This is Galway August/September 2023 Edition - Issue #32

galway food stories

JOHN ROMERO AND THE MEAT IN THE MIDDLE

A few people come into Kai and you think you will never forget them, most definitely for me that’s John and Brenda. They are people that get it, the fact food and food stories are meant for sharing, both good times and bad. The closest thing to Mexican cooking I had ever had was eating tripe tacos on a Pontiac bonnet with a massive big gulp of Horchata in an Oakland car park in 2014, wondering where I had gone so wrong with my menu choices and Dave (my husband) just shaking his head at me wondering why I keep on trying to love tripe. So, it’s even more impressive that the most real Mexican cooking I’ve eaten has been on Sea Road cooked by John.

Q. When did you, Brenda and the kids decide to move to Galway?

A. We came to Ireland for the first time in autumn of 2014, spent three months here, and fell in love with the place. Doing what we do for a living (making video games), we reasoned that we could live anywhere we wanted to, so we decided that we would move here and open a company. We spent the next nine months figuring out how to do that. We could have chosen any city, but when we asked Irish people where they would live if they could live anywhere in Ireland, they said, ‘Galway, Galway, and Galway.’ For us as video game developers, it’s the perfect mix of tech, creativity and weirdness. We love it.

Q. What’s your favourite thing about living in Galway? What makes it special?

A. So much. It’s really just an incredible sense of community we feel here. People know each other and support each other in whatever it is they’re doing. You can see this on Shop Street every day — buskers up and down the entire city centre. The Saturday market by St. Nicholas’ church, the walks along the Corrib, and the incredible food and produce everywhere, especially in the Westend. It’s a really foodie town and we’ve always felt so welcome here.

JESS MURPHY’S

Photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Q. Did you guys realise there would be such a buzz about the Legend of Doom moving to Galway? I remember when you and Brenda first walked into Kai and I was like ‘wow who are these awesome people?!’

A. That’s so nice of you. We thought the same thing about you and Dave! Kai was one of our first stops, and seeing another couple running a business together was great. Really, we are just happy just to be a part of Galway. If there has been any buzz about it, people largely keep that to themselves, I think. Sometimes, I’ll get a ‘Hi John,’ from someone I don’t know who recognizes me, or they’ll say, ‘Loved Doom!’ while walking past, but I find there are so many creative artists, writers, chefs, musicians and so on in Galway, that I’m just one of the many who decided to call this amazing place home. So, no, we didn’t think we would be any sort of news with the goings-on happening around us.

J. When did your absolute love for Mexican cooking start? Are you Mexican trad or a tex mex mix? Or is it a massive No No to like both?

A. My family is from the state of Sonora in Mexico, and I was raised in a Mexican barrio in Tucson, Arizona, a UNESCO World Heritage site of gastronomy. So, Mexican cooking has always been a part of my life, particularly Sonoran-style Mexican cooking. If you come to my kitchen, that’s the only food I’m cooking. Tex Mex is a thing, but not really my thing. I prefer the traditional, authentic flavours of Mexico. Moving to Ireland has made me appreciate my culture and our food even more, since I can’t just run out to a restaurant and pick up some birria tacos or tamales or chilli colorado. As a result, I cook a lot more than I used to, and it’s made me a better cook. I’m grateful for people like Lily RamirezForan of Picado Mexican and Ernie’s for stocking Mexican foods and spices. I post a lot of my dishes on my instagram: @galwaymexican.

Q. Do you deseed chilli?

A. Yes, I do deseed chilli — I also get the veins out. I usually use dried chillies, mostly guajillos. Did you know all chillies have two names? One name is when it’s fresh/fresco (like Poblano) and the other name is when they are dried/seco (Poblano becomes Ancho). Fresco Jalapeno becomes Seco Chipotle. Fresco Mirasol becomes Seco Guajillo.

Q. Is it always black in the fingernails? If not what else would be your colour of choice?

A. I’ve had them in different colours, but they don’t suit me as well as black, the colour of heavy metal. I have tried different dark colours, but it’s always back in black.

Q. I’ve been blessed to eat your cooking, and you certainly cook from the heart. Who was the woman (wild guess) who taught you to cook like that?

A. My Mexican grandmother, Socorro. She was a miracle. No matter what time you came into her house, she’d say, “Mijo, sit,” point at the dining room table and serve up some rice, frijoles, fresh flour tortillas, Sonoran-style, and whatever meat she happened to have on. My Dad also taught me a lot, particularly how to cook over fire. Both have passed, but their recipes and techniques live on in our family.

