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things to do in galway

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Galway Races Summer Vibes – Where the city meets the track for a week of unbeatable fun!

July 5, 2024

Race week 24 kicks off in style with a full city centre entertainment program

Galway City is set to come alive with a full free entertainment program as the Galway Summer Vibes campaign kicks off on Monday, July 29th, running through Wednesday, July 31st. This campaign aims to kick start the race week festival in the city centre before and after the main business of the day, the racing! From Monday free live entertainment, fashion showcases, and a variety of family-friendly activities will be happening throughout the city.

Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, and Galway’s westend will transform into hubs of activity, buzzing with live performances from local bands, traditional music sessions, and acoustic sets. Each evening from 8pm, the city’s neighbourhoods will resonate with the sounds of summer, offering a perfect backdrop for the festive atmosphere.

Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to pop-up fashion showcases (From 12noon to 3pm) on Monday and Tuesday, hosted by the fashion entrepreneur and stylist Mandy Maher. These on street showcases will highlight the latest trends and styles as racegoers prepare to bring their fashion A-game to Galway. Mandy will shine a spotlight on local Galway retail outlets, encouraging attendees to shop locally and support the city’s boutiques, jewellers, footwear stores, and talented milliners. These will take place in Eyre Square, Cross Street and on the Spanish Arch.

Galway is a city that knows how to entertain, and this year’s race week is no exception. Families can explore award-winning restaurants, enjoy drinks in some of the best pubs in Ireland, and partake in the city’s renowned craic. To make the experience even more convenient, Bus Éireann shuttle buses will provide easy transportation, dropping racegoers in the heart of the city and directly at the Ballybrit racecourse.

Galway’s reputation for exceptional food and drinks will be on full display, with Diageo partnering with local public houses to ensure every pub offers a top-tier experience. Galways award winning restaurants are ready to welcome you for a pre-race lunch to talk through the plan and then back into the city to enjoy innovative culinary creations whilst you chat through the fun of the day.

Speaking at the launch of Galway Summer Vibes Johnny Duggan, Galway City VFI commented “It is another great initiative where the various City Centre areas come together to let people know that the City Centre is open for business and with plenty to see and do, whether you are a Race goer or not.  There is such a great array of pubs in Galway, all within walking distance, with lots on across the city in all areas.”

“The Ballybrit Summer Racing Festival brings a huge number of visitors to Galway each year so Fáilte Ireland is really pleased to support the Summer Vibes festival which will help showcase the best that Galway city has to offer. Festivals and events play a key role in helping visitors immerse themselves in a destination’s unique offering. Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with Galway’s business community to help develop an exciting programme of free events that will bring Galway’s streets to life with the city’s renowned arts, culture, and creativity,” said Margaret Jenkins, Fáilte Ireland.

This race week, Galway is undeniably the place to be. Embrace the #GalwaySummerVibes and stay connected through social media accounts: Galway Races Official, Galway’s westend, The Latin Quarter, and Eyre Square Galway. Plan your Galway Races fun and immerse yourself in all the free, exciting activities the city has to offer.

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Kaleidos transforming wooden canvases into dynamic works of art

July 1, 2024

Kaleidos- Emer Whelan art launches new collectionTransforming wooden canvases into dynamic works of art


Emer Whelan, the creative force behind Emer Whelan Art is launching her summer collection ‘Kaleidos’ which marries a lakeside tranquillity with urban vibrancy. At the heart of Emer’s artistic expression lies her innovative use of lasers, transforming wooden canvases into dynamic works of art. The collection of 15 pieces will be launched at The West End Art Collective in Galways westend on 13th July at 6pm.


Originally from Cahir Pier on Lough Mask but now calling Galway City home, Emer infuses her surroundings into her art, capturing the essence of the lake and the energy of the urban. 


Each piece exudes energy and vitality, reflecting Emer’s vision and passion for exploring the boundaries of traditional mediums. With Emer Whelan designs, you embark on a journey where colours dance on wood, breathing life into spaces and lighting the imagination. From her studio in Galway, Emer continues to push the boundaries inviting us to experience the beauty and vibrancy of her creations.


Pieces start from €375 and are available to view on www.emerwhelanart.com

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The Raines to play lunchtime gig at The Kings Head

June 7, 2024

Galway band pop up gig to kick off summer tour


Folk/Americana trio,The Raines will play an intimate lunchtime show in the pocket-sized venue on the top floor of The Kings Head on Saturday June 29th.

The Raines use their collective experience and influences to create a unique and pure sound, writing strong and melodic songs, in which they weave in and out of vocal harmony and counter-melody, interlaced with tender and rhythmic strings.  

The Kings Head hosts free live music sessions everyday at 5pm. These summer drop in sessions celebrate the best of Irish Trad music, rock and a little bit of everything in between. 

The gig starts at 1pm. Tickets, €15 are limited and are available from www.theraines.ie.

For more information check out www.thekingshead.ie.

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Summer of art at Ard Bia

May 9, 2024

Appreciation of light and all its textures focus of photography showcase

This June, Ard Bia will host Aoibheann MacNamara’s second photographic exhibition titled Dunganese- which is a coastal desert region in the south of England. This exhibition has a fixation on features in the natural landscape that gives context of time and location.

As an artist of photography, she works in automatic and lets the light largely dictate the work. This is by design and by its nature largely more bleached out like the barren landscape depicted throughout the pieces.

Long since mentioned in murmurs of elusiveness, Dungenese has often been the preserve of artists and writers – most notably the great Derek Jarmon.

His tar-washed yellow windowed hut of iconic standing is the big draw but from there, a bigger aesthetic story evolves. Nuclear power stations, fish huts, lighthouses, colourful fishing debris, signal stations and much more presents a set design for escapist theatre in the shape of time spent there and of time removed.

This body of work, created over several early morning windswept walks while staying at the fog signal house in March 2024, pays homage to the beauty of a place that is like a moonscape with the most evocative structures within that scape.

“The muted colours of the images are untouched and left in their bleached-out state in a nod to analogue film we could not change once shot,” explained Aoibheann.

For more information call into Ard Bia on the Spanish Arch. The summer exhibition series will continue in July with painter Jose M. Yagüe Manzanares who through his painting of photography displays a love letter through his craft to Ireland.

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A storming the Bastille.. of sorts

July 7, 2023

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.

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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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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

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Experience a pretty perfect Mother’s Day with Galway Food Tours

March 6, 2023

Fully Treat the mother in your life this year by spending time with them as you will roam through the streets of Galway enjoying the best of food, drinks and company.

The Mother’s Day Brunch kicks off in the afternoon with Galway food Tours guiding you to six of Galway’s hottest eateries and watering holes. From savoury to sweet and then a tipple of two, this afternoon will showcase how all Sundays should be spent!


Bring a friend, bring a girlfriend, treat your wife or someone who needs a day out.

See you there! Mother’s Day Tour is happening on Sunday 19th March, beginning at McCambridges on Shop Street. The tour is priced at €80. To book visit www.galwayfoodtours.com.

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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.