- Priority projects include assessing the feasibility of a year-round indoor food market and a new cultural venue, alongside the enhancement of Galway City Museum
- Irish language itineraries and Urban Gaeltacht weekends to showcase Galway’s bilingual identity
- Improved links to Salthill, Latin Quarter and other neighbourhoods to drive visitor dispersal
Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five-year strategy to sustainably grow the economic value of tourism in Galway City. Developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, the Galway City Destination and Experience Development (DEDP) plan sets out a clear vision to enhance the city’s unique appeal as a vibrant, cultural and coastal destination while reinforcing its role as a key hub on the Wild Atlantic Way. The official launch took place yesterday evening in the Mick Lally Theatre, Galway City.
The plan outlines a series of strategic projects aimed at enhancing Galway’s visitor offering and supporting long-term tourism growth. These include exploring the potential for a year-round indoor food market that showcases local produce and culinary talent, enhancing Galway City Museum as a flagship cultural asset, and developing a new cultural venue to host events, exhibitions, and performances.
A central focus of the plan is the integration of the Irish language into the visitor experience, reflecting Galway’s unique status as Ireland’s largest bilingual city and the municipal capital of the Gaeltacht. Key initiatives include the development of a dedicated Irish language tourism itinerary, a programme of immersive Urban Gaeltacht weekends, and a suite of saleable experiences that celebrate the city’s linguistic heritage.
The strategy also aims to deepen engagement with Galway’s Atlantic setting and build on its legacy as a European Capital of Culture, further strengthening its reputation as a vibrant, coastal city of culture.
A dedicated working group, the Galway City Tourism Forum, will oversee delivery of the plan’s actions through to 2030, ensuring continued collaboration across public, private and community stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Paul Keeley, Interim CEO at Fáilte Ireland said:
“Galway City is one of Ireland’s most distinctive and dynamic destinations, and this plan sets out a clear framework to ensure tourism continues to thrive for the benefit of all. The Galway City DEDP will enhance what we offer to visitors while supporting those who live and work here through investment in infrastructure, protection of cultural and social assets, and more evenly spread economic benefits.
“Improved connectivity between the city centre and areas like the Latin Quarter, West End, Eyre Square, Woodquay, Salthill and beyond will encourage visitor dispersal and highlight the vibrancy of Galway’s neighbourhoods. Fáilte Ireland is grateful to Galway City Council for its close partnership, and to the DEDP co-chairs whose leadership will ensure strong local ownership. Ultimately, this plan aims to grow tourism in a way that enhances residents’ quality of life and strengthens Galway’s identity as a cultural and bilingual city.”
For local communities, the plan promotes a more balanced and sustainable approach to tourism. By encouraging visitors to explore beyond the city centre and extend their stay, the plan will also support increased economic opportunities for local businesses and helps alleviate pressure on key hotspots.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council:
“As a city council, our priority is to ensure that tourism development enhances the quality of life for our residents while celebrating Galway’s unique cultural identity. The Galway City Destination and Experience Development Plan aligns with our vision for a more inclusive and sustainable city. Initiatives such as new tourism product development, improved connectivity between neighbourhoods, the potential for a year-round indoor food market, and the enhancement of Galway City Museum will not only enrich the visitor experience but also provide lasting benefits for the people who live here. We are proud to support a plan that places community at its heart and strengthens Galway’s reputation as a vibrant, bilingual city.”
Eveanna Ryan of Connacht Hospitality Group, and Mairtin Óg Lally, Lally Tours, DEDP Co-Chairs said:
“This ambitious plan sets out a clear path to grow tourism in a way that is both sustainable and authentic. The focus on Irish language itineraries, immersive Urban Gaeltacht weekends, and enhanced cultural experiences reflects the richness of Galway’s identity and what makes it so special to visitors. By encouraging dispersal across the city and investing in new experiences, the DEDP will help extend stays, support local businesses, and ensure Galway continues to thrive as a world-class destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.”
The Galway City DEDP is part of Fáilte Ireland’s wider programme of Destination and Experience Development Plans being rolled out across the country to drive sustainable tourism growth and support the long-term development of Ireland’s visitor economy. Read the full plan here
