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.  


 

What it Means to Be Irish - St Patrick's Day at the g Hotel, Galway

With St Patrick's Day upon us, many people overseas are reminded of their Irish heritage - almost 70 million people ....to put a more exact number on it!

Ireland is a tiny island of less than 5 million people yet through the centuries we have reverberated throughout the world in so many ways. We have provided the words of plays, books and poems thanks to Wilde, Kavanagh, Joyce, O’Casey, Behan, Yeats, Friel, the recently lost Maeve Binchy and Seamus Heaney, Edna O’Brien and the humorous Roddy Doyle to name but a few..

Those words have been brought to life by a host of actors including Richard Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Daniel Day Lewis, local Galway boy, Peter O’Toole and Cillian Murphy soon to reappear in a Galway Arts Festival production this July.

Our renowned wit has made the world a brighter place through the wonderful Graham Norton, the inimitable Father Ted, the giggle worthy Republic of Telly and many more…

Colour and creativity are part of Ireland’s legacy with celebrity milliner and designer of the g Hotel, Philip Treacy, leading the long list of Irish fashion designers recognised throughout the world.

U2 are the biggest rock band on the planet and paved the way for our modern musical exports such as Sinead O’Connor, Westlife, The Pogues, Glen Hanzard, Imelda May, The Script and an ever increasing list of successful Irish musicians. Yet we all remember our roots with greats such as Willie Clancy, Luke Kelly and The Chieftains. Even Justin Timberlake is getting in on the act reviving the ‘Auld Triangle’ for his recent movie with the Coen Brothers.

May our list of sporting achievements continue to grow even longer and join legends such as Eamonn Coghlan, Packie Bonner, Ken Doherty, Christy O’Connor Junior, Pádraig Harrington, Roy Keane, Sonia O’Sullivan, Brian O’Driscoll, Ruby Walsh and Katie Taylor.

But before all of the above amazingly talented Irish people, the island of Ireland was the land of Saints & Scholars – giving the world the Book of Kells, St Brigid, numerous inventors with the Beaufort Scale and Submarine to their credit and of course, the most famous Irish symbol in history – St Patrick.

This week, and in some cases this entire month, we celebrate our Irish heritage, that of the past that has helped to mould who we are today as well that of the now, which will help to create our future. To all of the Irish living in Ireland……..to the Irish living overseas……..to those who are newly making Ireland your home……..from all of the team at the g Hotel in Galway;

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh - Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

What it means to be Irish from Team at the g Hotel

“To be Irish is to be connected to my family and my home” – Tommy (Restaurant)

 “Living in Ireland has allowed me to make many new friends, friendships formed with respect and trust” - Elizabeth (ESPA)

 “Being Irish means being a genius” – Noel (Reception)

“The weather is beautiful and life in Ireland is easy going“ - Samy (Kitchen)

 “Living in Ireland is all about new adventures, new experiences and new friends” – Natalie (Reception)

 “Friendly warm people which makes up for the rain and the wind!”- Rachel (Events)

 “Being Irish is about having a great sense of humour and the willingness to give a helping hand when needed” - Arcadia (Administration)

“I am glad to have made Ireland my home thanks to the great job opportunities and close religious bond with the Philippines” Marcelina (Accommodation)

“We Irish have a sense of loyalty and are always looking out for each other”- Rosin (Reception)

 “We are known worldwide for our traditions, our friendliness and we know how to have the craic!” - Louise (Accommodation)

“The personality of us Irish is laid back - we do not stress but always get the work done” - Finbarr (Accountant)

 “I am very happy in Ireland and the people are very nice”. - Hajinaika (Restaurant)

 “Being Irish is all about being happy, family and fun times “– Caitlin (Reception)

“Beautiful scenery and seaside - I might even retire here!” – Merli (Administration)

“When I think about what it means to be Irish I immediately think of our history, culture, arts, and our passion for sports. Our fighting spirit and how we never give up” – Adrian (Concierge)

CLICK HERE #IrelandInspires Video from Failte Ireland - Reminding us all just how proud to be Irish we should be!