Ireland
City of Tribes: Galway’ s creative edge for business events
S et on Ireland’ s Wild Atlantic
Way, Galway is a compact and engaging city that serves as the gateway to the unspoiled wilderness of Connemara and several historic islands. Known as the‘ City of Tribes’, it offers business events a distinctive blend of culture, creativity and natural beauty, with a bohemian city centre, crystal-clear coastlines and mountainous surroundings all within easy reach.
Beyond the city lies much-loved Connemara, whose name derives from Conmhaicne Mara – the seaside territory of an ancient tribe. This remote landscape is a tapestry of lakes, roaring coastlines and white sandy beaches, matched by the warmest of Irish welcomes. Delegates can reflect on the day’ s meetings with walks along jagged, jaw-dropping cliffs, past ancient forts and Celtic churches, in a region whose heritage stretches back thousands of years. Coastal paths lead to secret shores, offering an immersive encounter with the raw history of Ireland.
Galway is well served by Ireland West Airport Knock, Shannon Airport and Dublin Airport, with direct flights from Europe, the UK, the US and beyond. US pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon ensures smooth onward travel for delegates heading across the Atlantic, while rail and bus connections
Below: Portumna Castle and Gardens, East Galway, Co Galway make the journey seamless. Once in Galway, the city’ s compact layout makes it easy to move between venues, hotels and attractions.
Galway also has real industrial muscle, with recognised strengths in MedTech, ICT, engineering, food technology and the creative industries. Global brands including Boston Scientific, Medtronic and HP have a presence in the region, creating rich opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Events can draw on expert professionals, academic institutions and dynamic start-up hubs such as PorterShed and the ATU iHubs, giving conference programmes access to genuine local expertise and site visits with real substance.
Meetings of all sizes can be catered for. The redeveloped Dexcom Stadium, home of Connacht Rugby, can host highenergy events for up to 5,000 people or dinners for 800, with 2,500 bedrooms within 5km of the venue. Organisers can also tap into the brainpower of the University of Galway, which offers meeting space for 1,000 delegates and more than 1,800 onsite bedrooms.
For smaller gatherings, a host of stylish, individual hotels lie within 16km of the city centre, catering to all styles and budgets. The collection includes more than 30 four-star and four five-star hotels and resorts. Among them is the new Hawthorn Hotel, whose Bayview Suite can host exclusive receptions for up to 100 guests. The Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate offers luxury self-catering lodges alongside a variety of rooms and suites, with dedicated conference space for up to 220 delegates. It even has a new movie theatre fitted with opulent red velvet seats – ideal for sharing a sneak preview of the latest corporate video.
Combining easy access, academic and industry expertise, and a setting few destinations can rival, Galway gives organisers every reason to look west – and delegates every reason to stay on and explore. n
ISSUE 145 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 33