THE Galway County Council tourism team at the Uniquely East Galway Network Event: Loretta Raftery (EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator), Noreen Donohoe; Michael Owens (Director of Services); Cllr Andrew Reddington (Cathaoirleach), Alice Sheridan, Adele Rankin, John Neary (Tourism Officer) and Lorna Baek. Photo: Kerry Kissane.

Local tourism event harnesses enthusiasm for collaboration

Over 100 businesses and groups attended

Published: Wed 4 Nov 2026, 12:42 PM

EAST GALWAY’s tourism sector has been urged to build on recent investment, grow collaborations and improve promotion of the region as a visitor destination.

That was the message instilled to 100 tourism operators who attended the Uniquely East Galway Network Event, held at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry.

It brought together tourism businesses, community organisations, attractions, food producers and representatives of tourism and enterprise agencies to celebrate progress and explore opportunities for further growth.

The event focused on the progress made in developing East Galway as a visitor destination and the opportunities for local businesses to benefit from further growth.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the event provided an opportunity to raise the region’s profile.

“The strong turnout and positive atmosphere reflected growing momentum behind tourism development in East Galway, with local operators highlighting the value of connecting businesses, sharing experiences and working together to attract more visitors,” stated Cllr Reddington.

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ONE hundred tourism operators gathered at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry for the Uniquely East Galway Network Event. Photo: Kerry Kissane

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Tourism operators taking part in a Speed Networking session during the Uniquely East Galway Network Event. Photo credit Kerry Kissane (free to use).

The event included presentations on tourism development, sustainable travel, business tourism and the East Galway Destination and Experience Development Plan, which is being led by Fáilte Ireland with the support of Galway County Council.

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

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

“The Just Transition Fund has helped lay strong foundations for tourism in East Galway,” commented Loretta Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator with Galway County Council, who organised the networking event.

“There has been significant work to develop tourism projects, improve the visitor offering and promote the region. Bringing operators together allows us to build on that investment, create new connections and work collectively to put East Galway on the map.

“The response to the event was extremely positive. There is real enthusiasm for what can be achieved when businesses, communities and tourism partners work together to share the story of East Galway.”