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.
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.
Celebrating all things French with Galway Food Tours
The award-winning Galway Food Tours who guide people through the food scene and streets in the west are inviting you to celebrate all things French. Swamping the Champs-Elysée for Shop Street and to mark Bastille Day on Friday 14 July with a two-hour French inspired food tour in Galway!
Guests will be served the best of French wines & cheeses, indulgent fondants, and fresh pastries. C’est merveilleux! The tour is €75pp and can be booked at www.galwayfoodtours.com.
As part of Galway International Arts Festival, The Kings Head is 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!
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.
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.
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.
Active* Consent marks scale of work since 2013 and outlines expansion plans using multidisciplinary approach to promote healthy relationships and foster a culture of respect
Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has today officially launched University of Galway’s Active* Consent programme 2023-27.
Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect since its inception in 2013.
Repro Free: Thursday 15th June 2023. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has officially launched University of Galways Active* Consent programme 2023-27. Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway in 2013. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect. Pictured was Alex Black campaign lead, Active*Consent. Picture Jason Clarke.
Active* Consent marked the launch of the 2023-27 programme with the publication of a report reviewing the scale of work undertaken during its first large scale programme 2019-2022 and an outline of goals to expand the work over the next five years.
More than 70,000 first year college students took part in consent workshops between 2019-2022, and more than 1,500 staff member and student leaders have been trained in delivering workshops.
More than 4,000 post-primary pupils took part in consent workshops during the first 12 months of the Active* Consent for School Communities programme in 2021-2022, while 750 teachers have been trained in delivering these workshops and 1,000 parents have attended online seminars.
The new programme sets goal to take Active* Consent international by engaging with universities, forming partnerships with practitioners and researchers, and adapting programming to meet the needs of students outside of Ireland
Partnered with Rugby Players Ireland on the delivery of consent programming in the organisation’s Academy Programme since 2019, with ambitions to build on that by offering the Active* Consent model of awareness raising, skills development, and culture change to other sporting bodies.
Plans to initiate new research that focuses on how ideas and roles concerning consent evolve for teenagers and young men.
Minister Harris expressed Government support for the programme and Active* Consent’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual consent in Ireland: “It is essential we equip the next generation with the skillset and the knowledge needed on consent. This programme has already been incredibly successful in schools and further and higher education institutions across the country. The launch of this Active* Consent Programme is another step towards tackling an extremely serious issue that can have lifelong consequences for the victims. It is one of my top priorities to ensure that we create campus cultures which are safe, respectful, and supportive for all staff and students.”
Repro Free: Thursday 15th June 2023. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has officially launched University of Galways Active* Consent programme 2023-27. Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway in 2013. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect. Pictured from LtoR are Dr Padraig MacNeela, Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D, and Dr Siobhán OHiggins, Research Fellow at the School of Psychology. Picture Jason Clarke.
President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “The past decade has brought considerable learning on consent for all of us. Now there is an active national conversation on consent, which our history teaches us is healthier, preferable to silence. This is pioneering work, led by University of Galway. It is symbolic not only of the focus we place here on our university being here for the public good, but also symbolic of our core value of respect. All of us at University of Galway look forward to the expansion of the work of Active* Consent and in continuing to make a difference in and for society.”
Dr Siobhán O’Higgins, University of Galway senior researcher and Co-Lead on Active* Consent, said: “Our programming promotes the ethos that consent is ongoing, mutual, and freely given – that consent is for everyone, in all relationships, across genders and sexual orientations, and for all types of intimacy, if someone ever chooses to engage with a partner.”
Active* Consent is supported through funding and philanthropy by Lifes2good Foundation; Rethink Ireland; University of Galway, Government of Ireland; and the Dormant Accounts Fund. The 2019-2022 programme was led by Dr Pádraig MacNeela, Dr Charlotte McIvor, and Dr Siobhán O’Higgins.
Active* Consent developed a novel initiative to bring the topics of sex and consent to wider youth audiences, with Dr Charlotte McIvor working with more than 40 drama students and graduates since 2014 to write and produce four successive versions of the play ‘The Kinds of Sex You Might Have at College’. It toured 19 Irish college campuses in 2022, reaching 2,300 students and staff.
The play allows audiences to see what positive, active consent and non-consent look like, how they impact individuals and peer groups, and what can be done to respond to scenarios that young people might experience.
Of the 850 college students who completed the post-show survey, 87% agreed that the play improved their understanding of sexual consent.
82% agreed that it increased their confidence negotiating sexual boundaries.
81% agreed that after the performance they knew where to find information on how to report sexual assault.
A grant from the Community Foundation of Ireland enabled Active* Consent to adapt the drama to post-primary school audiences. ‘How I Learned About Consent’ was performed to 1,300 pupils from 16 schools in 2022.
Of the 800 school pupils who completed the post-show survey, 83% of pupils agreed that the play represented the range of sexual issues and situations that young people face.
79% of pupils agreed that they felt more confident responding as an active bystander to help a friend or family member.
85% of pupils agreed that the play delivered important messages.
