Latest news with #GalwayCityMuseum
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Crown Square Development is a ‘priority investment' as Galway City Council approves €60m loan
Galway City Council members have approved seeking a historic €60 million loan to finance a variety of capital projects – including the new civic offices in Crown Square. At the July council plenary meeting, elected members discussed the allocation of this money into key investments throughout the city but some felt that it didn't meet the imminent needs of Galwegians. Investment of the €60 million will enable works cross-departmentally in all areas of the city, and will focus on priority projects laid out by the council for their five-year term including: Masterplans at Kingston, South Park and Renmore Woodquay Park redevelopment Pitches at Millers Lane New multi-use game area at Renmore Pitch drainage and skate park in Doughiska Redevelopment of the Galway City Museum with Fáilte Ireland Upgrades to cultural facilities Public lighting upgrades, following damage from Storm Éowyn Mayor of the City of Galway Cllr Mike Cubbard said that the loan 'represents the belief and positivity' of Galway. He added: 'This is a young, vibrant, educated, artistic, Gaeltacht city, with a long tradition as an outward-looking trading port, over more than 800 years of history. This decision is an investment in our future - starting the enabling works for ground-breaking projects including the sports masterplans.' Exact cost breakdown for each project is unavailable as the council remains in the procurement process for the fit-out of the Crown Square development. It 'remains a priority investment.' Finance Director Helen Kilroy said. This loan comes shortly after the Irish Independent attended a special meeting and site visit to Crown Square where chief executive of Galway City Council Leonard Cleary said any other options but moving council offices into the new development would be 'fiscal folly'. To date, Crown Square has cost the council more than €1.5 million. The building itself has depreciated €8m since it was acquired in 2022 but is estimated to increase in value in it's 40-year life cycle. Part of the loan agreed upon will be designated to completing the fit out of the building. Most elected members said the funding would keep priority projects moving with minimal delays and expand the budget for community investment. However, some councillors expressed concern that the loan, and the focus on the Crown Square development, does not address the city's most pressing needs. Cllr Eibhlín Seoigthe said that though the projects listed are important to the city it does not 'address the biggest and most pressing need: housing.' 'I can't vote for this loan because I don't believe it reflects the people we serve.' To explain, she added: 'The project list kept changing. The costs were kept deliberately vague. And not all councillors were properly briefed. That's not democratic. That's not transparent. And it's certainly not inclusive.' Cllr Seoigthe's Social Democrat counterpart, Alan Curran, asked for a deferment due to a lack of adequate time to consider the magnitude of this proposal, as it is one of the largest loans the council has taken. The repayment term for the loan is projected to be 30 years with an annual repayment of €3.1m. Repayments will be calculated based on the amounts drawn down over the term. Now, Galway City Council will seek formal sanction from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage and discuss the terms of the loan and drawdown. The formal application will be processed when the 2026 budget planning commences for the city. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Reeling in D years: Capturing the life and leadership of President Michael D Higgins through a lens
With President Michael D Higgins stepping down in November, artistic director of Galway Arts Festival Paul Fahy celebrates his tenure, which will be marked with the exhibition Through the Lens at the city's museum As President Michael D Higgins approaches the final months of his 14-year tenure, Galway City Museum and Galway International Arts Festival have come together to present President Michael D. Higgins – Through the Lens, a photographic exhibition celebrating a life defined by purpose, compassion and culture. From the beginning, Galway City Museum director Eithne Verling and I sought to capture not only the statesman, activist and politician, but also the deeply human qualities that have endeared President Higgins to so many: his warmth, humour, humanity and love of life.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Raining in Galway? Here are 11 of the best indoor activities for a wet weekend
So these are some of the many indoor activities you can do on a rainy day in Galway: Escape room A classic in every rainy day, Galway City has four different places where you can find escape rooms. Escape Boats, Great Escape Rooms, Black 11, and Open The Door Escape Room are all located in Galway City centre and groups can choose between different difficulty levels and themes. Wildlands but indoor Some might not know that Wildlands, Galway's popular adventure park, offers not only many outdoors activities but also many indoor options. Located in Moycullen, Wildlands offers indoor activities for all ages and skill levels including: Climbing Wall, Celtic Challenge Rooms, Ninja Course, Cloud Climb, Baile Beag. On site you can also find a station to make your own teddy. Prices depend on the activity. Wildlands is open Friday to Monday. Cinema Another classic of rainy days are, of course, movies. With cinemas across the county, in Galway City you can find Eye Cinema (in Wellpark), IMC Cinema (Headford Road), and Omniplex Cinema (Salthill). While outside the city, another Omniplex Cinema is located in Ballinasloe. Also, a silent cinema is located on Galway