Galway City Council

15/10/2026

Galway City has been named one of six semi-finalists in the European Rising Innovative City 2027 category of the European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital), recognising cities that use innovation, collaboration and citizen-led solutions to improve quality of life, address societal challenges and drive sustainable economic growth. 🌍

Developed by Galway City Council in collaboration with PorterShed and stakeholders from across the city's innovation ecosystem, Galway's application showcases the city's strong culture of partnership and its connected approach to innovation, entrepreneurship and community development.

As one of only six cities shortlisted across Europe, Galway will now progress to the next stage of the competition, where it will present its innovation story to an international jury. 🏆

Find out more about the awards online: https://bit.ly/47TZfAR 🔗

The twelve cities will now compete for the titles of European Capital of Innovation 2027 and European Rising Innovative City 2027.

15/10/2026

A significant milestone for Ballybane as the Ballybane Needs Analysis Action Plan was officially launched alongside the opening of Café Link Ballybane last week. ✨

Developed through community engagement and partnership, the Action Plan provides a roadmap for addressing local priorities, while Café Link Ballybane delivers inclusive employment opportunities and a welcoming community space at the heart of the area.

Galway City Council, in partnership with SCCUL Enterprises CLG and Café Link Galway, officially launched the plan brining together local residents, community organisations, service providers, and public representatives to mark a significant milestone in the ongoing development and revitalisation of the Ballybane area.

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing these important initiatives to life. 🤝🏻

15/10/2026

👻 WORKSHOP: Spooky Stories & Art

🗓️ Thursday 29 October, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
📍 Galway City Museum

Halloween was traditionally regarded as the night when the boundaries between this world and the Otherworld grew thin – a night of fairies, ghosts and the dead.

Join storyteller Rab Fulton as he shares a suitably spooky tale. Afterwards, inspired by the story, create your own illustration of a character or scene with artist and art educator Vicky Smith. All materials provided.

Bookings:
Admission is FREE, but advance booking is essential, as places are strictly limited. 📩 [email protected]

Suitable for children aged 8– 12. Please specify child’s age when booking.

🖼️GCM

This event is part of Gaillimh Ah-Boo! – a city-wide celebration of Samhain supported through Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme. Bígí linn agus bain sult as!

👀 See all events at GalwayCityMuseum.ie

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Galway City Museum Ireland

15/10/2026

📣 Upcoming Samhain Events at Galway City Museum! 👻🎃

Get ready for a week of spooky stories, traditional crafts, LEGO®, family fun and Halloween treats as we prepare to celebrate Gaillimh Ah-Boo!

🕯️ Tuesday 27 October | 11am–1pm [**This workshop is now FULLY BOOKED**]
FAMILY WORKSHOP: Make a Traditional Jack-o’-Lantern with Brendan McGowan — Discover the story behind Ireland’s traditional turnip lantern and carve your own! Ages 6–12.

🧱 Wednesday 28 October | 11.30am–1pm [**The 2–4pm workshop is now FULLY BOOKED**]
FAMILY WORKSHOP: Spooky Halloween in LEGO® with Jessica Farrell — Creative family workshops exploring Halloween stories and traditions. Ages 7–13. The morning session is specially designed for families with neurodivergent children.

📖🎨 Thursday 29 October | 11am–1pm
WORKSHOP: Spooky Stories & Art with Rab Fulton and Vicky Smith — Hear a suitably spooky tale, then create your own Halloween-inspired artwork. Ages 8–12.

🔥 Thursday 29 & Friday 30 October | 1.30–2pm & 2.15–2.45pm
STORYTELLING: Spooky Samhain Tales with Rab Fulton — Gather round for atmospheric tales inspired by this ancient time of year. Suitable for families.

🎭 Friday 30 October | 11am–1pm
WORKSHOP: Traditional Halloween Masks with Brendan McGowan — Discover the old tradition of ‘guising’ and make your own mask from recycled materials. Ages 8–12.

🍎 Saturday 31 October | 2–3pm
TALK & TASTE EVENT: Traditional Halloween Fare with Anna O'Donnell — Explore the food, customs and folklore of Halloween, including the traditions of the barmbrack, with culinary historian Anna O'Donnell. And yes… there’ll be brack to taste! Suitable for all ages.

