This is Galway January/February 2019 Edition - Issue #15

JAN - FEB 2019 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE 15

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 8 18 21 26 28 36

ORDER 66 // Creating creatures in Connemara

WOODQUAY // Explore one of Galway’s favourite neighbourhoods FUTA FATA // On books, education, and publishing as Gaeilge out the West FRESH PLACES NEW FACES // Discover your new favourite restaurants, cafés, shops and more THEATRE 57 // Galway’s theatre community comes together for the future of the arts

WHAT’S ON // Start 2019 off right and get out there!

HOWYA // A meeting of street photography and chats with some of Galway’s familiar faces

WHO WE ARE...

Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie

Photography Boyd Challenger boyd@thisisgalway.ie AdditionalPhotography Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Editor Caitlin Foley caitlin@thisisgalway.ie

Advertising Queries Maxi Browne marketing@thisisgalway.ie Image by: Boyd Challenger

CREATURES CONNEMARA of

Image by: Boyd Challenger

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Outside Galway City In The Relative Wilds Of Connemara, Monsters And Creatures Of Other Worlds Come To Life.

Spiddal Is Home To Order 66 Creatures And Effects, A Multi-Award Winning Workshop Which Creates Creatures, Costumes And Effects For Film, Tv, And Private Collections Around The World.

We Got The Chance To Dive Into The Magic And The Weirdness Of Order 66 With Julian Checkley, The Mastermind Behind It All!

“I had always been rather arty at school, spending most lunchtimes in the pottery room sculpting various monsters and film characters,” Checkley told us. “All those years ago when I left school with A levels, there weren’t any Special Effects courses available like there are today. I ended up finding a ‘Specialty Make-up’ course at the London College of Fashion in London. Sadly, this turned out to be more of a hairdressing and beauty therapy course with around 1 hour a week glueing on rubber noses. In hindsight it actually stood me in good stead on set if an actor ever needed a quick trim or leg wax before a scene.”

Still craving more experience, Checkley attended a costume and set design course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and then set out to find work in the film industry. He worked as a sculptor, special effects technician, and as Art Director of the Art Department for various projects.

“After finding the hands on approach in the model making department more appealing I stepped sideways into the world of creating creatures, props and prosthetic makeup,” Checkley says.

“Since then, I’ve worked on several major feature films and iconic television programs in the UK’s Pinewood and Shepperton Studios.”

After working as a freelancer in film and on TV for around twenty years, it started to become a bit of a drudge for Checkley. Long hours, location shoots away from home and the constant search for the next job grew difficult. After 9/11, many US production companies were reluctant to travel to the UK for filming, and work became harder to come by. Checkley and his wife, who also works in the film industry, began looking for other options. .

This is when he started to turn toward cosplay costumes and props, which takes up most of his work today.

“In the meantime we started our own business in a completely different industry from film,” he says.

“We moved back to Ireland with our new business but I’ve always kept a small workshop for myself, just to keep my hand in. I still do the odd film and TV job but more and more the private commissions began to dominate my time. It actually works out really well compared to working in film. I get to choose which commissions I’d like to take on, set the budget, decide the turn-around time and in doing so, it lets me continue to do everything from my own little workshop in Spiddal. We now mainly cater for high end collectors and cosplayers who are happy to spend a significant amount of money on their hobby. Sounds a little odd until you think about how much a person would spend on hobbies like golf or horse riding.”

“A really interesting one was a client who travelled all the way over from Hong Kong to get fitted for a movie accurate Darth Vader costume. He wanted the works, the classic Vader breathing, the booming voice and working lightsaber. Plus he was only around 5’ 9” and we needed to get him upto 6’ 5” which we just about managed with the help of some clever boot lifts and sitting the helmet higher on his head.

It turns out that he wanted the costume for the Hong Kong Ambassador’s annual ball. The dress code was ‘Formal or Military’ and this particular gentleman’s interpretation was that Darth Vader’s costume was indeed, ‘Military!’

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It’s Quite Eye Opening, What Is Possible With 3D Printers These Days, But I Like To Think We Can Still Sculpt And Produce Some Parts Quicker Using The Old School Method!

When receiving a commission, they first try to find as much reference material as possible.

“Then we look at the silhouette and how it fits around the person we are creating it for. I have been known to turn down jobs that I think wont work on a particular person’s physiology. At the end of the day, I want to be happy to be able to put my name to the final piece, and besides nobody wants to see a 6’ Ewok!! (Plus it would be a thing of nightmares!)”