City's Dominck Street Lower for anyone who loves old classic movies. Go Karting Loved by both adults and kids, go karting is always a fun activity on a sunny day. But in Galway the weather does not stop the fun as Galway City Karting in Liosban Industrial has the county's only indoor circuit. The 20,000 sq ft indoor track has karts for children from seven years and up. Galway City Karting is open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Prices vary from €25 to €55, with a special package for large groups. ADVERTISEMENT Irish Dancing No experience is required for this Irish dance workshop and, whether you are alone or with a group, this is an activity like no other. The lessons take place at Claddagh Hall, they are between 60 and 90 minutes long, and you can choose to learn different dance styles such as Step Dancing (Riverdance-style), Sean Nós Dancing (old-style), and Céilí/Set Dancing (group/social dance). Galway City Museum What mixes together archaeology, history and science? Of course it's Galway City Museum. With its exhibits, collections and events, Galway City Museum is the perfect place where to spend a rainy afternoon and learn more about the Town of the Tribes. Leisureland Another family-friendly venue is Leisureland, in Salthill. The venue is not only a popular swimming pool, but also offers evening shows as well activities ranging from birthday parties, summer camps, to mini golf, whether you're coming in a group or with the kids. The venue is open every day from 8am to 8pm/9pm. Theatre Galway is famous for its arts and culture, and theatre is a huge part of the city. Shows can be found both at Town Hall Theatre and at the Mick Lally Theatre all year round. JumpLanes Galway's only indoor trampoline park is located on Monivea Road, in Galway City. The 10-lane trampoline arena offers an unique experience and a great energy release for kids from five years old. Unfortunately, their website reads adults are no longer allowed onto the trampolines. JumpLanes is open from Friday to Monday. Prices are €12 per person for 55 minutes on the trampolines. Pure Skill Located on Galway West Retail Park, Pure Skill offers a wide selection of sports for everyone to enjoy. Spanning over 25,000 Sq Ft, the facility offers ten different sporting challenges and each participant gets a score out 100 points at the end. Each sport has its own unique challenge including: gaelic free kicks, soccer penalties, hurling shots, rugby conversions, tennis volleys, cricket bowling, baseball hits, basketball free throws, golf putting and chipping. Anyone the age of eight years and above can attempt the circuit. Pre booking is essential. Pure Skill is open Monday to Sunday. Atlantaquaria Located in Salthill, Atlantaquaria is Ireland's largest native species aquarium. Here children – and adults – can learn about the wonderful and varied species that live in Irish rivers, lakes and sea. Atlantaquaria is open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm. Tickets cost €10 for children and €15 for adults. Family tickets are also available.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Raining in Galway? Here are 11of the best indoor activities for a wet weekend
So these are some of the many indoor activities you can do on a rainy day in Galway: Escape room A classic in every rainy day, Galway City has four different places where you can find escape rooms. Escape Boats, Great Escape Rooms, Black 11, and Open The Door Escape Room are all located in Galway City centre and groups can choose between different difficulty levels and themes. Wildlands but indoor Some might not know that Wildlands, Galway's popular adventure park, offers not only many outdoors activities but also many indoor options. Located in Moycullen, Wildlands offers indoor activities for all ages and skill levels including: Climbing Wall, Celtic Challenge Rooms, Ninja Course, Cloud Climb, Baile Beag. On site you can also find a station to make your own teddy. Prices depend on the activity. Wildlands is open Friday to Monday. Cinema Another classic of rainy days are, of course, movies. With cinemas across the county, in Galway City you can find Eye Cinema (in Wellpark), IMC Cinema (Headford Road), and Omniplex Cinema (Salthill). While outside the city, another Omniplex Cinema is located in Ballinasloe. Also, a silent cinema is located on Galway City's Dominck Street Lower for anyone who loves old classic movies. Go Karting Loved by both adults and kids, go karting is always a fun activity on a sunny day. But in Galway the weather does not stop the fun as Galway City Karting in Liosban Industrial has the county's only indoor circuit. The 20,000 sq ft indoor track has karts for children from seven years and up. Galway City Karting is open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Prices vary from €25 to €55, with a special package for large groups. ADVERTISEMENT Irish Dancing No experience is required for this Irish dance workshop and, whether you are alone or with a group, this is an activity like no other. The lessons take place at Claddagh Hall, they are between 60 and 90 minutes long, and you can choose to learn different dance styles such as Step Dancing (Riverdance-style), Sean Nós Dancing (old-style), and Céilí/Set Dancing (group/social dance). Galway City Museum What mixes together archaeology, history and science? Of course it's Galway City Museum. With its exhibits, collections and events, Galway City Museum is the perfect place where to spend a rainy afternoon and learn more about the Town of the Tribes. Leisureland Another family-friendly venue is Leisureland, in Salthill. The venue is not only a popular swimming pool, but also offers evening shows as well activities ranging from birthday parties, summer camps, to mini golf, whether you're coming in a group or with the kids. The venue is open every day from 8am to 8pm/9pm. Theatre Galway