✨ All events are FREE, but advance booking is advised as places are limited.

BOOKINGS:
📩 [email protected] | 📞 (091) 532460
N.B. Please specify your child's age when booking spaces.

These events are part of Gaillimh Ah-Boo!, a city-wide celebration of Samhain supported through Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme.

🌐 More information GalwayCityMuseum.ie

Images: Jack-o’-Lantern and the Devil by Jessica Farell; A Turnip Lantern, 1940s. © National Museum of Ireland; A Turnip Lantern, 2025 © B. McGowan ; A Traditional Mask, 1950s. © National Museum of Ireland. Carraroe Heath. © National Folklore Collection, UCD and Halloween Table, c. 1935. © National Folklore Collection, UCD.

Galway City Council This Is Galway What's On In Galway Galway City Library Galway City Arts Office

15/10/2026

Parking in Galway City? 🚗
If you’re parking in Galway City car parks or on-street, there are a range of ways to pay.

📱 Pay by App – download the free ‘Galway City Parking’ app from your usual app store, and pay by card. Pay in advance, top up in the app, make a one-off payment, or pay on account.

📞 Pay by Phone – pay by card on (091) 894 300.

🌐 Pay Online – pay by card on www.GalwayCityParking.ie

🛍️ Payzone Retail Outlets – pay with cash or card in Payzone retail outlets in Galway City. Look for the pink Payzone logo. View the list of retailers at www.Payzone.ie
Tell your retailer how long you want to park for, and your zone (On Street, Cathedral, D**e Road, Bowling Green, Mill Street).

There’s no need to return to your car to put a ticket on the dash.

📞Customer Support is available on (091) 894 300 or at [email protected] for any users having issues with payment or the app.

Further information and FAQs can be found at www.GalwayCityParking.ie
Galway City Parking app and www.GalwayCityParking.ie are operated in partnership with Payzone.

14/10/2026

Due to planned strike action, Galway City Council offices, community centres, Galway City Museum, Town Hall Theatre and Liosbán Recycling Centre will be closed to the public on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

All Galway City Council services will be affected on that date.

In the event of an emergency, please contact Galway City Council's Out of Hours Service on (021) 482 4362.

Galway City Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

13/10/2026

🏪 New Galway City Rates Waiver to Support Businesses Opening in Vacant Properties

Galway City Council has approved a new rates waiver scheme aimed at bringing long-term vacant commercial properties back into use and supporting new and expanding businesses across the city.

Under the proposed scheme, qualifying businesses opening in properties that have been vacant for more than one year could receive:
✅ 100% rates waiver in Year 1
✅ 50% rates waiver in Year 2
✅ 25% rates waiver in Year 3

The initiative is designed to support business growth, increase footfall, reduce commercial vacancy and help create vibrant city streets and neighbourhood centres.

The scheme will now move forward as part of the Budget 2027 process, with full details and eligibility criteria to be communicated to businesses in the new year.

Find out more about commercial rates at: https://www.galwaycity.ie/services/business-and-economy/business-and-economy-services/commercial-rates

13/10/2026

Status Yellow - Wind warning for Galway
Southwesterly winds will be very strong at times especially along the coasts.

Be aware of potential impacts:
• Debris, loose objects displaced
• Difficult driving and cycling conditions
• Large coastal waves combined with moderate surge may lead to wave overtopping in exposed coastal areas
• Some fallen trees, branches
Valid: 06:00 Wednesday 14/10/2026 to 18:00 Wednesday 14/10/2026

Status Yellow - Rain warning for Galway
Spells of heavy rain.

Be aware of potential impacts:
• Difficult travelling conditions
• Localised flooding possible
• Poor visibility

Valid: 18:00 Wednesday 14/10/2026 to 06:00 Thursday 15/10/2026

07/10/2026

Due to essential maintenance works, the Leisureland swimming pool is temporarily closed. 🏊🏼

Repair works are currently underway and, subject to progress, we are hopeful that the pool will reopen by Friday.

We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Unfortunately, these works are unavoidable and are necessary to ensure the continued safe operation of the facility.

We appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation while the repairs are being completed.