Search Results for 'Aran Islands'

In 1968 Des Kenny, a Galway bookseller, was preparing to open a commercial art gallery in Salthill, the first of its kind outside Dublin. He needed a star artist for its opening night. He made an unusual choice, and invited Seán Keating. Had he invited Keating 30 or 40 years previously he would have invited a giant of his trade. Then Keating was regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest painters who had, in large canvases, mythologised the fighting men of the War of Independence, and the builders and engineers of the great Ardnacrusha project; the harnessing of the Shannon’s energy to power the fledging Irish Free State. In 1968, however, he admitted to Kenny ‘ I am dead as far as the art world is concerned’.

THE FIRST book to be banned by the Irish Free State was written by a County Galwayman who was also one of the finest Irish writers of the 20th century.

It is estimated that tens of thousands of visitors will attend the Galway Sea Festival throughout the June Bank Holiday weekend. The new four day family friendly festival, running from May 31 - June 3, will serve to promote Galway as a leading maritime centre.

THE FIRST exhibition to be held in The Kenny Gallery in Salthill in July 1968 was by Sean Keating, one of Ireland’s major 20th century artists.

NUALA KELLY is a nine-year-old living with her mother, brother, and grandfather in conflict torn Northern Ireland in 1979.

SOME YEARS ago, Martin Sharry moved from Ballymun to Inis Óirr on the Aran Islands to live with his uncle and grandfather also named Martin Sharry.

Tedfest, the annual celebration of the comedy classic Father Ted, returns to Inis Mór next month. This year organisers are asking people to cycle to Galway before the event to raise funds for online mental health support group Turn2Me.org

Irish folk tales concerning sea voyages are often set on the west coast of Ireland, particularly from places like Kinvara and The Aran Islands.

The Boy Explorer is a 15ft high, eight-year-old, boy who is on a quest to walk across Ireland asking children for brilliant ideas on how to make Ireland a better place to live.

Bus and ferry services to the Aran Islands are set to continue for another five years following the announcement of a new contract, but there is concern air flights to the island are under threat.