For the latest events information, visit the official Galway stopover site www.letsdoitgalway.com.
Download the Galway Festival Programme (276kb pdf)
KEY DATES
Leg 7 was won by Ericsson 4 at 00:54 GMT, 24 May 2009 after 07 days 10 hours 33 minutes and 51 seconds of sailing.
On the 30th June Puma emerged the overall winner of the Galway in-port race, more information about the days racing can be found on the Galway in-port race page.
Leg 8 Start: 06/06/2009 15:00 (Local Time) 1400hrs (GMT)
DAILY ENTERTAINMENT
Go to date: 2 June | 3 June | 4 June | 5 June | 6 June | 7 June
Saturday 23 May
Events on Galway BayVolvo Ocean Race Arrivals Visit www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com for updates of estimated arrival times from 24 hours prior.Galway Bay will be ablaze with traditional welcoming bonfires (click here for bonfire guidelines pdf). Each boat will receive a rousing Galway welcome with a fanfare of drumming and pyrotechnics and a presentation on the main stage.
420 Class Connachts. Even Keel (presented by AIB Bank) Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays.
In the Race VillageFine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all weekend.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro, you may even get to scale its 110 ft mast!
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageKila supported by The Deans and DJ Shaney 7.30pm-10.30pm, Race Village.Breathnach Quay StageEmmet Scanlan and What the Good Thought 6.30pm -7.30pm.Club House Galway Bay Jazz Band 4pmDJ Finan 8pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Street theatre and children's entertainment by day.Galway City Museum Storytelling and Exhibitions.
COPE Triathlon Salthill, 10am
Sunday 24 May
Events on Galway Bay420 Class Connachts Even Keel (presented by AIB Bank) Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageOfficial race village Opening Ceremony featuring Máirtín O' Connor, Frankie Gavin, The Cois Claddaigh Choir and the Galway Tenors 10pm Race Village.The ceremony will feature the finest of Galway’s musicians, brought together to perform on this unique and special occasion. There will be a specially finale spectacle on the water to end the night’s celebrations, which will involve members of the local fishing community and Galway’s Blue Teapot’s. Without giving too much away... the theme of the finale spectacle is inspired by one of our most famous Irish Legends and is particular to Galway.The yachts can arrive at any time of the day or night so make sure you can check www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com or tune into Galway Bay FM for predicted arrival times.
Club HouseGalway Bay Jazz Band 4pmDJ Finan 8pm Rockafada and Na Ciotóigí 6pmDJ Chilled 9.30pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Street theatre and children's entertainment by day.Galway City Museum Exhibitions.
For the latest information on what's happening in Galway, visit www.letsdoitgalway.com.
Monday May 25
International Africa Day
Events on Galway BayEven Keel (presented by AIB)Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays.
In the Race VillageHB Let's Do It Ocean Adventure Schools Programme School Tour visits to the Race Village.Fine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all week.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.Q&A sessions and seminars.
Music Programme
Topaz Main StageSpirit of Africa present Motema & OlekuFeaturing the latin roots sound of Rumba and Maringa from all- Congolese trio Motema and the big brassy and upbeat sounds of Afro-beat and High-Life from all-Nigerian septet Oleku. Supporting Acts include the Afrish dance group and winner of Africa Day talent competition Supported by Irish Aid.
DJ Shaney7.30-10.30pm, Race VillageDance FloorAfrish.Breathnach Quay StageTucan Project 6.30pmClub HouseTucan Project 8pmDJ Padraic 9.30pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Tour of the Claddagh Village and Exhibitions.Zikomo Galway Banana RaceSupport Zikomo's new Fruit Forestry Project by racing bananas down Galway canal. Minimum donation of €5 per banana (or preferred fruit!) Prizes for first three to cross the finish line. http://www.zikomo.org/
Tuesday May 26
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageLucia Evans supported by Neev KennedyDJ Ben Ó Faolain7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageDance Stage Youth Ballet West 5.30pm.Breathnach Quay StageNo Banjo 6.30pm.Club HouseDJ Mailo 9.30pm
In the Race VillageHB Let's Do It Ocean Adventure Schools Programme School Tour visits to the Race VillageFine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all week.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.Q&A sessions and seminars.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Tour of the Claddagh Village and Exhibitions.
Wednesday May 27
Events on Galway BayEven Keel (presented by AIB)Daily Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageCaminos de Tango with Fantango Trio present Strictly Come Tango.Mayo Youth Choir & Galway Gospel Choir7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageDance StageMilonga.Breathnach Quay StageBahh 6.30pmClub HouseHazardhollow 8pmDJ Keith 9.30pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Tour of the Claddagh Village and Exhibitions.St Nicolas' Collegiate Church- Galway Civic Trust, Ireland's Prehistoric Celtic and Medieval Instruments 8.30pm.
