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galways westend

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Galway’s Westend kicks off 2024 sustainable tourism campaign

March 27, 2024

Walking Tours: Unveiling a journey through Galway’s vibrant cultural hub

Galway’s Westend, the beating heart of Galway City known for its captivating culture, is kicking off their sustainable tourism campaign on foot with their neighbourhood walking tours.

After their inaugural walking tour program which launched in June 2023, the immersive tours are back allowing 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. 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 LGBTQIA+ 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.

The tours will be available three times daily, at 11am,  3pm and 6pm from Ravens Terrace. Participants will be treated to a captivating journey through the district, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets, €20 + 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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A Raven’ Street Feast for Galways westend

July 12, 2022

August Bank Holiday Weekend return for community based get together

The Galways westend Street Feastival is back on Sunday 31st July on Ravens Terrace. The fifth Westend Street Feastival is resuming after a short break* of two years and the ethos and the vibe is that of community, great local food and enjoying time together.

The area which is known for its food, nightlife and café culture is pulling out all the stops with a stellar food and drinks line up as well live music with the addition of a family face painting station.

Ravens Terrace will be pedestrianised from 12 noon and will be transformed into an outdoor dining plaza. The neighbourhood’s commitment to green is to the fore of the festival with a partnership with Walsh Waste ensuring that there is no trace and that all waste created is recycled and composted correctly.

Bring your appetite as the food vendor line up includes, Botown Burgers, Hooked on Henry Street, Murphys Ice Cream, Alainn, Space Cowboys Tacos, Handsome Burger, Ember Firehouse, An Tobar Nua, Tartare, Danny Donuts and Sweet Dreams confectionery. Drinks and the rest will be available from the Salthouse, McGuire’s Daybreak and Gourmet Tart.

The Street Feastival will run from 12 noon until 6pm and is weather dependent of course, it is wheelchair accessible and there will be live music happening throughout the day.

For all things Galways westend check out www.galwayswestend.ie and of course on Social channels.