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.
Cappagh regains Blue Flag as Clare celebrates environmental recognition
In a significant boost to tourism in West Clare, Cappagh has regained the Blue Flag status it lost in 2023 and is one of nine Clare beaches to receive the coveted award for 2025.
Connemara beach regains prestigious Blue Flag after 12-Year absence
In a major boost for the local community and tourism in Connemara, Céibh an Spidéil beach has regained its coveted Blue Flag status after losing it in 2013. The announcement was made today (Friday, 16 May) at the national Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony hosted by An Taisce at the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, Co. Wexford. The beach is among eight locations in County Galway to receive the prestigious Blue Flag for 2025, with a further six beaches recognised with Green Coast Awards. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised symbol awarded to bathing areas that meet exceptional standards in water quality, safety, environmental education, and beach management. Alongside Céibh an Spidéil, this year’s Blue Flag recipients include Long Point at Loughrea Lake, Portumna bathing area, Trá Inis Oírr, Trá an Dóilín (An Cheathrú Rua), An Trá Mhór (Indreabhán), Trá Chill Mhuirbhigh (Inis Mór), and Traught Beach (Kinvara).…
St. Flannan’s College Expansion Could Become National Model for Rapid Builds
The first phase of a significant expansion of the historic St. Flannan’s College campus in Ennis, County Clare, will be completed in time for the beginning of the next school semester in September. The 2,500 sqm development comprises special educational needs (SEN) facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The expansion of Munster’s largest school is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland. In a unique cross-school partnership, the 297 students of Knockanean National School will be accommodated at the new St. Flannan’s development from September until their approved new national school is delivered. Approval has already been granted for the new development, which will consist of a two-storey building on the site of the existing primary school. Fr. Iggy McCormack, Principal of St. Flannan’s College, said the…
Preserving the Past: Abbeygormican Project Earns National Acclaim
A landmark restoration project dedicated to preserving centuries of archaeological and architectural heritage at Abbeygormican in East Galway has earned national acclaim at the prestigious Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards.
“Taste the Atlantic” at Ireland’s longest running slow food festival
Ireland’s longest-running slow food festival returns this Sunday, taking place in the heart of the Burren, County Clare, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Fire Officers back new Urban Search and Rescue hubs for Cork, Dublin, Galway and Laois
A government plan to establish four new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) regional hubs in Galway, Cork City, Dublin, and Laois has received unanimous support from Ireland’s Chief Fire Officers.
County Galway Joins Nationwide Africa Day Celebrations
County Galway will celebrate Africa Day 2025 in Tuam from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on Saturday 17 May as part of an annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent.
Michael Cusack Heritage Centre Welcomes Dr. Mary McAleese as Honorary Patron
Former President of Ireland Dr. Mary McAleese has been officially announced as Honorary Patron of the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, the birthplace of the founder of the GAA.
Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle bus service launches
A new hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus service connecting towns, villages, and top visitor attractions across North and West Clare has been officially launched. The free Burren and Cliffs Explorer is a joint initiative of Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supported by Fáilte Ireland, and is available for online bookings. Running as a pilot project from May 1 to August 31 — with the possibility of an extension into September — the service links destinations including Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, and Lahinch. It also stops at key hubs like Lisdoonvarna and Miltown Malbay, where free parking is available. Passengers have easy access to some of the region’s best-known attractions, with the service stopping off at the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Aillwee Burren Experience, Poulnabrone, Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, The Burren Visitor Centre, and Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations.…