“Every job is different and might require a variety of techniques to create a costume. We tend to use the same method that has been used for years in the film industry.

At a very basic level this means life casting, sculpting, moulding, rendering, painting and finally weathering, in that order. However, we’ve recently started 3D printing some parts of the costumes. It’s quite eye opening, what is possible with 3D printers these days, but I like to think we can still sculpt and produce some parts quicker using the old school method!”

His favourite project so far is a project he is currently working on.

“Every few years we will produce a costume for our own promo shoot that helps showcase what is possible. Kamil Krawczak, a local cinematographer with an amazing eye for the ‘hyper-real look’ takes care of all the camera work for these shoots and creates some incredible images.

“The upcoming costume that we plan on shooting is called the Batman XE suit. XE standing for e’X’treme ‘E’nviroment.

It’s basically a Batman suit on steroids complete with smoke, lights, a sound system, a semi active exoskeleton, an actual working nitrogen freeze ray with thermal insulation(for the freeze ray!) that was developed for the space shuttle program. Once it’s all finished, we’ll take it on location to Iceland to get some shots of it in a dramatic arctic setting. The costume design is from a video game which seem to be becoming more popular with our clients than costumes from movies these days.”

When it comes to the promo shoots, they can take on whatever they want, so they go for ‘dream projects’.

Coming up, they’re bringing Superman’s nemesis to life in the shape of the character Doomsday.

“We often tend to err towards physically larger characters for the promo shoots, as it’ll either be myself or my brother Tom being roped into wearing them on the day. And with both of us hovering around the 6’ 6” mark, the larger characters work really well with our shape. Just like I mentioned earlier about the importance of the character’s silhouette!”

They’ve also had some strange and challenging projects in the past. Many times, though, Checkley says the challenges are those he sets himself.

“I suppose there are two that really stand out. The first was creating a character called Grummgar from Star Wars The Force Awakens, to be showcased at Star Wars Celebration (the worlds largest Star Wars convention being held in London at the time).

The original character was created as a seated puppet in the movie but we decided to take it a step further and have our guy walking and (not talking!) grunting.

Not only was the costume nearly three metres tall, but it also required animatronic arms and a head along with articulated stilts and feet. We decided to do this at the last minute and only had 100 days to create this enormous costume from nothing. It was a huge effort to complete in time, weighing in at over 70kg. Just getting the costume to the convention took up a whole Land Rover. But in the end, all the effort was worth it as we ended up winning the ‘Best in Show’ competition as well as earning a Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest Star Wars costume.”

The second greatest challenge was another Guinness World Record breaker (surely there’s a lesson in there somewhere, about risk and reward?). This time, it was a Batsuit with 23 functional gadgets.

“These included fireball shooters, remote tracking devices, EMP stun guns, smoke grenades and even the classic Bat-a-rang! The amount of work that went into those gadgets took over a year to create, getting each one working just right and fitted onto a Batsuit.

We certainly learned our limits on that one.

“We took the opportunity to do one of our promo shoots for this gadget laden Batsuit and received an amazing global response being featured in dozens of international publications as well as TV and media sites such as Rolling Stone Magazine, The Discovery Channel, The Hollywood Reporter, Wired, The Huffington Post, GQ and even Time Magazine.”

Of course, after all this, we wanted to know how Order 66 ended up in Spiddal.

“I originally came from living in Windsor in the UK to Galway in 1997. I was hired for a location shoot on a movie being filmed out in Tully at the time and we were put up in the Spiddal holiday homes by the production company.

“Coming from the London area, it was quite a culture shock when I drew back the curtains on my first morning with the mist-heavy hills of Connemara staring back at me. It was a charming place that still had a magical innocence, something that had long been eradicated from London. I can’t tell you how bowled over I was by the warmth of the people I met.

What followed, I suppose, is the classic story. I met my thento-be wife on the film crew. We got together then moved back to the UK for work but as I previously mentioned, after 9/11 we headed back to Galway where we started the other business.”

“The people, the culture, the food, my local (The Oslo in Salthill, thats super important!), the sights and even that unique scent you get when you walk along High Street at 7 in the morning, of turf smoke and damp cobbles -- there’s nothing like it.

“We live in Salthill overlooking Galway Bay, where the scenery changes on a daily basis. You could set up a camera in the same spot and take a different picture every single day. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to live somewhere like this, with so much contrasting beauty.

“Every time I go away I’m reminded of what I miss about home in Galway. I may have been born an Englishman but my heart belongs here in Galway with my gorgeous wife, family and amazing friends.