Thurday May 28
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageThe Hothouse Flowers supported by A Band Called WandaDJ Mike Larkin7.30pm-10.30pm, Race Village
Breathnach Quay StageEstas Tonne 6.30pmClub HouseAnna Mc Carthy 8pmDJ Swamp Stomp 9.30pm
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway Greyhound Stadium Open DayGalway City Museum Exhibitions.
Friday May 29
Follow the Green Dragon Route (Eyre Sq to Salthill) May 29 - June 1
The easiest way to catch all of the fun of the June Bank Holiday weekend and the Volvo Ocean Race In Port races is to follow the Green Dragon Route from Eyre Square to Salthill.
Events on Galway BayJunior Parade of SailSearch and Rescue Simulation RNLI & Coast GuardEven Keel (presented by AIB)Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays daily.
Green Dragon RouteAn Púca Eyre Sq, all daySt Patrick's Brass Band Eyre Sq 7pmGalway Community Circus and Circus Gerbola Nimmo's PierSpraoi presents 'The Box' Spanish Arch, 5pmTumble Circus presents 'Grounded' Race Village 6pmGalway Community Circus and Circus Gerbola Nimmo's Pier
In The Race VillageFine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all weekend.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageThe Coronas supported by StonelakesWax Evasion7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageClub HouseMatt Porter 6pmLive Music for Dead Birds 8pmThe Disconauts & Guests 9.30pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Exhibitions
Saturday May 30
Events on Galway BayVolvo Ocean Race Galway In Port Race 1pm.Best viewing from Salthill Promenade with big screens and commentary.Even Keel (presented by AIB)Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays daily.TG4 will be broadcasting live coverage of the race and entertainment from 11:55 local time, this can be accessed worldwide via their website
Red Arrows Air Display supported by Fáilte Salthill and Seapoint 11:30 localBest viewing from Salthill Promenade with commentary.
The Green Dragon RouteAn Púca Eyre Sq, all dayBatafada Eyre Square 5pmAlá Community Theatre and Arts Education Project: Fractured Fairytales- A Theatricade Race Village 11amBoat Show and Grant Goldie That Man Show 7pm- Race Village.Galway Arts Centre: Sandcastles, Performance and DJ vibes by the Beach Ladies Beach Salthill, 3pmFeaturing DJ Mr Whippy, sandcastle building competition.Hooks and Crookes Sea Shanties - Salthill 3.30pmTumble Circus Salthill 4pmSpraoi presents 'The Box' - Spanish Arch, 5pmGalway Community Circus and Circus Gerbola Nimmo's Pier
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageSharon Shannon supported by Cora Smyth and Don Stiffe7.30pm-10.30pm, Race Village.Breathnach Quay StageCuckoo Savante 6.30pm.Club HouseHooks and Crookes 6pmDJ Mulligan Music 8pmDJ Hazo 9.30pm.
In The CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Art Workshop 'The Galway Hooker' Galway City Museum.Galway City Museum Exhibitions.
Sunday May 31
Events on Galway BayVolvo Ocean Race Galway Pro Am Race12 noon. Best viewing from Salthill Promenade with big screens and commentary.Galway Bay Sailing Club InvitationalEven Keel (presented by AIB)Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays daily.
Green Dragon RouteAn Púca - Eyre Sq, all dayConor Lambert Puppet Theatre Salthill 2pm Baboro Drum Circle Salthill 3pmBone Idle Salthill 3pmHooks and Crookes Sea Shanties Salthill 3.30pmTumble Circus Salthill 4pm Ceoltoirí Corafinne Eyre Square 7pmGalway Community Circus and Circus Gerbola Nimmo's PierGrant Goldie That Man Show 7pm- Race Village
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageTrad on the PromTulla Céilí BandBig Band of Sticks7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageDance StageCéilí 8.30pmClub HouseHooks & Crookes 6pmH & Baz Live Loops 8pmDJ Mairtin 9.30pm.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Exhibitions.
Monday Dé Luain 1 Meitheamh - Lá GaeilgeLá Ceoil agus Craic trí Gaeilge - Bain triail as!
Events on Galway BayGalway Bay Sailing Club InvitationalGalway Hooker RacingMultihulls - Catamaran RacingEven Keel (presented by AIB)Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Displays.
Green Dragon RouteAn Púca - Eyre Sq, all dayLackagh Mummers Eyre Sq 2pmPatrician Boys Band - Eyre Sq 7pmGalway Community Circus and Circus Gerbola (Pobal na Gaillimhe agus Circus Gerbola) Nimmo's PierRusty and Shuggie, Salthill Promenade 3pmCOPE Chinese Whispers (Duirt bean liom go nduirt bean lei) Salthill Promenade 2pm.Tumble Circus- My Two Left Feet entertain in the Race Village
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageMáirtín O'Connor supported by NábacMulkerrin Brothers7.30pm-10.30pm, Race Village.Club HouseTrad Session 2pmMick Crehen and the Band 8pmDJ Baka Beyond 9.30pm
In The CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Galway City Museum Exhibitions.