John Romero’s Enchilada Sauce ingredients

8 Guajillo dried peppers

1 Ancho dried pepper

2 boxes of tomato sauce

2 garlic cloves

4 cups of veggie broth

Cumin

Black pepper

Cooking oil

Salt directions

1. Boil 4 cups of water and toss 2 veggie broth stock pots in

2. De-stem/ seed all the peppers and burn them in a dry pan

3. Crumble the peppers into a blender

4. Pour the tomato sauce in the blender

5. Put cumin and black pepper in the blender

6. Put the peeled garlic cloves in the blender

7. BLEND IT

8. Get a sauce pot and put some oil in it and get it hot

9. Use a strainer to push the blended sauce through into the hot pot

10. Cook in the pot for at least 5 minutes

11. Pour the broth into the pot

12. Simmer for a while until it’s done

Note* You can find some of the ingredients used in this recipe at MexicanThings.ie - a Galway based online store supplying authentic Mexican products in Ireland!

Galway city and county is home to an abundance of amazing places that we would love to introduce you to. That’s why in this section of the magazine we are giving you a few recommendations of where to visit this August/September.

buy gorgeous glass art

Right at the heart of Clifden sits the glass gift shop, Connemara Blue. Run by a family team of glass artists, Tash, Ben, and Pauline, the colourful Connemara landscape is captured in their contemporary handcrafted fused glass artwork. It’s easy to spend an afternoon here admiring their mesmerising glass creations, trying to find the perfect piece to bring home with you.

adopt a sheep

The Sheep’s stunning handmade sheep have made their way into homes all across the world and it’s easy to see why! These loveable sheep come in all different sizes and shapes and are an adorable quirky addition to every household.

find the best tea with your bestie

It’s all things bubbles at Nana’s Tea. From the bubbly staff right down to the tapioca balls in their eye-catching bubble tea beverages, everything in this cute takeaway store is bright, colourful and fun! Their menu is packed with unusual but yummy flavours so remember to pop in for some refreshments while you are wandering around the streets of Galway city.

have lunch on an Irish isle

One of the prettiest cottages in Ireland is also one of its tastiest cafés and you can find it right here in Galway on the picturesque island of Inis Mór. Teach Nan Phaidi is a beautiful thatched Irish cottage complete with floral displays and an inviting atmosphere. Offering a menu full of delicious food and drink options, you’ll be dreaming of this café long after you’ve left.

ride a wave

There are days of action-packed adventures to be experienced at Rusheen Bay Windsurfing

The team of trained professionals provide a full range of activities, as both lessons and rentals, including windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Their kayaking tours are also an ideal activity for a group of friends as they are suitable for all levels.

Words: Gráinne Thornton

Illustrations: Áine Keaveney

Geometry Coffee the right variables for

Geometry Coffee Roasters have made significant headway within the speciality coffee community. The Galway roastery is dedicated to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee from a range of origin countries. Geometry Coffee has shown that diligence combined with passion produces something truly special.

Geometry Coffee is a family business run by brothers Matt and George Flannery. Their father, Bryan Flannery, instilled in them a love for coffee from a young age. Having owned and operated a successful coffee wholesale business since 1989, Bryan was laying the foundation for his sons’ pursuit of quality coffee and entrepreneurship. In 2007, Matt took over the wholesale business. He spent those first few years navigating the financial struggles of the time. In his words, “there was a period of literally just surviving… it was a matter of keeping your head above water.” When George joined the business in 2012, the brothers worked together to grow what was in front of them.

Expanding to bigger warehouses and sourcing more products, the conversation turned towards roasting their own product for wholesale. In 2020 when the pandemic struck, they were presented with the opportunity to turn these conversations into a reality. “We were literally looking at each other in the office,” Matt says, “there were no orders coming through…

success

no emails. We said now is our opportunity to start roasting. We’ll never get a better chance.” They spent that year gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of coffee roasting, and Geometry Coffee had begun.

The name ‘Geometry’ has a bit of a double meaning. Referencing the mathematics of coffee production, ‘Geometry’ seemed fitting to the brothers. To achieve a great cup of coffee, precise variables and equations need to be taken into account. “We kinda say it’s our angle on specialty coffee…” Not only that, but the word itself can be written by using parts of their own names. ‘Geo’ from George, ‘met’ from Matthew, and ‘ry’ from Bryan. “Those are the three people behind the idea.”

Through trial and trading notes with other roasters, they were able to create the high quality coffee roasts we know and love today. Geometry Coffee’s origin emphasises the importance of supporting local business. Based in Tuam and supplying wholesale to cafes in the West of Ireland, Matt hopes that their coffee sparks that sense of community and conversation. “We hope to open our doors and encourage customers or people who are interested in coffee to come in, grab a coffee, have a conversation and see the process happening right in front of them.”