I have raved on about it so much over the years that even my brother has now just joined the team and moved over here, that’s the cherry on top!”

Finally, we wanted to know: is there any chance we could have a job please?

“Sure, we have Margot Robbie coming in later for a body-cast and we could always use another pair of hands!”

Sound.

For more on Order66, follow their social media @order66effects!

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WOODQUAY Despite being just a shout away from Eyre Square, the neighbourhood of Woodquay feels tucked away, like a hidden gem in the city centre. In the early days (say, eight hundred years ago), the area was actually a collection of small islands outside the medieval city walls, taking its name from the wooden quay erected on one of the islands. The islands sat between now-forgotten branches of the River Corrib and a mote along the old city walls.

Now, all that separates Woodquay from Galway’s shopping district is a turn or two off the beaten track. Here, you’ll find a bustling area full of great food, busy pubs and independent shops. It’s where locals go for an after work drink, away from the madding crowds, and where college students go for a cheap pint and a laugh. You’ll find everything from trad music, craft beer bars and coffee shops to wood-fired pizzas and Italian pastries. There’s an awful lot packed into a small corner of Galway in Woodquay, and we want to help you explore every bit of it!

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Mcginn’s Hop House First thing that strikes you about Mc Ginn’s Hop House is the most wonderful interior with a mix of reclaimed wood & metal from around the world. After that is the Fáilte Mór from the friendly staff!

The parquet floor is reclaimed from the world famous Harland and Wolfe shipyard in Belfast where the Titanic was built; the ceiling from a farmhouse in Oklahoma; and the food is both local and lovingly prepared in a wood-fired oven.

For the beer connoisseurs among you McGinn’s Hop House is a must. They boast one of the most extensive ranges of craft beers in Galway and 24 draught taps and bottles to match.

Following all sports, it’s a great place to watch any match with a special Grá for Glasgow Celtic They serve breakfast and lunch menus from 11am, evening menu till 10pm and their famous wood-fired pizza till 11pm every night. They also have an extensive selection of wines & spirits to complement any meal or occasion. They have a cracking pint of Guinness and a lovely Galway Hooker at the end of the bar.

A must if visiting Galway and a super local if you’re fortunate enough to live in Galway !

19 Woodquay, Galway // (091) 374 412

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Woodquay Hostel Welcoming guests to the Woodquay area is nothing new to Woodquay Hostel, it was St Ann’s guest house many years before it was a hostel.

As travelling trends changed, the building became a hostel in 1991, being one of the first few hostels in the city. Whilst owners have changed (Cathal McLoughlin recently took ownership of the Hostel, having worked there for several years) Woodquay has always been about a traditional Irish welcome and a home away from home vibe.

The Woodquay hostel is excited to be part of the business and residential community in the area and look forward to the continued regeneration of the area. They are planning a refurbishment of their own with upgrades to hostel facilities taking place in 2019.

23/24 Woodquay, Galway // (091) 562 618

Bar Italia Ciarlantini Welcome to an authentic Italian experience in the bustling Woodquay area of Galway.

Bar Italia Ciarlantini have created a cosy, warm atmosphere that offers so much more than excellent Italian coffee. ‘Wow’ is a common reaction from first-time visitors when they feast their eyes on the lovely displays, offering mini and maxi treats, including classic Tiramisù, cannoli, and other decadent Italian desserts!

Visitors are immediately immersed in the sounds and flavours of Italy, right down to the Italian radio station. It has become the go-to place for people to order and collect incredible cakes, tarts and gluten-free sweets or platters of mini treats, for small and large celebrations. They also offer a delivery service to restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, supplying their own delicious coffee, cakes and pastries!

7 Daly’s Place, Woodquay // +353(0)87 449 2359

CARIBOU

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Caribou pitched up in Woodquay in late 2016 and swung its doors open on a Tuesday evening that November. The new kid on the block hit the ground running, helmed by Mullingar lads Shane Clifford and Hugh O’Farrell who, having cut their teeth managing successful bars in Dublin, decided to bring their passion and enthusiasm out West. Awarded Irish Craft Beer Bar of the Year at the Sky Bar Awards in August 2018, Caribou boasts an eye-popping selection of craft ales from around the world, satisfying both those in the know and new to the game. As well as the ever-present bags of Meanies and Mighty Munch, the perfect accompaniment to Caribou’s impressive beer line up is Kiwi Guilmartin’s to-die-for pub grub, which marries fresh, locally sourced produce to wildly creative recipes, resulting in seriously satisfying soakage. Not content with just looking after the beer lovers of Galway, Caribou make great use of an extensive gin and whiskey range in their recently rolled out cocktail menu.