Tuesday June 2
Events on Galway BayEven Keel (presented by AIB)Daily windsurfing and kitesurfing displays.
In the Race VillageHB Let's Do It Ocean Adventure Schools ProgrammeSchool Tour visits to the Race Village.Fine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all week. The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.Q&A sessions and seminars.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageKeith McDonald and the Big Band supported by All that JazzDJ Will Softly 7.30-pm-10.30pm, Race Village.Dance Stage Galway Swing Dance. The Breathnach Quay Stage Joe Furey and the Hayride 6.30pm Club House Neev Kennedy 8pmDJ Stevie B 9.30pm
In the CityCreative West Galway Art Trail Exhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Tour of the Claddagh Village, Live Currach Building and Exhibitions in Galway City Museum.Druid Theatre Company: Playboy of the Western World Town Hall Theatre.
Wednesday June 3
Events on Galway BayGB09 Cruiser Championships.Even Keel (presented by AIB)Daily windsurfing and kitesurfing displays.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageThe Cunningham Sound supported by Liz Hanrahan7.30-10.30pm, Race VillageDance Stage Hip Hop Dance off
Galway Dance Centre & Dance Fusion with DJ Hideous Penguin Followed by Matthew Griffin (Stuntrider extraordinaire) Breathnach Quay StageTimber Tramps 6.30pmClub HouseBoucherie Mamin Trio 9pm
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Tour of the Claddagh Village, Live Currach Building and Exhibitions in the Galway City Museum.Druid Theatre Company: Playboy of the Western World Town Hall Theatre.An Taibhdhearc Theatre Company Present: Glór, St Nicolas Collegiate Church.Galway Civic Trust Talk on the Traditional Boats of Ireland in the Harbour Hotel.
Thursday June 4
Events on Galway BayGB09 Cruiser Championships.Even Keel (presented by AIB Bank)Daily windsurfing and kitesurfing displays.
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageAslan supported by ClassifiedDJ Cyril Briscoe 7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageBreathnach Quay StageCafé Minor 6.30pmClub HouseDJ Rory D 9.30pm
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Tour of the Claddagh Village, Live Currach Building and Exhibitions in Galway City Museum. Concert 1pm. Druid Theatre Company: Playboy of the Western World Town Hall Theatre.An Taibhdhearc Theatre Company Present: Glór, St Nicolas Collegiate Church.
Friday June 5
Music ProgrammeTopaz Main StageThe Stunning supported by BlasterbraMark James the Band 7.30pm-10.30pm, Race VillageBreathnach Quay StageThe Trampz 6.30pmClub House The Trampz 8pmDJ Ger Regan 9.30pm
In the Race VillageFine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all weekend.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.All weekend.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.
In the CityCreative West Galway Art TrailExhibitions and Installations located all over Galway, of local and internationally renowned artists on a range of themes including Sailing and Maritime Culture.Street theatre and children's entertainment by day.Galway City Museum Exhibitions.An Taibhdhearc Theatre Company Present: Glór Friday, St Nicolas' Collegiate Church.Druid Theatre Company Present: Playboy of the Western World, Town Hall Theatre.
Saturday June 6
Events on Galway BayVolvo Ocean Race Farewell Ceremony blessing of the fleet and departure from dock 11 am (subject to change)Volvo Ocean Race Leg 8 Start 3.00pm.Parade of Sail OSM 100 mile RaceGB09 Cruiser Championships.
In the Race VillageFine Foods, Crafts, Retail and Exhibitions in the Race Village all weekend.The Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceInteract with and learn about the race through the Volvo Ocean Race Simulator, The Grinder Challenge, Model Boat Racing and the Dome.The PUMA Mast Challenge - visit the sister yacht of PUMA's il Mostro.
Music ProgrammeClub House Galway Bay Jazz Band 4pm.
Sunday June 7
Enable Ireland Family Fun Day Salthill Promenade 2-5pm
Find out more about this beautiful region by visiting the Visitor Information section of www.letsdoitgalway.com.
KEY DATES Estimated Yacht arrivals: 23/05/2009In Port Race: 30/05/2009 1300hrs (Local Time)Leg 8 Start: 06/06/2009 1300hrs (Local Time)
When the Volvo Ocean Race comes to Galway, a quarter of a million people are expected to watch the in-port race and the pro-am event in the Bay.
It was a great coup for Ireland, and particularly for the ancient west coast city of Galway, following their successful bid as a stopover port in the Volvo Ocean Race. The event will make its first-ever Irish stopover in the fabled waters of Galway Bay in the late spring of 2009 after the Volvo fleet has completed a high-speed Atlantic dash from Boston, Massachusetts. And it will stay for two weeks.
