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Taking a walk on the west side

August 10, 2023

Writing about Galway’s Westend Walking Tours in This Is Galway

“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

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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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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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Magical Dragon to roam the streets of Galway this July

July 7, 2023

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. 

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

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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.