Short Courses at University of Galway 2026

Mon, Jan 12, 2026

Do you have one free evening a week and a curiosity to learn something new? Whether your motivation is personal enrichment, skill development, or exploring a long-held interest, the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway is now offering its Short Courses Series for 2026.

New Year, New Habits: Why Looking After Your Hearing Health Supports Active, Healthy Ageing

Mon, Jan 12, 2026

A new year brings an opportunity to reassess priorities and adopt habits that support long term wellbeing. While many people focus on fitness, nutrition, or stress reduction in January, one crucial aspect of healthy ageing is frequently overlooked: hearing health.

The Salmon Weir

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Galway was originally known as ‘Streamstown’ as the river divided into a series of streams as it moved through the city. All that was to change in the mid-18th century when works were undertaken to improve drainage, to facilitate navigation and to provide waterpower for the many mills in Galway. The primary purpose in improving drainage was to reduce winter water levels in the areas of flooded land which was an ongoing problem.

New year, new start at GRETB Tuam Road

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

If you would like to update your skills, change career, get ready for employment, or simply return to education then take a look at GRETB Tuam Road’s January courses.

The Return to Learning course is an ideal place to start, particularly if you have been away from education for a long time or if you left school early. With modules in Word Processing, Personal Effectiveness and Container Gardening starting in January, you can then continue with additional courses in September.

University of Galway to host Virtual MBA Open Evening

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Are you considering an MBA at the University of Galway? Their AMBA accredited MBA programme will host a Virtual MBA Open Evening on Wednesday, January 21 at 6pm.

Key tips when preparing for the HPAT

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

For students in Ireland aiming to study medicine or certain health professions, the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT) is a crucial part of the application process.

CAO key dates in 2026

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

As 2026 begins, Leaving Certificate students and other applicants look ahead to third-level education beginning in autumn. Understanding the Central Applications Office (CAO) timetable is more important than ever – missing a deadline can mean paying higher fees, or worse, missing out on the chance to be considered for your preferred courses.

Síorstíl returns for a second series

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Fíbín Media has announced the premiere of the second series of Síorstíl. This revolutionary fashion competition challenges seven talented designers to transform second-hand and recycled materials into high-fashion masterpieces.

What to eat in January

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Recent years have seen a return to focusing on food that is fresh and in season, particularly when it comes to restaurant culture. It makes sense at home, too, to choose seasonal foods as much as possible.

Weight loss with real-life support

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight and found it hard to keep going, you’re not alone. Most people don’t need another fad or a “quick fix” – they need a plan that fits real life, plus the support to stick with it. That’s the approach Grace Joyce takes in her Galway clinic.

Everything starts with a private one-to-one consultation. The team sit down with you, get to know your routine, your goals, and what’s realistically achievable, and then build your programme around you. Your food plan is nutritionally designed and calorie-specific to you – not a generic menu. And it’s based on normal, natural, everyday foods – nothing weird, nothing extreme, and no “all-or-nothing” rules. It’s designed to be practical, not restrictive, and it works alongside busy family lives, work schedules and social occasions.

Take action now to avoid burst pipes

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

With temperatures dropping below freezing this week and weather warnings issued for ice and low temperatures, we are now in the time of year when household pipes are at increased risk of freezing.

Six easy changes to slash energy bills by over €1,000 this year

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Despite steadying inflation, many households are still feeling the post-Christmas pinch and the bite of hefty energy bills during the winter months. Calculations show that households could save around €1,230 per year on their energy bills by switching up, scaling back or making simple swaps.

Plan your family summer holiday with Fahy Travel

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Planning a family holiday this summer? Look no further than Fahy Travel, Galway’s award-winning travel company, offering outstanding value and an unrivalled choice of destinations for families.

Top of the list for summer 2026 are Portugal and Spain, both firm favourites with Irish families. Portugal’s Algarve continues to impress with its golden beaches, family-friendly resorts, exciting waterparks and popular attractions such as Zoo Marine. Spain offers equally strong appeal, with a wide range of family resorts and activities across mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. These destinations are well serviced with several weekly flights from Knock and Shannon, and offer excellent accommodation options including hotels, apartment complexes and all-inclusive resorts.

Twenty six special cruise destinations and travel experiences for 2026

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

The JWT Cruises team in Galway wishes you all a very happy and exciting New Year full of adventures. The team, led by Caroline O’Toole, have picked 26 exciting cruise destinations and special travel experiences for 2026.

Plan your dream wedding with the Clayton Hotel Galway’s upcoming wedding showcase

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

For couples beginning their wedding journey, few moments are as exciting as finding the perfect venue. On Sunday, January 18, from 12 noon until 4pm, the Clayton Hotel Galway invites newly engaged couples, families, and wedding enthusiasts to experience an exclusive Wedding Showcase designed to spark the imagination and bring dream celebrations to life.

This special event offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the hotel’s elegant wedding spaces, meet its dedicated wedding team, and gather ideas that reflect every couple’s unique love story.

Weddings in Ireland see nearly 4 per cent rise in costs in 2025

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

According to the annual survey of Irish weddings conducted by weddingsonline, the average cost of a wedding in Ireland has increased by 3.96 per cent over the past year. Based on responses from more than 641 participants in January 2025, the study shows that couples are now spending, on average, €34,392, excluding honeymoon expenses.

Realistic wedding advice from a (relatively) newlywed

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Planning a wedding can feel like stepping into a very expensive tornado. Between the endless choices, eye-watering quotes and well-meaning (but often aggravating) unsolicited opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it ispossible, and if someone with a lifelong aversion to planning like me can pull it off, so can you.

Dry January: What happens to your skin when you quit alcohol

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

As millions participate in dry January, beauty experts note that the biggest changes often become visible on the skin, sometimes within just two weeks. Alcohol can quietly disrupt hydration levels, inflammation, hormones and gut health, all of which directly impact the skin.

Free information evening on blood pressure control at Croí Heart & Stroke Centre

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in collaboration with University Hospital Galway, is inviting everyone to a free public event dedicated to managing high blood pressure (hypertension). Taking place on Wednesday, January 14, at 5.30pm, at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway, this special evening is open to anyone living with or supporting someone with high blood pressure.

Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure rarely shows symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. This event will provide updates on the latest treatment options to help you take control of your blood pressure and overall health.

Register for beginner bodhrán course now

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Everybody has rhythm, and there is no better time than now to take up a new challenge and learn a new instrument. If you have always wanted to play music but don’t know where to start, or you are already playing bodhrán but don’t know how to take your playing to the next level, now is the time.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.