slieve Aughty mountains in Co Galway.

On Thursday 18 May she will share her journey on becoming a fourth generation dairy farmer and talk you through what is involved in getting her premium cheese from farm to table…while sampling her delicious cheese.

After meeting Teresa, you will take a short walk to one of Galway Food Tours special restaurants for a dinner and wine pairing…finishing the evening off with a nightcap in a very special local bar.

Tickets are €100 and are available from www.galwayfoodtours.com.

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West of Ireland Digital Marketing Agency become Google Premier Partner

May 4, 2023

Adhere Digital Nominated for three international marketing awards

Data driven Digital Marketing Agency, Adhere Digital located in Galway Westend have secured the only west of Ireland Premier Partner Agency with Google, further cementing its position as one of the top digital marketing agencies in Ireland & UK.

Adhere Digital, the Galway-London outfit, are a fast-growing digital marketing agency with an impressive rise in the last few years, specialising in Search Engine Marketing and now The European Search Awards have nominated Adhere Digital for three Awards. The nominations include Best Small PPC Agency, Best Use of Search – Retail/E-commerce (PPC) (Small), and a Rising Star Award for Gráinne Harte. Founded four and a half years ago, Adhere Digital has quickly established itself as a leading player in the digital marketing space for Ecommerce and lead generation clients.

The company has managed over €5 million worth of media Spending across Google, Meta & Tik Tok and generated over €23 Million in revenue for their Ecommerce clients alone. They are well versed in where to spend their client money to get a positive Rate of Investment. The European Search Awards are among the most respected awards in the industry, recognising excellence in digital marketing across Europe.

The European Search Awards will announce winners at a gala ceremony in Lisbon on May 25th, “We’re excited to be in the running for these awards,” said Paul Walsh Managing Director at Adhere Digital. “It’s great to see our team’s hard work and commitment to delivering results being recognised on a European stage. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in June and wish all the other nominees the best of luck.”

The agency’s focus on results-driven strategies and exceptional customer service has earned them a reputation as a top performer in the industry. “We’re thrilled to have been nominated for these awards; I think it’s a testament to our team, who had always embraced the data-first approach, which was our mission when we started in 2018. We all have opinions in advertising of what works and does not work, but we always let the data do the talking. When you take modern digital marketing strategies using data and machine learning and apply age-old human behavioural biases, the results can be incredible. We are very grateful for the type of clients we have, and putting their trust in us, means a great deal to us.” said Paul.

For more information check out https://adheredigital.com/.

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SALT

May 4, 2023

An exploration of our connection to the sea, through the power of personal story, collective song, poetry, and light art

Over 2,000 people attended two multidisciplinary ritual beach performances that celebrated our ocean took place in Kinvara on Trácht Beach and Ladies Beach in Salthill, Galway City on April 30th and May 1st as part of Galway Theatre Festival 2023.

A Community Choir of 60 voluntary participants sung alongside a performing ensemble cast made up of professional performers Daniel Guinnane, Johanne Webb, and Sophie Hutchinson who performed with artist and vocalist Ceara Conway. 

The Salt Community Choir consists of members of the community in Kinvara and its surroundings, most of them sea swimmers themselves. Over an extended period of three months, the choir rehearsed with composer Robbie Blake and Vanessa Earl exploring together soundscapes of the sea and Ode. 

An exploration of our connection to the sea, through the power of personal story, collective song, poetry, and light art.

SALT, a collaboration between a community of sea-swimmers based in Kinvara, composer Robbie Blake, poet Mary Madec, and marine scientists, led and directed by theatre-maker Vanessa Earl and produced by Culture Works will celebrate our connection to the sea as a coastal community.

SALT, inspired by the powerful personal stories of local swimmers gathered during the pandemic, is about belonging, authentic connection, healing and empowerment. To belong, to be part of, and to be connected with ourselves, each other and the sea.  These themes have informed the creation of a 30-minute site-responsive, outdoor performance. 

In this collective positive action of celebration, we will foster an understanding of our common humanity; reconnect to our natural home, foster conscious living through our love and respect for our ocean. This is Positive Intrinsic Cultural Activism. (PICA)

The long-term ambition for SALT is to perform on beaches at all four cardinal points in Ireland and ultimately, to share the ode and music with community choirs in coastal communities across the world to raise awareness of our intrinsic relationship to the ocean and the vital need to protect it and take positive action in order to do so.

SALT champions the work of FairSeas who are working to fully protect 30% of Ireland’s ocean territory by 2030, thus making Ireland a world leader in marine protection. Galway Bay has been identified as an area of special interest due to its’ high density of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise and the 65,000 birds who breed here every year.

This project is funded by The Arts Council’s Arts Participation Project Award, Creative Ireland, Galway County Arts Office, Galway and City Council. 

SALT champions the work of FairSeas who are working to fully protect 30% of Ireland’s ocean territory by 2030, thus making Ireland a world leader in marine protection. Galway Bay has been identified as an area of special interest due to its’ high density of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise and the 65,000 birds who breed here every year.

