Galway - City of Festivals

Galway is Ireland's third largest city but it has the heart of a village and at this time of year, our heats are bursting with pride at the amazing array of events and festivals that bring so many visitors to our winding streets.

It all starts with St Patrick's Day in March and the community festival which has grown in size and creativity Cúirt Festival of Literature celebrating the written word in all its forms. The poetry readings are a special favourite as are the fun 'pencil scultpures' that pop up around the city and the inviting book shelves fixed on Tigh Neachtains. June brings the Galway Sessions with visiting musicans from Stirling joining forces with local Irish musicians and singers to create a harmonious collaboration of celtic music in a wide variety of traditional venues throughout the city, all organised by the owners of The Crane - a Galway venue renowned for its nightly sessions and impromtu gigis.
over the years to April and the

July has a festival for every week (almost!) and the 2nd week welcome film makers, producers, aspiring writers and many actors from accross the country as well as overseas to network, showcase new films and in many cases, the more experienced teach the new and upcoming in workshops held during the week of the Galway Film Fleadh. The inimitable Galway International Arts Festival takes center stag in mid July. This year the 36^th edition added the title ‘International’ highlighting the variety of cultural treats brimming from the festival line-up. FOr these two weeks, Galway becomes a creative collision of artists, musicians, actors, writers, performers, friends and fans at the edge of Europe. Visitors enjoy vibrant Galway at its best cand can overnight stay at the g hotel , a long with three course dinner in Restaurant gigi’s and full Irish breakfast the following morning from €111 per person sharing. 

The Galway Races Summer Festival takes place over the last 
week of July and for many, is the highlight of the summer social calendar! At the g we are delighted to have a superb line up with our Best Hat Competition and Philip Treacy prize on Ladies Day, Tipster Breakfasts on Thursday & Friday with racing personalities Davy Russell and Jim Culloty plus live entertainment every night from a score of talented musicians including The Piano Man - Sean de Burca, Jazz Vocalists Keith McDonald & Mike Corbett and the amazing 10 piece Papazitas as well as late night beats from our resident DJ.

Full Galway Race Week Schedule.

If you can make it to Galway, soak up the exhilarating atmosphere of the Galway Races at the g hotel, enjoying a two night stay with full Irish breakfast each morning from €220 per person sharing.  


 

Glamour at the g

Since 2007, The g Hotel has hosted
fashion events to celebrate milestone events and more recently to raise funds for worthy charities. Aptly named Glamour at the g, the 2014 edition took place on Thursday 12th June and proceeds were donated to Console, COPE Galway and Irish Autism Action.

The evening was a huge success and saw a stunning array of fashion, style, youth and maturity descend on The g. Today FM's Louise Duffy guided guests through the impressive list of Irish designers and Catwalk Modelling Agency produced a show worthy of London Fashion Week! 

The world of fashion is a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity. Perhaps it is the ever changing seasons in Ireland that helped to create so many talented designers such as Joanne Hynes, Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney? Could the soft beginnings of Spring have inspired Laura J Halton or the riotous brightness of Summer for Helen Steele?
The richness of Autumn in Ireland certainly contributed to Niamh O'Neill's collection and the glint of winter sun on metal have captured a fan in Emma Manley.

Ireland has fired the imaginations of designers for centuries and a new wealth of milliners have also come forth since Philip Treacy first reached the heights of fame in 1991. Also renowned as design director of The g, Philip's success has encouraged many Irish designers to stride forth into the style arena so that they too might have the opportunity to count the British Royal Family, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker amongst their clients. 

Fiona Mangan already designs for Zara Philips whilst Natalie B Coleman has provided gorgeous outfits for Marina and the Diamonds. Galway has long been known as Ireland's cultural heart with many local crafts high on visitors wish lists. Traditional crafts are still in existence but the skills set is diversifying and the impressive list of successful Galway milliners include Edel Ramberg, Mark T Burke, Emily Jean, Andrea Tighe, Caithriona King, Michael Mullins, Mary White and Suzie Mahony all helping to place the City of Tribes on the twenty first century style map.

Not forgetting the gents, men's fashion now covers a wide range of styles but Louis Copeland still rules the art of classic and is behind one of Ireland's best known tailoring dynasties. Moving in celebrity circles, his passion is contagious and actress and author Amy
Huberman now has a line of shoes as does Ireland Rugby hero Tommy Bowe.

Whilst The g did not create the world of fashion, our Philip Treacy designed walls and suites have certainly claimed the Number 1 position in the hearts of fashionistas, stylists, creatives and those that dare to dream....success and hard work can lead to dizzy heights for all Irish designers.

Glamour at the g brought 450 guests - 10 Irish Designers - 9 Galway Milliners and 3 worthy Charities together for 1 electric fashion extravaganza. Thank you to all who worked so hard on this years event and we hope to see you at the next one!