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Go on a Mystery Food Tour in Galway

September 18, 2023

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.

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Magical Dragon to roam the streets of Galway

July 19, 2023

This Friday….. Dragon

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.



Check out https://www.thekingshead.ie/ or https://www.giaf.ie/festival/event/dragon for more.

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Celebrating Local Heroes at Bonham Quay

July 18, 2023

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.

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Walking and Whiskey

July 18, 2023

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.

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Laughing all the way to The Top

July 7, 2023

30 Years of Laughs in the littlest room at The Kings Head

The most intimate Festival comedy at its best will happen at The Kings Head this July! The Kings Head has been a venue for lunchtime Comedy during GIAF for over 30 years. This July you can catch some of Ireland’s best Comedians up close and personal in the intimate surrounds of The Ruby Room on the top floor of the 800-year-old Kings Head.

For many it’s a Festival within a Festival, with a different line up each day, it’s a rare chance to catch these stadium style comics in such an intimate setting. All this under the tutelage of host and MC Gerry Mallon.

No pre planning or booking, The Laughter Loft at the Ruby Room for Galway International Arts Festival is what Galway festivals are all about. Spontaneity and fun.

Enjoy the comedy styling of top acts including Ross Browne, Anna Clifford, Neil Delamere, Emma Doran, Chris Kent, Aideen McQueen, Colm O’Regan and Karl Spain plus many more performing in the smallest room they will play this year, or any year. Shows take place daily from Monday 17th to Sunday 30th July. 

Doors open at 12:30pm with all shows starting at 1pm.

There is no pre booking, first come first served with Tickets available on the door only. For all things The Kings Head check out www.thekingshead.ie, www.giaf.ie or get social @TheKingsHead.

-ends-

Laughter Loft 2023 Line-up

Mon July 17th, Chris Kent
Tues July 18th, Al Porter
Weds July 19th, Shane Daniel Byrne
Thurs July 20th, Aideen McQueen
Fri July 21st, Colm O Regan
Sat July 22nd, John Colleary
Sun July 23rd , John Colleary
Mon July 24th, Karl Spain
Tues July 25th, Gearoid Farrelly
Weds July 26th, Neil Delamere
Thurs July 27th, Patrick McDonnell
Fri July 28th, Anna Clifford
Sat July 29th, Emma Doran
Sun July 30th, Paul Marsh and Stuart Lambert

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University of Galway IdeasLab Start100 programme celebrates student entrepreneurs

July 7, 2023

LambCam were named overall winners with Glow by Chlo Cosmetics recognised as the ‘One to Watch’

LambCam, a software to help farmers monitor sheep’s behaviour during lambing season, has been named the winner of the University of Galway IdeasLab’s 2023 Start100 student entrepreneurship programme University of Galway.

The highly acclaimed Start100 programme, showcased the innovative ideas of 12 teams of aspiring student entrepreneurs. The final event saw teams pitch their unique ideas to an expert panel of judges from academia, research, industry, and enterprise at a special showcase event on campus in front of an audience of students, mentors, enterprise and University of Galway staff.

The winning entry of the 2023 Start100 programme was LambCam securing €5,000 in funding. Glow by Chlo Cosmetics were recognised with the ‘One to Watch’ award, affirming their potential for future success.

The Start100 programme is an intensive six-week programme run out of University of Galway’s IdeasLab – the student innovation hub, open to all disciplines, located at the heart of the campus.  Start100 connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland and culminates at this showcase, where each team presents their ideas.

This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs had ideas ranging from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.

Teams underwent a transformative entrepreneurial journey, nurturing their ideas and focusing on how to best leverage their network and funding opportunities for future success. With the guidance and support of mentors, speakers and the vibrant startup ecosystem in Galway and across the country, the students developed and validated their business models, developed their networking skills and built a peer-to-peer community to support one another to develop and grow.

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said: “University of Galway is committed to transforming our values of excellence, respect, sustainability and openness into actions and deeds. Today we witnessed that first hand through our students in their pursuit of societal impact through enterprising ideas. The University, in partnership with our business community, plays a crucial role in nurturing their growth and supporting our people and our planet and we are incredibly proud of our student entrepreneurs.”

Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at University of Galway, said: “We are excited to see a surge in interest in entrepreneurship across our campus. The Start100 teams have truly impressed us with their exceptional quality and innovative ideas, serving as a testament to the remarkable success of the programme. We are committed to leveraging our achievements and exploring new collaborative partnerships to maximize opportunities for our student entrepreneurs.”

The judging panel for the final event included: University of Galway Vice-President Engagement Dr Paul Dodd; Chief Executive of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) and scientist Evelyn O’Toole: one of Ireland’s leading financial advisors and internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner Paul Merriman; one of the Top 100 Women in STEM in Ireland and Partner at Atlantic Bridge – Kauffman Fellow Helen McBreen; and Aerogen Chief Executive and founder John Power.

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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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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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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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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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Let us Dance- Where Dance Meets Street in Wexford

May 4, 2023

The Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle Network – ISACS – Ireland’s leading support and advocacy organisation for the development of street arts, circus and spectacle art forms and SpringMoves Dance Festival will host Where Dance Meets Street at the National Opera House, High St, Wexford on May 6th, and 7th.

This year Where Dance Meets Street explores collaborative practice and presentation between the art forms of Street and Dance. As part of this two-day event Prodigal UPG will perform Zoo Humans for the whole community and deliver a Masterclass for artists interested in presenting Dance in public places.

ZOO HUMANS is a free performance-parkour/dance/physical-theatre show for the whole family – at 3pm on Saturday 6th of May, at Selskar. Accompanied by an original electronic soundtrack by Chris Umney, featuring Sir David Attenborough’s classic narration (with the blessing of the man himself). No booking is required.

The Masterclass for dance, street and circus artists will take place on Sunday the 7th at the National Opera House. It will explore the practice, creation, and presentation of work in public spaces and the democratic nature of Street Arts. The first session – starting at 10:30am, will introduce participants to a diversity of movement vocabulary, and then a final 2-hour session in the afternoon, will explore outdoor spaces in connection with Dance movement.

The Urban Playground Team is the original performance-parkour (2PK) company, coining that term to describe their unique blend of dance, street theatre and parkour. The company specialises in pioneering engagement models with at-risk communities of young people and has worked with participants aged 3 – 95.

The event is supported by Wexford County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland. For more information check out https://isacs.ie/event/where-dance-meets-street-2023/ .

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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.