St Patrick’s Band, the early days

Thu, May 08, 2025

One of the most enduring of Galway's institutions is this band which has given pleasure to its own members and countless thousands of members of the public since it was formed in Forster Street in 1896. Thanks to dedicated leaders and teachers, this group of musicians continues to entertain. The founders were Peter Rabbitt, a Forster Street publican and grocer, Paddy Walsh, the station master and Michael Spelman of Moon’s staff.

Best Glass Ltd celebrates first birthday: a year of growth and gratitude

Thu, May 08, 2025

As the team at Best Glass Ltd approach the company's first anniversary on July 9, they are filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey so far. Since opening, Galway has warmly welcomed them, and they are incredibly thankful for the support from the local community, clients, and contractors. "Your trust and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our success," they said.

"At Best Glass Ltd, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of high-quality glass products, including insulated glass, double-glazed, triple-glazed units, toughened [tempered] glass, obscure glass, and the renowned K glass — we do it all! Additionally, we also sell parts for windows and doors, making us your one-stop shop for all your glazing needs. This is a very important part of our business, and we’re dedicated to providing everything you need for your projects."

Grow, taste and learn at Bord Bia Bloom

Thu, May 08, 2025

Bord Bia Bloom has announced that three food producers from Galway will be joining this year’s exciting event line-up: Athenry’s Nibbed, Builín Blasta from Spiddal, and the Foods of Athenry. There are just three weeks to go until the festival of flowers, food and fun returns to its home in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, from May 29 to June 2.

Sizzle into summer with garden barbecues at The Ardilaun Hotel

Thu, May 08, 2025

Summer has arrived, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a garden barbecue at The Ardilaun Hotel. Nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens, this lush outdoor space is the perfect backdrop for relaxed al fresco dining, ideal for corporate events, family gatherings, and private celebrations.

More adults urged to make a future healthcare plan

Thu, May 08, 2025

Safeguarding Ireland is encouraging more people to make a future healthcare plan – called an Advance Healthcare Directive – as just four per cent of people in Ireland have one.

HBOT and female fertility: a patient’s guide

Thu, May 08, 2025

How HBOT can help with fertility
There is a lot of evidence showing that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be beneficial for fertility treatment. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. This helps improve oxygen levels in the ovaries and aids in the recovery of cell function after HBOT sessions.

Magnificent Madeira

Thu, May 08, 2025

With a new twice-weekly service linking Shannon to the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, there has never been a better time to discover this jewel of the Atlantic.

Celebrate International Jazz Day with a musical journey on the Danube

Thu, May 08, 2025

In celebration of International Jazz Day, Fahy Travel Cruiseworld and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for music lovers: the Music on the Danube themed cruise. This exclusive voyage will run on just two select dates — August 3 and November 27, 2025 — as part of Uniworld’s acclaimed Enchanting Danube itinerary.

"This cruise offers one of our most popular itineraries," says Annette Hynes, manager of Fahy Travel’s dedicated cruise shop. "We invite guests to explore the heart of Europe through the universal language of music. Sail along the iconic Danube River while enjoying a rich cultural immersion that highlights the region's classical, modern, and folk traditions. With specially curated shore excursions and elegant onboard performances, every detail of this journey is designed to celebrate the musical heritage of Central Europe.

Specsavers unveils new Elton John eyewear collection

Thu, May 08, 2025

Specsavers has this week announced the launch of its new and exclusive Elton John eyewear collection inspired by key moments in the singer's life and career.

How to remain on good terms with your neighbours

Thu, May 08, 2025

Whether you live on a bustling city street or in a quiet suburban area, the relationship you have with those living near you can have a major impact on your life.

Walter Macken’s trilogy

Thu, May 01, 2025

On this Saturday, had he lived, Walter Macken would be 110 years old. He was born on May 3, 1915 in St Joseph’s Avenue. His father was originally from Knock, Spiddal and came to Galway aged 14 and worked as a carpenter during the day. At night, he became an actor who performed numerous roles in the Racquet Court Theatre in Middle Street. He became unemployed in 1915 and, as he had a wife and three children to support, he joined the British Army, the Royal Fusiliers to be precise. He was sent to France and was killed on March 28, 1916 in St Eloi. He is in our first photograph in his army uniform.

Top ten tips for effectively managing the final stages of your Leaving Cert journey

Thu, May 01, 2025

With just over five weeks until the start of the Leaving Cert, it is time to make the best use of your time to help alleviate stress, get organised and maximise your study strategies so that you can manage your time effectively for these last few weeks. Here are my top 10 tips to help you prepare in the five weeks leading up to the exams.

ATU New Frontiers applications are now open

Thu, May 01, 2025

ATU New Frontiers provides €22,500 funding, mentoring and support to develop your new business. The programme is now taking applications for phase one of the three-phase programme.

Thinking of starting a business? You have the right idea or the right business that you want to get off the ground. So, what’s stopping you?

Coffee trumps tea when it comes to beverage breaks, survey finds

Thu, May 01, 2025

A new survey by Codex Office Solutions, Ireland’s leading B2B office supplies and solutions provider, has highlighted the pivotal role of tea and coffee breaks in the workplace, with coffee taking the lead as Ireland’s preferred beverage. The study of 500 office workers shows how these small breaks in the day contribute to workers’ wellbeing and productivity.

Sheneil Shoes celebrates 15 years in business

Thu, May 01, 2025

This April, Sheneil Shoes celebrates 15 incredible years of offering women beautiful footwear and accessories that inspire confidence, comfort, and style. Since opening its doors in Oranmore in 2010, the boutique — founded by Sheila Considine — has grown and flourished thanks to Sheila’s passion for fashion and her commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable choices.

How to feng shui your garden

Thu, May 01, 2025

Homeowners looking to refresh their gardens this spring are being encouraged to follow the rules of feng shui to create a relaxing outdoor space.

Galway householders advised to avail of free e-waste and battery recycling days

Thu, May 01, 2025

Galway householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.

Rentokil records national increase in rodent activity

Thu, May 01, 2025

Pest control provider Rentokil has reported a sharp increase in rat and mouse activity nationwide during the first quarter of 2025. The company recorded a 45 per cent increase in rat-related activity and a 39 per cent rise in mouse-related activity nationally in Q1 (January-March) 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Help is finally here for young people suffering from anxiety

Thu, May 01, 2025

A parent whose child is suffering from anxiety can feel utterly helpless. They are desperate to help them, but simply do not know what to do. For a parent whose child is on the CAMHS waiting list, the waiting time can feel catastrophic. But ISPCC can help parents to help their children.

Lose ten pounds in five weeks with real foods

Thu, May 01, 2025

The three keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan are diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All three keys interconnect – one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the three keys – it is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.

In most people this switch is off. Metabolism problems like slow thyroid, type 2 diabetes, sluggish liver, hormone imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility and digestive problems like constipation, IBS and diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do.

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