Geometry Coffee is available in these Galway cafes; Plámás, Melt’d, Rúnda, POTA, and Seahorse. You can also buy retail at McCambridges and Ground & Co. “We’re family run, and when you talk about Galway, we are absolutely local…The focus for the future is to continue to grow. We’re loving the journey.”

Words: Chloe Richardson

Photography: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

A Modern Movement

expanding Galway’s sound

A Modern Movement is a local club night in Galway celebrating both the intimate and brash nature of live performance. Deeply honest and raw, A Modern Movement brings together the best of Irish musicians on a given night curating a remarkable gut-punch of a production. John O’Connor has spent the last four years organising these evenings of suspended emotion, where each night seems impossibly more distinctive than the last. On a highly reputable stage, John brings truly iconic performers from across the nation to Galway. Spanning an abundance of genres, A Modern Movement reinstates the desire people share for live performance.

“There is an urgency with what’s happening in the scene of Galway at the moment. From a lot of younger bands to a lot of the older bands,” says John. “There’s very much an urgency again of wanting to do stuff, wanting to be on the stage, wanting to get a gig.” By providing a platform, A Modern Movement satiates this hunger for expression.

Across the board, the club night is host to a range of music genres and styles. Featuring artists like Cat Turner, Bannered Mare, New Ceremony and more, A Modern Movement expands upon all preconceived notions of what a typical club night is. Intimate and far-reaching, these performances consistently strike a resonant chord with all in attendance.

For many, the spark of A Modern Movement is the unknown familiarity that floods the venue. The sound of these performers and artists resonates deeply across the room, in very individual ways. This connection is nurtured by this sense of mutualism between audience and the performers, “…it’s different for every single person in there. It’s different for the band, a person in the audience. You don’t know what bit is connecting, but something is. And when it does, it’s different for everyone. It’s very important.”

Artistic expression is bred deep in the bones of Galway - A Modern Movement helps to flesh it out. “I think it’s weirdly not looked upon enough that Galway is one of the best places for entertainment,” says John. This innate aspect of Galway’s culture is what feeds into the urgency he speaks of. “It’s all very much under one banner of what Galway is.”

This year, A Modern Movement is continuing on this journey of artistic expression. “We’re not just curating the lineups, we’re curating the lineups to be in certain places that we think would suit. So if we can’t bring the crowd to us, we’re bringing music to the crowd.” John speaks on upcoming gigs for this year. “I have a show on the 26th of August with Adore. I’m in the moment of putting support into place for that. Then in November we’re bringing back the Black Gate Introducing Festival…We’re working with other Galway promoters to curate a 5 day festival with music, art, photography, an exhibition, a lot of stuff happening.”

Each gig seems to inhabit a world of its own. Impossible to put a finger on, this enigmatic club night is a striking example of Galway’s ability to encompass things both known, and unknown to us. “I can’t really sum up exactly what I mean when I talk about A Modern Movement,” says John. “But weirdly enough, someone said it recently: you know what you’re getting. And I kind of think that sums it up…” A Modern Movement is a projection of the human condition. Showcasing gritty, unabashed, and honest performances, these fragmented pieces turn the complex into something approachable and consoling.

To see more upcoming shows from A Modern Movement, follow their socials@amodernmovementgalway

Words:

Chloe Richardson

Photography: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

I can’t really sum up exactly what I mean when I talk about A Modern Movement... Weirdly enough, someone said it recently: you know what you’re getting. And I kind of think that sums it up.”

A three year wild ride for Wildlands

As Wildlands’ 3rd birthday celebrations get underway, it’s time to take a look at the journey that has led to this milestone occasion.

Wildlands opened in August 2020. Brother and sister team, David and Faye Bohan, along with their father Tim, decided some years prior to that to pursue the idea of opening a premium adventure park in the West of Ireland, on a site that was originally part of their family’s farmland at Ballyquirke. With lake access, lush woodlands, and green fields at their fingertips, the concept of Wildlands began to take form on the edges of Galway city.

After two years of construction, Wildlands was ready to soft launch in 2020, with their outdoor activities; Zip ‘n’ Trek, Archery, Bushcraft, Fun Walls, Fairy Trails and offering sweet treats out of a renovated VW post van - the Wildlands Wagon. The opening of their award-winning Olive Tree Kitchen restaurant soon followed. Present day, Wildlands offers 20 diverse indoor and outdoor activities for guests of all ages and abilities. 2021 and 2022 saw the opening of the Celtic Challenge Rooms, Baile Beag, the Ninja Course and Cloud Climb.

With 2023 came the launch of their 14 luxury self-catering cabins. Each with an open plan and gorgeous rustic details that reflect the area’s natural landscape. Each cabin is fully equipped with a range of amenities ensuring you a cosy cabin experience. There is also so much more to look forward to, with plans in the works for additional accommodation, activities, and food offerings as well as developments in spa and wellness. Be sure you stay tuned as the story of Wildlands has just begun!

John Muldoon

On the Rugby World Cup, Coaching & More

In anticipation for the Rugby World Cup 2023, we decided to take this opportunity to get all the inside scoop and have an overdue catch up with Connacht Rugby legend, John Muldoon.

M. The last time we spoke, you had won the Pro 12, Pat Lam had just left and you were alluding to possible retirement, so what’s been happening since then?

J. It has been a rollercoaster few years. That was what 2016, we won the Pro 12, Pat decided to leave a year after, I retired a year after that, announced my retirement and then announced that I was leaving to follow Pat to Bristol. I retired on a Saturday, then my first son was born five days later and I moved to Bristol less than three weeks after that.

M. Was it always the plan to go and learn from Pat and then come back?

J. Not necessarily Pat, but certainly it’s an area that I wanted to get into. I knew from quite young in my coaching career that I enjoyed the aspect of it. Not that I enjoyed challenging coaches but I liked to ask why we were doing stuff and I found certain coaches very opposed to giving answers, and certain coaches were very open and showing you, and it interested me to the point where at 25/26 I actually started coaching in Monivea which was nice, to cut your teeth in an environment where there wasn’t a load of pressure. Before Pat left he had given me the opportunity to help out in drills and that was feeding my enthusiasm more and more. Obviously the opportunity then came to go with Pat and it was something that I was keen to do. I was keen to break that umbilical cord that I had had for seventeen years with Connacht and just experience something completely different and I was fortunate to have five years there but ultimately there is no place like home, is there?

M. No, there’s not. Do you miss playing?

J. Not really no. I miss the dressing room. I miss that mix between the bravado/childish environment that goes on in the dressing room and I miss that relationship you have with the players. When new people come in and you don’t know them, within two or three months you can be best friends with them - I miss that. That’s very hard to replicate outside

of that sporting environment and that team environment so yeah I do miss certain elements of it. I don’t particularly miss playing because I probably played for so long that I went out on my own terms and I was able to call it a day whereas unfortunately that is not the case for most players, either you unfortunately get injured or you run out of form or age catches up to you, I’m not saying it wasn’t catching up on me but I was able to pull the plug before it got pulled out from underneath me.

M. The World Cup in France is coming up in September. We’re going to win it, aren’t we?

J. Oh Jesus. Well, this is the best opportunity we’ve ever had. There’s absolutely no doubt that we can win it. Whether we win it is a different story altogether. At the end of the day, it’s going to come down between Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand. We’ve South Africa in the group and we will need to be very good to beat them. I think there are even one or two teams you could add in on top of that who will think they have a really good chance, whereas in previous years I think you would have said it’s between X and Y.

M. Any dark horses that you think could surprise us?

J. England and Australia will come out and be better than what they are showing at the moment. Especially England.

M. The Provisional squad have been out training at the moment. Will/Can the five Connacht lads make the final 33?

J. I think definitely Mack and Bundee will be on the flight unless injuries happen but there is no reason why the other two or three lads couldn’t go as well.

M. How much of an impact will they make?

J. Mack has been superb. Obviously Bundee doesn’t need any big ups from me. I think he does a really good job of what he does for Ireland and they are very clear of what they want from him and he produces that. I think Mack just has that X Factor, a lot of your readers will know Mack and many of them won’t. He’s extravagant and out there. He is definitely a one off and he just has that confidence and exuberance that you can’t teach and you can’t fake.

M. If you’re going out for a few pints to watch the World Cup, where are you drinking?

J. I’m happy enough to sit in a quiet enough bar anywhere that has a decent pint of Guinness, but I do like it down the Latin Quarter. If you are watching sport you can’t go wrong with The Front Door.

NEW FACES

As Galway continues to see a variety of new businesses open each month. We here at This is Galway want to give them their place in the spotlight by properly introducing them to you. Everyone, say hello to...

Burgos

While it’s still only the newbie in town, Burgos is already making waves on the Oranmore food scene. A haven for breakfast enthusiasts, the early morning menu includes their super popular homemade cinnamon buns, to die for pancakes and the cure-all - breakfast burger. Burgos have also recently launched their evening menu which is packed with loads of great tasting dishes, such as their large variety of burgers, salads, double fried chicken wings and more!

Now open at Unit 5, Castle Road, Oranmore

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Sadie Cramer Art & Design

Galway’s newest artist-run gallery and design shop. Owner and artist Sadie Cramer has filled the small space with stunning artwork that is inspired by the moon and the bog. Its monochrome design style is carried across all of the paintings, prints and greeting cards that are all available to purchase.

Now open at No. 1 Middle Street

City Sushi Galway

For an authentic taste of the sea, City Sushi

Galway has partnered with Galway Bay

Seafoods to offer you the best locally caught seafoods in a range of delicious dishes. Chefs

Helio and Lucas are bringing Galway city a fresh new take on Japanese cuisine infusing each dish with bold but simple flavours.

Now open in Galway Bay Seafoods, The Docks

Photo by Jennifer Zdrojewski

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Celebrate your dream wedding at Oranmore Lodge Hotel

As you begin planning your wedding celebrations, let us take this opportunity to congratulate you both on your engagement, it is such an exciting time. At Oranmore Lodge Hotel they take huge pride in hosting a couple’s wedding day. This is one of the most important days of your lives and with that in mind they aim to make it the most memorable experience for you, your family & friends. They have put together an array of packages for you, but remember every wedding is unique and they are very happy to tailor each package to ensure it’s exactly what you imagined.

Over the past forty years, under the ownership of Brian and Mary O’Higgins, this old world hunting lodge has been reborn into a 4 star boutique style hotel. Still retaining much of the original fabric of its former glory, it has proudly earned itself the reputation for hosting the finest of traditional family weddings along with smaller, more intimate nuptials.

The heart of any great wedding reception is food and hospitality, therefore under the stewardship of General Manager Padraig Nolan, an experienced team of chefs and managers are always on hand to ensure that this tradition is maintained throughout your special day. Taking great pride in offering delicious, freshly made and locally sourced where possible, mouth-watering wedding food in relaxed surroundings, served by professional and friendly staff.

“The ingredients to make your wedding celebrations magical.”

To begin planning your dream wedding, scan the QR code below to access Oranmore Lodge Hotel’s extensive wedding brochure:

Photography: Oranmore Lodge Hotel

Map illustration by Fuchsia MacAree

Get out of the city and explore… Gort

A hidden gem located between the idyllic Burren landscape and the lush Slieve Aughty Mountains, Gort is the perfect base for all your adventures in Galway. With the help of our little guide, discover this area’s ties to many famous historic literary figures, immerse yourself in its flourishing natural environment and meet some of the locals. Take this opportunity to go forth to Gort!

Photo by Luis de Morais

See the Sights

A great place to start your explorations of the local areas is Coole Park. It lies at the centre of a rare wetland system that is considered to be of global importance. It’s characterised by underground rivers, springs, and seasonal lakes (turloughs) which are almost unique to Ireland. Coole Park’s extensive woodlands is the home to red deer, barn owls, common buzzards, swans and many more wildlife species. There are also 6km of signposted nature trails, the gorgeous and homely Coole Park Tea Rooms, plus a late 18th century walled garden which contains the autograph tree - a copper beech that is engraved with the initials of many of the leading figures of the Irish Literary Revival, who were friends with Coole Park’s former owner Lady Gregory.

One such friend of Lady Gregory, William B. Yeats took inspiration from Coole Park for his poetry. WB Yeats’ home itself lies just 3 miles away at Thoor Ballylee, which is open for visitors and the perfect spot for taking a glimpse into this monumental moment in Ireland’s literary history. For a deeper dive into the history of the area and the lives of all the fascinating people who once lived here, call in for a visit to the lovely Kiltartan Gregory Museum. Another site that all those interested in Galway’s historic past need to check out is Kilmacduagh Abbey and its Round Tower. Which has managed to maintain its impressive form and original condition since its establishment in the 7th century. It is also the tallest round tower in Ireland at a height of 34.5 metres! Nearby to this, the countryside surrounding Lough Cutra Castle and Ardamullivan Tower is rich with stories from the past centuries, stretching all the way back to the Tuatha De Danann.

If keeping active is more of your kinda buzz, Gort River Walk is a beautiful river walkway that has recently been awarded Galway County Council’s Cathaoirleach’s ‘Pride of Place’ award 2023. It’s a lovely amenity that is maintained and beloved by the local community so we highly recommend visiting it while you are in the area. For a day of laid back sport, Gort Golf Club is an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course complete with picturesque views and provides loads of fun for all golf enthusiasts. An alternative way to view Gort and its surroundings is to get on your bike and tour its many Cycle Trails. A quick online search will direct you to the loop best suited for your wants. With loops ranging from 5km to 20km, there are loads of cool locations for you to discover from your bike around Gort.

Things to do around Gort Town

On the accommodation side of things, Lady Gregory Hotel has all your needs taken care of under one roof, and is in the ideal position for all your West of Ireland travels. Alternatively, the father and daughter run The Burren Inn is a newly renovated pub and accommodation provider in the midst of the Burren landscape. All your adventures will need some fueling so we recommend calling into Gort town for a bite to eat and to meet some of the local creators. There are plenty of dining options to choose from; The Granary Pizzeria, The Field Gastropub, and O’Connor’s Bakery. Additionally, Gallery Café is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, along with a fresh brew of the local roasters, Anam Coffee. It’s not just the food that makes this little gem so special, the café walls showcase new exhibitions every 4-6 weeks and all artworks are available for purchase. Featuring a menu of signature dishes, light bites, salads and fresh baps, Rooster’s Café & Farmshop have cultivated a real foodie community while highlighting regional produce and giving nearby producers a route to market. For pints and live music, Hennelly’s Bar and The Haggard beer garden is the best spot in town.

A new addition to Gort, Nine and Fifty Swans brings together a wide array of products made by local creators and artists. Meanwhile for unique one-off vintage items, call into Horan’s Antiques. The Hidden Gem offers visitors a large selection of books and arts & crafts to suit all ages, definitely a worthwhile spot to visit with the kids. If giving your wardrobe a facelift is a priority for you, Treasures Boutique has loads of lovely staple pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a true glimpse into the artistic side of Gort, research ahead of your trip at Coole Gallery, Gort Arts on Instagram and Coole Music & Arts on Facebook. These organisations work to promote the local arts and music and are a brilliant introduction to all of the creative talents in the area.

Words: Gráinne Thornton

Photography: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Take a walking tour of Galway’s Westend

“Oh, I never knew that about this place!” - A frequently used expression by people discovering Galway’s Westend for the first time. Comprising small independent shops, art spaces, cafés, restaurants and one of the biggest nightlife scenes in the country, Galway’s Westend is always the place to be.

The Galway’s Westend Walking Tours, offers visitors a unique glimpse into how it became the place that is so treasured today. Running twice daily from Raven’s Terrace, come along 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 William Street West.

These stories of the west are told by an array of guides who each 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, while others have studied it and want to share the magic of the west with as many people as possible. Their walking tours dive into the history of its buildings and public spaces. Covering everything from Lady Gregory’s holiday residence and a small potato market, to famous traditional public houses and national music institutions, - and that’s all before you have a bite to eat in its many award-winning restaurants! There is also a beautiful park and ample stories of trade along the Eglington canal which now acts as the beautiful waterway locals walk, run and cycle safely along. To understand fully the magnetism of Galway’s Westend, book your place on one of these walking tours and head back the west! Go to www. galwayswestend.ie or scan the QR code to book...

Claddagh Credit Union Enters a New Age

As the diamond jubilee celebrations get underway for Claddagh Credit Union, they are inviting the whole community to come together and help them celebrate their 60th birthday at their Westside branch.

Claddagh Credit Union has been a prominent community leader for over half a century, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Following their rebranding at the end of 2022, the credit union stepped further into their role as community leaders with a renewed focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products. This complete overhaul saw them introduce a new green initiative project with brand new products for their members. Claddagh Credit Union members can now avail of reduced rate loans for Solar panels, Home Insulation, Green Renovations & Electric cars.

Claddagh Credit Union’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ted Coyle says; “We have about 40,000 members so we have a huge opportunity where we can inform and educate members and if we can do that the city itself will be in a better place.”

The Claddagh Credit Union has previously hosted a Green Home Solution Event which saw them partner with local industry experts from; Ecowise Insulation, The Door Centre & Solar Panel Homes. With more of these events planned for the year ahead, keep an eye out for the future dates to be announced on the Claddagh Credit Union social media platforms so you can begin taking the initial steps to living a greener lifestyle.

These steps both big and small will continue to play a vital role in the future goals of the Claddagh Credit Union. With plans to work with Galway City Council on new community initiatives and through continued engagements with TY students from local schools, the Claddagh Credit Union are looking to implement short, medium and long term sustainable actions covering four key areas; education, awareness, their internal process and infrastructure. Ted adds; “I think over the last 12/18 months as we are learning about it, becoming more aware about and speaking to others about it we can definitely see that small changes can make a difference.”

This September, Claddagh Credit Union will be celebrating the milestone of their 60th anniversary at a special Community Party at their Westside branch. All are welcome to join them in their birthday celebrations on the day. With more information to come on everything they have planned for the occasion be sure to stay up to date on their social media to discover the full lineup. If you have any questions regarding the Claddagh Credit Union’s green products, find all out the necessary information at; www. claddaghcu.ie or visit them at the branch nearest to you.

€50,000

NEW Green Renovations loan.

Repayment €122.14 New Loan Rate FROM 5.11% APR**

Amount borrowed: €50,000

Variable Rate: from 5% APR*

Representative Rate: from 5.11% APR** Repayment Period: 10 years

Repayment amount: €112.14

No of Repayments: 520

Total Interest: €13,510.44

Total Repayment: €63,510.44

**5.11% rate applies on having achieved a BER rating of B2 or higher following completion of green renovations.

*APR= Annual Percentage Rate.

WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR LOAN, YOUR ACCOUNT WILL GO INTO ARREARS. THIS MAY AFFECT YOUR CREDIT RATING, WHICH MAY LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO ACCESS CREDIT IN THE FUTURE.

Minimum borrowing €15,000. Terms & Conditions Apply. Loans subject to approval. Other loan amounts available. Eligibility criteria applies.

Words:

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Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society

Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Centenary Celebrations Continue...

For 100 years, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) have been the proud custodians of Ireland’s native pony breed and have led the way for its international acclaim and success. This year, they mark a milestone moment in the society’s history as the highlight of the centenary celebrations arrives during this year’s Connemara Pony Show.

The Connemara pony as a breed is very much the product of its environment. Their distinct physical qualities evolved over generations on the extremely harsh and rocky seacoast. Against the rough conditions they developed characteristics of selfreliance, sturdy bone, hard hooves and a surefootedness the breed is still renowned for. In December 1923, a public meeting was held, to form a society for the preservation and improvement of the Connemara pony. Their task was ‘to attempt to foster and develop a native breed which had existed for centuries, the merits of which were recognised not only in Ireland but outside it.’

100 years on, the Connemara pony is represented by sister societies in 17 countries, competes across multiple equestrian disciplines, has won individual & team gold medals in international showjumping for both Team Ireland & other nations and so much more. Fiona Grimes, Marketing Chair of the CPBS says: “The Connemara Pony Show holds immense significance for the Connemara pony community, drawing visitors from local, national and international backgrounds.

This year marks the centenary celebrations for the society established in 1923 and also marks the 50-year milestone of ridden classes highlighting the importance of showcasing the breed’s performance capabilities across so many disciplines. The event serves as a vital platform to demonstrate the versatility of the Connemara pony, captivating and inspiring all who attend.”

The 98th Connemara Pony Show will take place at the Clifden Showgrounds on August 15th-18th. Offering festivalgoers a window into the diverse talents of the breed, highlights of the festival include; An international visitors gathering at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, A series of expert panels & talks at Clifden Station House Hotel, A special Parade of Past Champions, High Performance classes, the Puissance Competition, Kids crafts & storytelling, finishing with the Parade of Champions which will see all the winners of the festival come together for a parade through Clifden town.

To see the full programme for this year’s Connemara Pony Show and to learn more about the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, visit their website at; www.cpbs.ie.

The summertime buzz isn’t over yet in the City of Tribes! There’s plenty of awesome things to do throughout August and September, so discover the low down on the events you need to be at right here...

what’s Going on?

Clifden Arts Festival

The longest-running community arts festival in Ireland, Clifden Arts Festival 2023 presents a high quality artistic programme with superb literary, musical and visual art content which will put the community arts of Clifden and Connemara at its forefront. Featuring creative writing, music, theatre and film workshops and performances. This year’s festival will also welcome back Irish music legend Christy Moore for a very special concert.

September 14-24th / Clifden

Photo by Don Brown Courtesy Clifden Arts Festival

what’s Going

Galway International Oyster Festival

The longest running oyster festival in the world, Galway International Oyster Festival gives locals and visitors alike the chance to experience a wide variety of tantalising events. With live music throughout, a variety of tasty fresh seafood, oyster opening competitions, family fun and cookery demos with celebrated national and local chefs there is something for everyone over the course of a fabulous weekend!

September 22-24th / Nimmo’s Pier, The Claddagh

Pride Week

Galway’s annual Pride Festival features over 30 events with everything from picnics, live entertainment, exciting panels, outdoors events including a parade on Saturday 12th, and much more! Pride Week will also include evenings of information & awareness, arts & performance and music nights.

August 7-13th / Galway

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Criunniú na mBad

One of Ireland’s longest running traditional sailing festivals takes place along the Wild Atlantic Way in the beautiful picturesque harbour village of Kinvara. Cruinniú na mBad is a 3 day event that will include something for the entire family, with live trad music, kids entertainment, sailing races, a farmers market and so much more.

August 11th-13th / Kinvara

Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds

A weekend that both commemorates the life of Larry Reynolds, promotes the East Galway style of music and encourages the development of Irish music, heritage and culture in the region. Promising to be a weekend of “cheoil, craic, cultúr agus spraoi,” there will be music workshops, photo and craft exhibitions, an Irish music pub trail, historical walking tour, trad sessions and more.

September 7-10th / Ballinasloe

Cóisir Bród (Pride Party)

A day of music, drag, dancers & more! There will be music from Lolz, Beansidhe, Kelly Bongo, D’anu, DJ Egg, Owen Rua, and Hello Clitty. They will also have amazing drag performances from Annie Naggins, Blondie, Leigh, Blaq Coffee & Victor Complex. The incredible Bombshell Ghuleh will be with them too to dance the day away! With more acts to be announced, join them for an incredible party to celebrate Galway Pride 2023.

August 12th / Áras na nGael

Photo courtesy Chaosheng Zhang

Photo via www.feilecheoillarryreynolds.com

An Taibhdhearc’s ‘Future Gaeltacht’

Returning for a second year in a row for Galway Culture Night. Fíbín sa An Taibhdhearc invites you on a journey through time. Watch as Middle Street transforms into a multicultural Gaeltopian metropolis of the future, bursting at the seams with culture and life. A host of performances and spectacles await, in An Taibhdhearc’s ‘Future Gaeltacht’; Gaeltacht na Todhchaí.

September 22nd / Middle Street

Culture Night 2023

Showcasing Galway’s rich culture throughout the city and county while making the arts accessible to absolutely everyone – enthusiasts and novices alike. On the night of the September 22nd, doors will open later and special and unique events will be specifically programmed at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Local Authorities across Ireland, all activities will be available to the public free of charge.

Runway Fun Run

In partnership with Portwest, the annual runway fun run will once again take place on the runway at Ireland West Airport. Runners and walkers will take-off down the runway at 7pm and complete a 5km course. All are welcome to attend what promises to be a fantastic evening for all the family, raising much needed funds for their charity partners. Complimentary car parking and refreshments at the airport will be provided on the day.

September 9th / Ireland West Airport

September 22nd / Venues across Galway

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Get the low-down on The Cellar

An established, iconic gastropub located in the heart of Galway City, The Cellar has been offering great food, drinks, live sport and entertainment to the local community and beyond for more than 30 years.

The Cellar offers live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, delicious drinks, and great-tasting food in the heart of Galway city. They look forward to giving you a warm welcome to the City of the Tribes. Committed to delivering a unique experience, The Cellar has all the right ingredients offering high quality, great value food daily, fabulous cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list. The Cellar also has a spacious and atmospheric location for hosting celebrations, which can hold parties of between 20-200 people, and is the ideal party venue for all birthday celebrations and special occasions.

Live music is a key feature of bars in Galway, and The Cellar is definitely a leading venue for its live entertainment and music. It is also a spacious and atmospheric location for hosting celebrations, and can hold parties of between 20-200 people. The Cellar is the ideal party venue for all birthday celebrations and special occasions.

12 Eglinton St, Galway info@thecellar.ie thecellar.ie 091 563966

what’s going on at Seven

Situated in the heart of Galway’s vibrant Latin Quarter, Seven bar and restaurant offers cocktails, drinks, delicious food and great live entertainment. They bring all the best of local bands, renowned Irish music and international DJs to the stage to create a buzzing atmosphere all week long.

If you’re out for a drink, look no further. Seven’s drinks menu includes plenty of cocktails, gins and whiskeys, all served up to perfection by their friendly, highly trained staff. Additionally, if you’re looking for a bite to eat, they have you covered from breakfast to dinner. Their carefully curated food menus offer everything from nachos and burgers to designer desserts, so you can really indulge yourself! Bookings and walk-ins are welcome.

Upstairs, their top-notch live music venue has played host to some major international artists across all genres. It’s also regularly sold out from Galway’s abundant local talent. Equipped with a permanent raised stage, full PA sound system, sound decks, projector and screen, it’s the perfect place for a show of any kind. It’s also available for exclusive event hire, with a capacity of 250 people standing and 80 seated.

Christmas Party Nights at Clayton Hotel Galway

Are you looking to plan the perfect Christmas party night? Then look no further than the award-winning four-star Clayton Hotel Galway. Whether it is a private party, shared big band party night, or just some nibbles in the bar, the Clayton Hotel Galway has the perfect offering for every taste.

Don’t delay in booking a place on either Friday the 8th of December, Saturday the 9th of December or Friday 15th of December for a shared big band Christmas party night. For just €60 per person, enjoy a drinks reception with music from Altrad, a delicious festive meal, Christmas novelties and entertainment provided by a band and DJ. The Amazing Apples will rock the Clayton on Friday the 8th, Sean Slattery and the Connections will entertain on Saturday 9th and Who Knows perform on Friday 15th.

Clayton Hotel Galway offers festive lunches and dinners in their Enclosure Bar & Bistro or Tribes Restaurant. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more casual, they also cater for light bites and drinks. To enquire about any of the festive offerings at Clayton Hotel Galway, call 091-721900 or email their dedicated Christmas co-ordinator on sales.galway@claytonhotels.com.

FRIDAY 8th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Amazing Apples Band & DJ

SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Sean Slattery and the Connections Band & DJ

FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Who Knows Band & DJ

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