East Galway’s tourism sector has been urged to build on recent investment, growing collaboration and improved promotion of the region as a visitor destination, with 100 tourism operators attending a networking event in Athenry.
The Uniquely East Galway Network Event, held at the Raheen Woods Hotel, 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.
Organised by Loretta Raftery and Galway County Council’s Tourism Team, 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.
The region has seen increased investment in tourism infrastructure, visitor experiences and promotional activity in recent years, including projects supported by the EU Just Transition Fund, which is coordinated locally by Fáilte Ireland with support from Galway County Council.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the event provided an opportunity to build on that work and 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 to the region.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Tourism Development at Galway County Council, said bringing 100 operators together demonstrated the interest in developing the sector across the region.
He said the council would continue to work with local businesses, communities and tourism agencies to build on existing investment and encourage greater collaboration. He also acknowledged Fáilte Ireland’s support in hosting the event.
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 unveiled, including an East Galway tourism video, an updated visitor map, new photography and the Ballinasloe Area Community Development website.
John Neary, Galway County Council Tourism Officer, said collaboration between businesses would be important in attracting visitors and encouraging them to explore more of the region.
“Tourism development depends on strong local partnerships and on businesses having opportunities to learn from one another. The level of engagement at the event showed the appetite that exists to work together and make the most of East Galway’s tourism potential.”
Loretta Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator with Galway County Council, said the event marked an opportunity to turn the investment and groundwork of recent years into further opportunities for local businesses.
“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. 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.”
The event concluded with structured business networking, facilitated by Hannah Healy of Runda, giving attendees the opportunity to make new connections, explore potential collaborations and identify ways to work together.
East Galway forms part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the slow-travel tourism region centred on the River Shannon and surrounding midland counties. The networking event is part of Galway County Council’s work with Fáilte Ireland and other partners to develop tourism in the region, in line with the Galway Tourism Strategy 2023–2031.
