WEALTH October 30, 2026 0 Comments

Inside East Galway’s Game-Changing Tourism Summit: 100 Operators Unite to Rewrite the Visitor Experience—Here’s What’s Next for the Region

Ever wondered what happens when nearly 100 tourism operators gather in one spot, not just to chat but to actually supercharge a whole region’s tourism game? Well, pull up a chair—because that’s exactly what went down at the Uniquely East Galway Network Event in Athenry. Hosted by the savvy Loretta Raftery and the Galway County Council Tourism Team, this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill meet-and-greet. We’re talking serious collaboration, fresh promotional firepower, and a united push to turn East Galway into a must-visit hotspot. With recent cash injections from the EU Just Transition Fund and boots-on-the-ground support from Fáilte Ireland, the question isn’t if East Galway will grow—it’s how big it will get. And if you think tourism just means pretty postcards and crowded streets, think again: this event showcased everything from sustainable travel plans to buzzing local businesses (think beekeeping and vibing bogs!). It’s this mix of innovation and community spirit that’s setting the stage for something extraordinary. Curious to see how cooperation and investment are reshaping this hidden gem? Dive in and see what’s brewing behind those emerald hills. LEARN MORE

Around 100 tourism operators from across East Galway have come together at a networking event in Athenry to explore opportunities to grow the region’s tourism sector and build on recent investment.

The Uniquely East Galway Network Event, held at the Raheen Woods Hotel, brought together tourism businesses, community organisations, attractions, food producers and representatives from tourism and enterprise agencies.

Organised by Loretta Raftery and Galway County Council’s Tourism Team, the event focused on strengthening collaboration, improving promotion of the region and helping local businesses benefit from increased visitor numbers.

East Galway has received increased investment in tourism infrastructure, visitor experiences and promotional activity in recent years, including projects supported by the EU Just Transition Fund, coordinated locally by Fáilte Ireland with support from Galway County Council.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the strong attendance reflected growing momentum behind tourism development in the region.

He said the event provided an opportunity for local operators to connect, share experiences and work together to attract more visitors.

Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Tourism Development at Galway County Council, said bringing 100 operators together demonstrated the appetite for developing the sector.

The event featured presentations on sustainable travel, business tourism and the East Galway Destination and Experience Development Plan, which is being led by Fáilte Ireland with support from the council.

Local tourism projects and businesses, including Leahy Beekeeping and The Living Bog, were also showcased, while the Local Enterprise Office and LEADER outlined funding opportunities and supports available to operators.

New promotional resources were unveiled, including an East Galway tourism video, an updated visitor map, new photography and the Ballinasloe Area Community Development website.

Galway County Council Tourism Officer John Neary said collaboration would be key to encouraging visitors to explore more of the region.

“Tourism development depends on strong local partnerships and on businesses having opportunities to learn from one another,” he said.

Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator with Galway County Council, said recent investment had helped establish a strong foundation for further development.

“The Just Transition Fund has helped lay strong foundations for tourism in East Galway. There has been significant work to develop tourism projects, improve the visitor offering and promote the region,” she said.

The event concluded with business networking facilitated by Hannah Healy of Runda, giving attendees an opportunity to explore potential partnerships and identify areas for collaboration.

East Galway forms part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with the initiative supporting Galway County Council’s wider tourism development work under the Galway Tourism Strategy 2023–2031.