The base population is just over 70,000, but during the spring and summer this is swelled by visitors to several different music festivals, an International Festival of Literature, the Galway Arts Festival (Ireland’s largest), the Oyster Festival and the Galway Races, which attracts 200,000 people over seven days.
The hub of Galway City is Eyre Square, a small, leafy park close to the bus and railway station and the Tourist Office.
A short walk away is Shop Street, pedestrianised now and full of character, with Galway’s best-preserved old building, Lynch’s Castle. The legend is that in the 1490’s the mayor was forced to act as hangman of his own son, who was guilty of the murder of a Spanish visitor.
Shop Street becomes High Street and then Quay Street at its lower end, and here is the lively heart of Galway entertainment known as the Latin Quarter, with restaurants and bars a-plenty and of all kinds. At night the street is full of the younger visitors and the sound of Irish music, one of the great joys of a visit to this town.
As you walk through the tight and crowded streets you meet jugglers and performers of all kinds, threading their way through the pavement tables of the bars and cafes.
Ranking high among the best-loved pubs are Sheridan’s on the Docks, The Quays, The Front Door, and the Róisín Dubh. Traditional Irish music is also to be found in The Crane, Taaffe’s, Tigh Coilis and Tigh Neachtain. This last one is housed in the former home of a local politician. It has an oriel window, a medieval fireplace, and more character than 20 average watering-holes. “Tigh Neachtain” means “Naughton’s Pub”, and the name of Naughton stands for something in Galway.’
All musical tastes are catered for in Galway’s pubs and bars, but there are many where you can simply enjoy a quiet drink. Incidentally, Guinness has fewer calories than Bud, but for a newer, award-winning stout, try O’Hara’s. And for a really local brew, sample a glass of Galway Hooker Irish Pale Ale. (In case you were wondering, a Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat).
Two of the best restaurants in Galway are the Matz at the recently-opened and luxuriously-impressive G Hotel, and the Oyster Room at the more traditional Meyrick Hotel in Eyre Square. But most visitors will probably find themselves eating well in one of the pubs, such as Bar No. 8 or Sheridan’s on the Docks. Artisan, above “Tigh Neachtain”, and Nimmo’s at the Spanish Arch have a substantial vegetarian and seafood menu.
The classic eating place in Galway may well still be McDonagh’s Seafood House (formerly Fish Café). Wonderful chips and a huge variety of fish are served. Galway oysters are shipped all over Europe and even to Canada, and in October the International Oyster festival attracts the rich and famous and many others. It seems the mix of salt and fresh water in Galway Bay gives the local oysters a special flavour.
Outside the city the chief attractions are the Aran Islands and the splendid scenery of Connemara which includes enchanting locations like Renvyle House Hotel which is set amid the magical beauty of the sea, lake and mountains and renowned for its award-winning food.
Find out more about this beautiful region by visiting the Visitor Information section of http://www.letsdoitgalway.com/visitorinfo.php .
Related documentsDownload a printable Galway Festival Planner here (PDF 1076 KB) Download the Galway Stopover Guide here (PDF 1496 KB)
GALWAY’S TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS
The Aran Islands: Breathtaking Atlantic seacapes, old forts and churches, distinctive Gaelic settlements.
Connemara National Park: Wonderfully-hued heath and bog, tombs and sweeping, empty beaches.
Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre: Celebrates “the ancient city’s rich and colourful legacy”. The intricacies of the crystal-making process are explained, and a specially-commissioned film on Galway is shown.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church: Largest medieval parish church in Ireland still in use. Founded in 1320, dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers. Beautiful carvings.
Lynch’s Castle: 16th century, remodelled in 1960’s. Noted for its bizarre gargoyles.
Nora Barnacle House Museum: She was James Joyce’s wife, great love and chief muse. Some say she was the model for Molly Bloom. A must for Joyce devotees.
Athenry, County Galway: One of the most notable medieval towns in Ireland. Dates from the building of the castle in 1250.
Dartfield in County Galway: Ireland’s Horse Museum and Park.
Spiddal Craft Centre, County Galway: The craftspeople who work and sell their goods here draw their inspiration from the landscape and culture of the Gaeltacht, the Irish-speaking region.
Galway City Museum: Three floors telling the City’s story from medieval times to the present day.
Find out more about this beautiful region by visiting the Visitor Information section of http://www.letsdoitgalway.com/visitorinfo.php.
There is plenty of visitor accommodation in the city, but many will prefer to sample a smaller, more distinctively Irish style of hotel, or one of the many town or farmhouse B&B’s. The Galway Tourist Office in Eyre Square has accomodation lists or view our accommodation booking engine on our homepage.