Work to Begin on New Phase of Athenry Northern Ring Road
Galway County Council has confirmed that construction of the western section of the Athenry Northern Ring Road will commence in the coming weeks with a completion date of late 2025. The Local Authority today (Monday, 16 June 2025) signed contracts with Tower Plant and Civil Engineering to deliver the scheme, located in the townlands of Ballygarraun North and Ballygarraun South. Funded by the Department of Transport, the Athenry Northern Ring Road is identified in the Athenry Local Area plan as a key infrastructure project to support the economic development of the town and support housing growth. The first section of the road, from Raheen Road (L3103) north to a roundabout junction with Ballydavid Cottages and the R347 was constructed and opened to traffic in mid-2013. This next phase includes the connection between the Presentation College and the Raheen Road (Ballygarraun North). Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of…
From Townlands to Tablets: Galway Heritage Gets a Digital Makeover
Six of Galway’s historic civil parishes are stepping into the digital age with the launch of an innovative project that turns local heritage into interactive online StoryMaps. In a major collaboration between Galway County Council, University of Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and community heritage groups, the rich histories of Stradbally (Clarinbridge), Monivea, Moylough, Moycullen, Gort, and Loughrea have been meticulously researched and digitally transformed. Officially launched this week at a special event in Áras an Chontae, the project brings together traditional townland research and historical records in a newly digitised format. Drawing on rich sources such as O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffith’s Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, the initiative makes these valuable archives more accessible than ever. The initiative is powered by the work of University of Galway students Carlos Grace, Giada Solito, Liam Flaherty, and Laura Daly. Over the past…
Fr. Ignatius McCormack to Retire as Principal of St. Flannan’s College
St. Flannan’s College has announced that Fr. Ignatius McCormack will retire from his position as Principal in September 2025, concluding his distinguished 24-year career at one of Ireland’s largest schools.
Galway County Council Unveils Landmark Heritage and Biodiversity Plan
Galway County Council has launched a landmark strategy for preserving and enhancing the county’s rich built, natural, and cultural heritage over the next six years.
70% Drop in Gum Litter: Taskforce Hits Athenry Streets to Tackle Waste
The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Athenry today to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Galway County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaign’s sixth cycle. GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign. According to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6% of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4% in 2006, and 9.1% in 2021, the end of the previous three-year…
Galway Hosts First-Ever Green Clubs Event
Galway County Council has joined forces with GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs from across Galway for the county’s first-ever Green Clubs event at Ballinderreen GAA Club, Clough Road, on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The Green Clubs Programme—a collaboration between the GAA and local authorities throughout Ireland—was launched in 2020 to support clubs in taking climate action. The programme is funded with support from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The upcoming information evening will feature guest speakers and experts on a range of key topics, including Energy, Waste, Biodiversity, and Funding Opportunities. The event will also showcase real-life case studies from Ballinderreen GAA Club and St. Brendan’s Club in Ballygar, highlighting their implementation of impactful climate and sustainability projects. Funded under the Community Climate Action Fund and supported by Galway County Council, Ballinderreen GAA Club has installed planter boxes for a Pollinator Pathway, solar panels…
Forging the Past: Traditional Iron Smelting Festival Returns to the Burren
One of Europe’s most unique heritage festivals is set to return to the heart of the Burren this August 23rd and 24th, as traditional iron smelters, blacksmiths and other traditional craftspeople gather for the fourth Caherconnell International Furnace Festival. Held at the ancient Caherconnell Stone Fort in County Clare—a site steeped in over a thousand years of history—the festival will feature live demonstrations of medieval iron smelting. The historic ring fort, once the stronghold of Gaelic chieftains, will become a living, open-air museum where raw Irish iron ore is transformed into replicas of artefacts such as arrowheads, knives, and belt buckles found during archaeological digs on-site. The two-day event showcases bloomery iron, the form of iron used in Ireland from 500 BC to 1500 AD—an essential material in everything from weapons of war to agricultural tools and domestic items. “This is more than a festival—it’s a live experiment in archaeology,”…
Bunratty to Host First-Ever ‘Bark in the Park’ Fun Dog Show
Dog lovers across Ireland have a new date to mark in the calendar, as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park hosts its first-ever Bark in the Park event on Sunday, June 8th, from 12pm to 5pm. Ireland’s newest dog show is set to offer a packed programme of light-hearted competition as canines of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments take centre stage at the County Clare visitor attraction. The inaugural event will see dogs compete across 16 categories, with prizes for the Smallest Dog, Best Biscuit Catcher, Most Handsome Dog, Waggiest Tail, Veteran Dog, and Best Fancy Dress, among others. Young dog lovers won’t be left out either. The Young Handlers category will give children a chance to showcase their connection with their four-legged companions, demonstrating both skill and confidence in the ring. “We are thrilled to introduce Bark in the Park, which will provide a fantastic day out for families and…
Record entries for Anti-Litter Poster Competition in County Galway
County Hall was transformed into a hub of creativity and environmental awareness as students from across County Galway gathered for the announcement of winners in Galway County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Poster Competition. A record 1,524 entries were submitted by students eager to highlight the importance of litter prevention and environmental responsibility. Posters addressed a range of themes, including the value of maintaining a clean and litter-free county, the detrimental impact of litter on Galway’s scenic landscape, the importance of using public bins correctly, and the need to bring waste home to reduce pollution. Top honours in the Primary Schools category went to Ellen Troake and Dorothy Niland of Ballindereen National School. In the Secondary Schools category, Gloria Piwinska of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir was named overall winner. Councillor Martina Kinane, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “The competition winners are representative of the talents of the hundreds of people…
Community spirit shines at Cathaoirleach’s Awards in County Galway
Volunteers and community groups from across County Galway were honoured at the annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards, which took place this evening (Friday, 16th May 2025) at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry.