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Galway

Galway is a medieval city on the Wild Atlantic Way. Find all you need to Xplore Galway right here. Food, Bars, Shopping, Hikes and Trails.

Galway, City of the Tribes, Xplore Galway, Ireland. 

A literary collection owned by the late entrepreneur, local historian and supporter of the arts, Ronnie O’Gorman, has been donated to University of Galway. The bequest was finalised by Ronnie O'Gorman, the founder and publisher of the Galway Advertiser, before he died in May 2024. It will reside in the University's Library as part of its Special Collections.  

The carefully curated collection features many rare and significant works of Irish literature, representing his deep appreciation of Irish writing, the history of publishing in the country and his lifelong passion for the collection and promotion of Irish literature and art. The works also span three generations of the O’Gorman family and many of the volumes reflect the family’s long interest in the history of Galway, about which Ronnie wrote extensively.  

The collection was presented at a special event at University of Galway Library earlier in the year, attended by Ronnie O’Gorman and family, as well as friends and associates. It includes a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses; one of 250 signed copies of a New York Limited Editions Club first edition Ulysses, with illustrations by the French artist Henri Matisse, signed by both the artist and Joyce; and The Aran Islands, by John Millington Synge, with 12 hand-coloured illustrations by Jack B. Yeats, which was described by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography as "the great prose manifesto of the Irish literary revival". 

As well as more rare and beautiful volumes collected by Ronnie O’Gorman, his father Frank and also his grandfather Philip, who worked as Library Clerk in the University of Galway Library in the late 19th century, the collection also includes two 19th Century Walter Osborne paintings - Galway Fowl Market and Galway Fish Market. 

Ben O’Gorman, son of Ronnie O’Gorman, said: 

“Our family is delighted that we were able to keep the collection together and for it to be donated to the University - somewhere that really appreciates it. Ronnie took such joy in curating his collection, it was in many ways his life’s work, so to be able to keep it in one place, for the future, for others to enjoy, is a great legacy.” 

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: 

“The O’Gorman Collection is a tremendous gift to the University community and it is particularly poignant that the collection will reside in our Library where Ronnie O’Gorman’s grandfather Philip worked. 

"Ronnie O’Gorman was a man of huge insight, huge foresight, in establishing the Advertiser and the sense of community that developed for Galway. As we celebrate the donation of such a beautiful gift, I also remember and cherish the day that we had with Ronnie on campus early in 2024, a day that had generosity, community, atmosphere - all of those things that characterised Ronnie O’Gorman.” 

University of Galway Librarian Monica Crump said: 

“The O’Gorman collection represents the very best of Irish literature and culture. We are grateful to all three generations of the O’Gorman family for their commitment to collecting these wonderful works and looking after them so well in the intervening years.

" And we are immensely grateful to Ronnie and the O’Gorman family for entrusting us with these volumes. We are committed to continuing the good work of the O’Gormans, of preserving them, keeping them safe, and making them available for students and researchers into the future.” 

Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said:

 “Ronnie was a long-time friend of the Library and tireless champion of art and culture in the West of Ireland. He was always a welcome sight in our reading room, his combination of knowledge, passion and generosity of spirit was utterly unique and a joy to encounter. 

"This legacy will ensure the continuity of Ronnie’s lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Ireland’s literary culture - it is a gift to the city he loved and it will inspire and educate students and staff of the University and our researchers for generations to come.” 

<p>A literary collection owned by the late entrepreneur, local historian and supporter of the arts, Ronnie O’Gorman, has been donated to University of Galway. The bequest was finalised by Ronnie O'Gorman, the founder and publisher of the Galway Advertiser, before he died in May 2024. It will reside in the University's Library as part of its Special Collections.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Rare and Significant Works:</h4>
<p>The carefully curated collection features many rare and significant works of Irish literature, representing his deep appreciation of Irish writing, the history of publishing in the country and his lifelong passion for the collection and promotion of Irish literature and art. The works also span three generations of the O’Gorman family and many of the volumes reflect the family’s long interest in the history of Galway, about which Ronnie wrote extensively.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/9a8870d9-da94-4ee7-a25c-96b161a8d3d7.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>Joyce, Synge and Yeats:</h4>
<p>The collection was presented at a special event at University of Galway Library earlier in the year, attended by Ronnie O’Gorman and family, as well as friends and associates. It includes a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses; one of 250 signed copies of a New York Limited Editions Club first edition Ulysses, with illustrations by the French artist Henri Matisse, signed by both the artist and Joyce; and The Aran Islands, by John Millington Synge, with 12 hand-coloured illustrations by Jack B. Yeats, which was described by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography as "the great prose manifesto of the Irish literary revival".&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/bb75ed97-08a0-46df-9c06-ea3191192ec0.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>Walter Osborne Paintings:</h4>
<p>As well as more rare and beautiful volumes collected by Ronnie O’Gorman, his father Frank and also his grandfather Philip, who worked as Library Clerk in the University of Galway Library in the late 19th century, the collection also includes two 19th Century Walter Osborne paintings - Galway Fowl Market and Galway Fish Market.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Ben O’Gorman, son of Ronnie O’Gorman, said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>“Our family is delighted that we were able to keep the collection together and for it to be donated to the University - somewhere that really appreciates it. Ronnie took such joy in curating his collection, it was in many ways his life’s work, so to be able to keep it in one place, for the future, for others to enjoy, is a great legacy.”&nbsp;</p>
<h4>President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>“The O’Gorman Collection is a tremendous gift to the University community and it is particularly poignant that the collection will reside in our Library where Ronnie O’Gorman’s grandfather Philip worked.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Ronnie O’Gorman was a man of huge insight, huge foresight, in establishing the Advertiser and the sense of community that developed for Galway. As we celebrate the donation of such a beautiful gift, I also remember and cherish the day that we had with Ronnie on campus early in 2024, a day that had generosity, community, atmosphere - all of those things that characterised Ronnie O’Gorman.”&nbsp;</p>
<h4>University of Galway Librarian Monica Crump said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>“The O’Gorman collection represents the very best of Irish literature and culture. We are grateful to all three generations of the O’Gorman family for their commitment to collecting these wonderful works and looking after them so well in the intervening years.</p>
<p>" And we are immensely grateful to Ronnie and the O’Gorman family for entrusting us with these volumes. We are committed to continuing the good work of the O’Gormans, of preserving them, keeping them safe, and making them available for students and researchers into the future.”&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said:</h4>
<p>&nbsp;“Ronnie was a long-time friend of the Library and tireless champion of art and culture in the West of Ireland. He was always a welcome sight in our reading room, his combination of knowledge, passion and generosity of spirit was utterly unique and a joy to encounter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"This legacy will ensure the continuity of Ronnie’s lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Ireland’s literary culture - it is a gift to the city he loved and it will inspire and educate students and staff of the University and our researchers for generations to come.”&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Photo Credit: Andrew Downes/Xposure. </em></p>
<p></p>


Rare Ulysses Among Collection Donated By Galway Advertiser Founder

University of Galway has shared a message of congratulations and good luck to alumni on Team Ireland ahead of the Paris Olympics. Olympic medallists Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh are to compete on the water in the Women’s Pair, with the heats commencing on July 28th.

They will be supported at the Games by Heather Boyle, Head of Communications and Athletes Commission Support at the Olympic Federation of Ireland, an alumna of the University.  Heather has represented Ireland in rowing and worked with Cycling Ireland for several years, before contributing to the media teams for the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Aifric Keogh, from Furbo, Co Galway, and Fiona Murtagh, from Moycullen, Co Galway, have Olympic bronze medals to their names, having made history in Tokyo as one of Ireland’s first female rowers to make it to the podium as part of the Women’s Four.

Aifric holds a BSc from the University and regularly competes under the alumni club Gráinne Mhaol, having first learned to row while at Coláiste Iognáid before rowing on the University team. 

Fiona Murtagh holds an MBA and competes under the University rowing club, having taken up the sport at Galway Rowing Club. Both rowers have competed at the World Championships and paired for the first time in 2023, narrowly missing out on a podium finish with a fourth place in Belgrade. They have made the podium in all three of this season’s World Cup regattas.

Dean of Students Professor Ciara Meehan said: 

”On behalf of the University of Galway community, I wish Aifric and Fiona every success, along with all the other rowers and athletes on Team Ireland. Everyone in the country, never mind the University, will be cheering them on. We know they have done it on the biggest of stages before and we hope that they can take another step or two up the podium in Paris.”

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: 

“Our rowers are fantastic ambassadors for University of Galway, but also for the sport and for the country. We put huge effort into rowing at the University, in particular the coaching and mentoring of students who come through the University’s High Performance Unit. It is a great sense of pride for us to see our students go on to reach the Olympics, and we will be supporting them every step of the way.”

Feargal O’Callaghan, High Performance Sports Lead, University of Galway, said: 

“All of us are 100% behind both Aifric and Fiona for the Olympics. They are among the world’s sporting elite and their success and achievements in representing Ireland are a testament to the talent and dedication that we saw first-hand here in the University.” 

Photo - University of Galway alumni Aifric Keogh, right, and Fiona Murtagh during the Rowing Team Ireland Paris 2024 team announcement at the National Rowing Centre in Cork. Credit Harry Murphy Sportsfile 

<p>University of Galway has shared a message of congratulations and good luck to alumni on Team Ireland ahead of the Paris Olympics. Olympic medallists Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh are to compete on the water in the Women’s Pair, with the heats commencing on July 28th.</p>
<p>They will be supported at the Games by Heather Boyle, Head of Communications and Athletes Commission Support at the Olympic Federation of Ireland, an alumna of the University.  Heather has represented Ireland in rowing and worked with Cycling Ireland for several years, before contributing to the media teams for the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.</p>
<h4>Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh:</h4>
<p>Aifric Keogh, from Furbo, Co Galway, and Fiona Murtagh, from Moycullen, Co Galway, have Olympic bronze medals to their names, having made history in Tokyo as one of Ireland’s first female rowers to make it to the podium as part of the Women’s Four.</p>
<p>Aifric holds a BSc from the University and regularly competes under the alumni club Gráinne Mhaol, having first learned to row while at Coláiste Iognáid before rowing on the University team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Fiona Murtagh holds an MBA and competes under the University rowing club, having taken up the sport at Galway Rowing Club. Both rowers have competed at the World Championships and paired for the first time in 2023, narrowly missing out on a podium finish with a fourth place in Belgrade. They have made the podium in all three of this season’s World Cup regattas.</p>
<h4>Dean of Students Professor Ciara Meehan said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>”On behalf of the University of Galway community, I wish Aifric and Fiona every success, along with all the other rowers and athletes on Team Ireland. Everyone in the country, never mind the University, will be cheering them on. We know they have done it on the biggest of stages before and we hope that they can take another step or two up the podium in Paris.”</p>
<h4>Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>“Our rowers are fantastic ambassadors for University of Galway, but also for the sport and for the country. We put huge effort into rowing at the University, in particular the coaching and mentoring of students who come through the University’s High Performance Unit. It is a great sense of pride for us to see our students go on to reach the Olympics, and we will be supporting them every step of the way.”</p>
<h4>Feargal O’Callaghan, High Performance Sports Lead, University of Galway, said:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>“All of us are 100% behind both Aifric and Fiona for the Olympics. They are among the world’s sporting elite and their success and achievements in representing Ireland are a testament to the talent and dedication that we saw first-hand here in the University.”&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Photo - University of Galway alumni Aifric Keogh, right, and Fiona Murtagh during the Rowing Team Ireland Paris 2024 team announcement at the National Rowing Centre in Cork. Credit Harry Murphy Sportsfile </em></p>
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University of Galway Sends Good Luck to Olympians

Ireland’s finest traditional musicians feature as part of a special lunchtime series at Monroe’s Live for the Galway International Arts Festival. 

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy exciting collaborations and exceptional talent for a lunchtime trad music treat on Dominick Street. 

On Friday, July 26th at 1pm, Galway’s very own Galvian Way will take to the stage with a stellar lineup of musicians: Paul McClure on bodhrán, Maidhc Ó hÉanaigh on flute, Declan Corey on mandolin, and Ger Clancy, Seosamh Ó Fátharta, and Mick Clancy on fiddle, along with dancer Ailbhe Davoren. 

This group of six long-time friends came together in the summer of 2022 for a commemorative concert celebrating the twinning of Lorient and Galway as part of the annual mini-Brittany festival. Since then, they’ve played to large audiences at the Interceltic Festival of Lorient, and their fresh, vibrant sound ensures a fast-paced and exhilarating show.

The series concludes on Saturday, July 27th at 1pm with a captivating performance by Catherine McHugh and Áine McHugh. A gifted fiddle and piano player, Catherine is one of the most sought-after accompanists. Her deep understanding and innovative approach to piano accompaniment have made her a standout performer.

She will be joined by Áine McHugh, a talented concertina player who has worked with renowned banjo player Enda Scahill. Áine’s ability and contribution to traditional music are widely celebrated, making this duo’s performance a must-see event.

Tickets to this special lunchtime series of traditional music concerts cost €10 and are available from www.monroes.ie . Doors open at 12:30pm with concerts starting at 1pm. 

<p>Ireland’s finest traditional musicians feature as part of a special lunchtime series at Monroe’s Live for the Galway International Arts Festival.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is a unique opportunity to enjoy exciting collaborations and exceptional talent for a lunchtime trad music treat on Dominick Street.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Galvian Way:</h4>
<p>On <strong>Friday, July 26th at 1pm</strong>, Galway’s very own Galvian Way will take to the stage with a stellar lineup of musicians: Paul McClure on bodhrán, Maidhc Ó hÉanaigh on flute, Declan Corey on mandolin, and Ger Clancy, Seosamh Ó Fátharta, and Mick Clancy on fiddle, along with dancer Ailbhe Davoren.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This group of six long-time friends came together in the summer of 2022 for a commemorative concert celebrating the twinning of Lorient and Galway as part of the annual mini-Brittany festival. Since then, they’ve played to large audiences at the Interceltic Festival of Lorient, and their fresh, vibrant sound ensures a fast-paced and exhilarating show.</p>
<h4><strong>Catherine McHugh and Áine McHugh:</strong></h4>
<p>The series concludes on <strong>Saturday, July 27th at 1pm</strong> with a captivating performance by Catherine McHugh and Áine McHugh. A gifted fiddle and piano player, Catherine is one of the most sought-after accompanists. Her deep understanding and innovative approach to piano accompaniment have made her a standout performer.</p>
<p>She will be joined by Áine McHugh, a talented concertina player who has worked with renowned banjo player Enda Scahill. Áine’s ability and contribution to traditional music are widely celebrated, making this duo’s performance a must-see event.</p>
<p>Tickets to this special lunchtime series of traditional music concerts cost €10 and are available from <a href="https://monroes.ie/" target="_blank">www.monroes.ie</a> . Doors open at 12:30pm with concerts starting at 1pm.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>


Trad Music Lunchtime Showcases at Monroe's Live This Weekend

The final weekend of the Galway International Arts Festival line-up at Monroe’s Live promises to be an exciting one with Teddy Thompson, Gruff Rhys, George Murphy and The Rising Sons and Tara Howley performing from Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th. 

The only son of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, singer-songwriter, Teddy Thompson, takes to the stage on Thursday, July 25th at 8pm. Blending British folk, American pop, and country elements, he has collaborated with artists such as Martha and Rufus Wainwright, Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynn, Dori Freeman, and Roseanne Reid. 

His album, My Love of Country, is a stunning reinterpretation of classic country songs, originally made famous by George Jones, Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, and many others, and he has also reimagined the great country duets with Jenni Muldaur.

Support on the night is from rising Co. Down singer-songwriter Taylor Lally, who has recently released her self-titled collection of music. She has been highly received on the festival and gigging circuit and the multi-talented Lally also took a role in the Brian Kennedy film, ‘So What If It Rains’.

One of the great pop eccentrics of his generation, Gruff Rhys, comes to Monroe’s Live on Friday, July 26th at 8pm. He gained fame in the mid '90s as lead singer for the neo-psychedelic warriors Super Furry Animals and has continued to craft adventurous works as a solo artist.

With a career spanning over three decades, his mix of rock, electronic, and psychedelic genres have come together in his latest album, Sadness Sets Me Free. Written around keeping hope in bleak times, he continues to celebrate otherness, a way of reaching out to the oddballs and characters who create imperfect connections.

Rhys will be supported by folk duo DUG, who draw inspiration from both Irish and American traditional music. DUG aims to create a transatlantic blend that reflects the musical heritages of both its members, Lorkin O’Reilly from Dublin and California native Jonny Pickett. This is where American old-time meets Irish folk, as they tread the line between those two worlds. 

DUG duo Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett.

George Murphy and The Rising Sons bring together stellar vocals with traditional Irish instrumentation and classic rock n’ roll on Saturday, July 27th at 7:30pm. This eight piece band comprising of banjos, whistles, fiddles, bodhrans and electric guitars fuse trad, folk and rock n’ roll, with the enigmatic George at the helm, who is hailed as one of the most exciting vocal finds in Ireland.

George will be supported on the night by folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from County Clare, Seán Lyons, who released his five track Juliana EP earlier this year. 

Multi award-winning artist and former Riverdance piper from Kilfenora, Co. Clare, Tara Howley will perform on Sunday, July 28th at 8pm. Having recently released her new album, Take Two, featuring traditional music and song, this is a unique opportunity to see the Kilfenora native as she showcases her latest work. Tara gained international acclaim for her role as the lead uilleann piper and whistle player with Riverdance.

Classically trained, she began her career gigging in Doolin at the age of fifteen. Inspired by Co. Clare uilleann piper Blackie O’Connell, she has mastered the instrument and earned recognition for her talent. With numerous all-Ireland titles, she has performed across Europe, Asia, America, and Canada.

For more information and to purchase tickets log on to www.monroes.ie . 

<p>The final weekend of the Galway International Arts Festival line-up at Monroe’s Live promises to be an exciting one with Teddy Thompson, Gruff Rhys, George Murphy and The Rising Sons and Tara Howley performing from Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The only son of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, singer-songwriter, <strong>Teddy Thompson,</strong> takes to the stage on <strong>Thursday, July 25th at 8pm</strong>. Blending British folk, American pop, and country elements, he has collaborated with artists such as Martha and Rufus Wainwright, Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynn, Dori Freeman, and Roseanne Reid.&nbsp;</p>
<p>His album, My Love of Country, is a stunning reinterpretation of classic country songs, originally made famous by George Jones, Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, and many others, and he has also reimagined the great country duets with Jenni Muldaur.</p>
<p>Support on the night is from rising Co. Down singer-songwriter Taylor Lally, who has recently released her self-titled collection of music. She has been highly received on the festival and gigging circuit and the multi-talented Lally also took a role in the Brian Kennedy film, ‘So What If It Rains’.</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/6ab83921-3605-48a5-8058-a5eca67867ad.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5>Teddy Thompson Pictured.</h5>
<p>One of the great pop eccentrics of his generation, <strong>Gruff Rhys</strong>, comes to Monroe’s Live on <strong>Friday, July 26th at 8pm</strong>. He gained fame in the mid '90s as lead singer for the neo-psychedelic warriors Super Furry Animals and has continued to craft adventurous works as a solo artist.</p>
<p>With a career spanning over three decades, his mix of rock, electronic, and psychedelic genres have come together in his latest album, Sadness Sets Me Free. Written around keeping hope in bleak times, he continues to celebrate otherness, a way of reaching out to the oddballs and characters who create imperfect connections.</p>
<p>Rhys will be supported by folk duo <strong>DUG</strong>, who draw inspiration from both Irish and American traditional music. DUG aims to create a transatlantic blend that reflects the musical heritages of both its members, Lorkin O’Reilly from Dublin and California native Jonny Pickett. This is where American old-time meets Irish folk, as they tread the line between those two worlds.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/4d476d06-943c-44e8-a97f-e3a12a5a793c.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5>DUG duo Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett.</h5>
<p><strong>George Murphy and The Rising Sons</strong> bring together stellar vocals with traditional Irish instrumentation and classic rock n’ roll on <strong>Saturday, July 27th at 7:30pm</strong>. This eight piece band comprising of banjos, whistles, fiddles, bodhrans and electric guitars fuse trad, folk and rock n’ roll, with the enigmatic George at the helm, who is hailed as one of the most exciting vocal finds in Ireland.</p>
<p>George will be supported on the night by folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from County Clare, <strong>Seán Lyons</strong>, who released his five track Juliana EP earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/496125fe-fdb5-4b07-b11a-405d8f7fb87f.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5>George Murphy</h5>
<p>Multi award-winning artist and former Riverdance piper from Kilfenora, Co. Clare, <strong>Tara Howley</strong> will perform on <strong>Sunday, July 28th at 8pm</strong>. Having recently released her new album, Take Two, featuring traditional music and song, this is a unique opportunity to see the Kilfenora native as she showcases her latest work. Tara gained international acclaim for her role as the lead uilleann piper and whistle player with Riverdance.</p>
<p>Classically trained, she began her career gigging in Doolin at the age of fifteen. Inspired by Co. Clare uilleann piper Blackie O’Connell, she has mastered the instrument and earned recognition for her talent. With numerous all-Ireland titles, she has performed across Europe, Asia, America, and Canada.</p>
<p>For more information and to purchase tickets log on to <a href="https://monroes.ie/" target="_blank">www.monroes.ie .</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
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<p></p>


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