For more information get social on Instagram @saltprojectgalway and @cultureworks.ie 

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Going back in time to give comfort in the now

May 4, 2023

Award winning podcast returns with stories to “bury into your heart”

The award winning critically acclaimed Promenade which was released in November 2022 returns for its second season.  Reviewed as “Stories that will burrow their way into your heart”, Season One heard stories from around the world dealing with memory and the stories they trigger from the sound of the sea reminding of an old romance, a smell that can make one yearn for home – these memories can be triggered by the oddest of things. Created and concepted by Andy Gaffney, Promenade was born “from both love and curiosity of nostalgia and a love of hearing a person’s story. Memories and the stories they trigger can be actual real life time travel.”

Promenade Season Two features fourteen stories from around the world dealing with memory and the stories they trigger from the sound of bookshops reminding, you of childhood, a perfume maker trying to create the scent of her life to a piece of music in World War two being a lifelong companion to a man hidden from the nazis.

Season two is built around the idea of searching through old video tapes looking for a recorded memory and those moments late at night when you wake up to a static lit room after falling asleep.

Talking on his own trips down memory lane, Andy commented, “A memory I hold dear and one I used in my own Promenade story in Season One is being in my childhood room with my parents old Bush TV, retired Betamax and a box of tapes. As much as I loved watching those liberated local video shop tapes like Ice Station Zebra and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, I also loved the old recorded over a thousand times from the TV videos featuring ads from an era, a random Christmas Special before cutting to a home video that nobody remembers recording. Those tapes feel packed with Ghosts.”

A theme that emerges throughout these fourteen stories is people remembering fathers, mothers and grandparents. Both in the things they did for you as carers when you were child but also what tthat now means when you think back when you remember someone not as a parent but as a

person. When you listen to this series as a whole it becomes clear, nobody does it alone.

Promenade Season Two is available on all platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Also available on www.theshift.ie

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With cheese please
Meet the Maker series with Galway Food Tours gets cheesy

May 4, 2023

The award-winning Galway Food Tours who guide people through the food scene of Galway have added to their offering this spring/summer with a new program that will introduce the people behind the food. The Meet the Maker tour will combine food and the unique characters in Galway who bring the best of what is on offer to life.

Bringing in the cheese is Teresa Roche, the woman behind the award winning Kylemore FarmHouse Cheese – produced on Teresa’s family farm at the foothills of the Slieve Aughty mountains in Co Galway.

On Thursday 18 May she will share her journey on becoming a fourth generation dairy farmer and talk you through what is involved in getting her premium cheese from farm to table…while sampling her delicious cheese.

After meeting Teresa, you will take a short walk to one of Galway Food Tours special restaurants for a dinner and wine pairing…finishing the evening off with a nightcap in a very special local bar.

Tickets are €100 and are available from www.galwayfoodtours.com.

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Galway’s The Kings Head shortlisted for Pub of the Year

April 3, 2023

A celebration of Galway life on every plate at The Kings Head


One of Galway’s best known landmark pubs, The Kings Head has been named as a finalist for Pub of The Year with Good Food Ireland. After a judges visit, now the Pub of the Year award goes to a public vote, so The Kings Head needs Galway’s help!

Owned and run by the Grealish Family since the late 80s, this 800 year old Pub is located in the heart of Galway City’s Latin Quarter and comprises a Pub, Bistro, and LIve Venue over 3 floors.

The food at Kings Head is a celebration of the amazing ingredients that are on their doorstep. No surprise then that the menu features local seafood, lamb, beef and organic vegetables.

But it is in their dedication to the sea that the food at The Kings Head really comes to life, Crab Claws, Mussels, King Scallops, Oysters, award-winning Chowder, the catch of the day, Galway Hooker beer battered served with their signature chips (More on those later) and of course the now seasonal signature Lobster and Chips. The Chips at the Kings Head are fresh, hand cut and triple-cooked and are a stand-alone dish in themselves. 

For over 20 years Head Chef Brendan Keane has led the kitchens at The Kings Head and he has along with The Grealish Family been a driving force in championing local produce and producers on their plates. Whether you’re sitting on a bar stool or in the Bistro, the food philosophy is the same – if it’s fresh local and in season, it goes on the menu ! Using Local suppliers like Ali’s Fish Market, Sloe Hill Farm, Sliabh Aughty Honey, Friendly Farmer, Éamon Giblin Game, Kelly’s Oysters, Galway Bay Seafood and they even have their own Forager in Brian Gannon. Now how many pubs have their own forager?

At the bar at The Kings Head, you will find signature whiskeys, local gins, craft beers, cocktails, mocktails and creamy pints of stout. 

The Kings Head now have their very own Craft Beer appropriately named Blood Red Ale which is brewed locally by Galway Hooker in Oranmore. It’s a preservative free, small batch, traditional red ale which keeps its head, unlike a certain King ! 

With free Live Music every single night, Late Bars every weekend and a solid commitment to authentic local food and drinks, this historic family-run Galway Pub, surely deserves to be crowned Pub of the Year