is famous for its arts and culture, and theatre is a huge part of the city. Shows can be found both at Town Hall Theatre and at the Mick Lally Theatre all year round. JumpLanes Galway's only indoor trampoline park is located on Monivea Road, in Galway City. The 10-lane trampoline arena offers an unique experience and a great energy release for kids from five years old. Unfortunately, their website reads adults are no longer allowed onto the trampolines. JumpLanes is open from Friday to Monday. Prices are €12 per person for 55 minutes on the trampolines. Pure Skill Located on Galway West Retail Park, Pure Skill offers a wide selection of sports for everyone to enjoy. Spanning over 25,000 Sq Ft, the facility offers ten different sporting challenges and each participant gets a score out 100 points at the end. Each sport has its own unique challenge including: gaelic free kicks, soccer penalties, hurling shots, rugby conversions, tennis volleys, cricket bowling, baseball hits, basketball free throws, golf putting and chipping. Anyone the age of eight years and above can attempt the circuit. Pre booking is essential. Pure Skill is open Monday to Sunday. Atlantaquaria Located in Salthill, Atlantaquaria is Ireland's largest native species aquarium. Here children – and adults – can learn about the wonderful and varied species that live in Irish rivers, lakes and sea. Atlantaquaria is open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm. Tickets cost €10 for children and €15 for adults. Family tickets are also available.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Raining in Galway? Fear not, here are 11 things to keep you entertained on a wet weekend
So these are some of the many indoor activities you can do on a rainy day in Galway: Escape room A classic in every rainy day, Galway City has four different places where you can find escape rooms. Escape Boats, Great Escape Rooms, Black 11, and Open The Door Escape Room are all located in Galway City centre and groups can choose between different difficulty levels and themes. Wildlands but indoor Some might not know that Wildlands, Galway's popular adventure park, offers not only many outdoors activities but also many indoor options. Located in Moycullen, Wildlands offers indoor activities for all ages and skill levels including: Climbing Wall, Celtic Challenge Rooms, Ninja Course, Cloud Climb, Baile Beag. On site you can also find a station to make your own teddy. Prices depend on the activity. Wildlands is open Friday to Monday. Cinema Another classic of rainy days are, of course, movies. With cinemas across the county, in Galway City you can find Eye Cinema (in Wellpark), IMC Cinema (Headford Road), and Omniplex Cinema (Salthill). While outside the city, another Omniplex Cinema is located in Ballinasloe. Also, a silent cinema is located on Galway City's Dominck Street Lower for anyone who loves old classic movies. Go Karting Loved by both adults and kids, go karting is always a fun activity on a sunny day. But in Galway the weather does not stop the fun as Galway City Karting in Liosban Industrial has the county's only indoor circuit. The 20,000 sq ft indoor track has karts for children from seven years and up. Galway City Karting is open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Prices vary from €25 to €55, with a special package for large groups. Irish Dancing No experience is required for this Irish dance workshop and, whether you are alone or with a group, this is an activity like no other. The lessons take place at Claddagh Hall, they are between 60 and 90 minutes long, and you can choose to learn different dance styles such as Step Dancing (Riverdance-style), Sean Nós Dancing (old-style), and Céilí/Set Dancing (group/social dance). Galway City Museum What mixes together archeology, history and science? Of course it's Galway City Museum. With its exhibits, collections and events, Galway City Museum is the perfect place where to spend a rainy afternoon and learn more about the Town of the Tribes. Leisureland Another family-friendly venue is Leisureland, in Salthill. The venue is not only a popular swimming pool, but also offers evening shows as well activities ranging from birthday parties, summer camps, to mini golf, whether you're coming in a group or with the kids. The venue is open every day from 8am to 8pm/9pm. Theatre Galway is famous for its arts and culture, and theatre is a huge part of the city. Shows can be found both at Town Hall Theatre and at the Mick Lally Theatre all year round. JumpLanes Galway's only indoor trampoline park is located on Monivea Road, in Galway City. The 10-lane trampoline arena offers an unique experience and a great energy release for kids from five years old. Unfortunately, their website reads adults are no longer allowed onto the trampolines. JumpLanes is open from Friday to Monday. Prices are €12 per person for 55 minutes on the trampolines. Pure Skill Located on Galway West Retail Park, Pure Skill offers a wide selection of sports for everyone to enjoy. Spanning over 25,000 Sq Ft, the facility offers ten different sporting challenges and each participant gets a score out 100 points at the end. Each sport has its own unique challenge including: gaelic free kicks, soccer penalties, hurling shots, rugby conversions, tennis volleys, cricket bowling, baseball hits, basketball free throws, golf putting and chipping. Anyone the age of eight years and above can attempt the circuit. Pre booking is essential. Pure Skill is open Monday to Sunday. Atlantaquaria Located in Salthill, Atlantaquaria is Ireland's largest native species aquarium. Here children – and adults – can learn about the wonderful and varied species that live in Irish rivers, lakes and sea. Atlantaquaria is open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm. Tickets cost €10 for children and €15 for adults. Family tickets are also available.