Whether it’s pints and the match, a catch up with cocktails, or nerding out over the beer selection, Caribou’s knowledgeable, friendly and up-for-the-craic staff have got you covered.

31 Woodquay, Galway // (091) 534 854

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Ellie & Dal is Galway’s exclusive bridesmaid boutique, where beautiful dresses, experienced stylists and one-on-one, personal attention help bring wedding day dreams to life.

Their exquisite Woodquay boutique features a stunning bridesmaid dress collection from international brands available in 20 different colour choices and a variety of sizes and styles. Whether classic, edgy or boho, sequins, strapless or wrap, each of their distinctive bridesmaid dresses are infused with romance, glamour and grace for the ultimate in wedding day elegance.

Their dedicated and friendly stylists specialise in helping you create a flawless look that reflects your tastes and personality. Relax in a private appointment and explore their sample designs while a stylist guides you on colour choice, form and a fit that suits your bridesmaids.

Visit their exclusive boutique for bridesmaid dresses in the heart of Galway city and discover what makes Ellie & Dal so special. They are open Monday 10.30am to 5.30pm or by private appointment Tuesday to Saturday. To book your appointment, please contact them on 091 567 511.

10 Woodquay, Galway // www.ellieanddal.ie

Antiques room The Antiques Room is a jewellery shop located in the heart of Woodquay. Their reputation for supplying quality jewellery, together with unparalleled customer service, attracts customers from all over Ireland and beyond to this little shop.

They specialise in diamond rings, vintage and modern diamond jewellery, and always carry a large selection of art deco, vintage, estate and antique pieces.

You will find a comprehensive selection of their jewellery online at www.theantiquesroom.com and in their shop, where you are always welcome to come and browse their collection.

11 Woodquay, Galway // 091-745505 // Opens Tues - Sat 10.30am to 5.30pm.

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Corrib Tea Rooms & Guest Accommodation Corrib House is a calm oasis in the heart of Galway City. Overlooking the River Corrib and Salmon Weir, it is the perfect place to unwind and relax with great food and stunning views.

Their unique tea rooms offer a delicious range of weekday breakfast & lunches, a weekend brunch menu, home-baked cakes and treats with speciality teas and gourmet coffees. Corrib House also offers luxurious boutique guestrooms, each individually styled in a traditional manner with modern facilities. They were recently awarded “Ireland’s Best Breakfast Award” at the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards 2017 In Association with Fáilte Ireland for 2017 in the Bed and Breakfast category.

The emphasis at Corrib House Tea Rooms is on fresh, simple and reasonably priced dishes created using the finest ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The daily changing menu reflects this, with everything made in-house each morning. While the guest house aims to provide guests with a truly warm welcome while enjoying the luxury accommodation and character the house has to offer For further information or booking enquiries please visit www.corribhouse.com or call 091 446753

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HUGHES BAR

Hughes Bar has been a stalwart in Woodquay, beloved for its charm and its perfect pint of Guinness since 1969 and earlier. That year, Michael Hughes began leasing the pub from its former owner for £25 per week; three years later, he bought it and made it his own. Hughes prided himself on keeping the price of the pint down, refusing to join the Vitners Association.

The pub became renowned for its Guinness, reportedly once selling more Guinness out of two taps than any other pub in Ireland. Michael himself continued running the pub until the mid-nineties, when his son Pat took over.

In the years since, Hughes’ great reputation has attracted famous visitors such as Jack Charlton, Richard Dunwoody and more recently Cillian Murphy. During the Galway International Arts festival it’s very much the place to be.

The pub continues to enjoy success under the direction of John Hughes who now manages the business. Hughes’ Bar has a rich family tradition with Liam Mellows GAA, and the pub is a great place to watch a match with something always on the telly. They will be celebrating 50 years in business this year, so expect a big birthday bash in 2019!

31 Woodquay, Galway // (091) 534 854

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Decorate Your Own This bright and cheery shop supplies all you need to dive into a new hobby! They specialise in millinery, baking, cake-decorating, and beading. They also offer regular courses to get you started. Their friendly staff are always on hand to give a bit of support, too!

28 Woodquay, Galway // +353(0)91 565 933

Corrib Princess See a new side to Galway from the top deck of the Corrib Princess! They operate boat tours along the river and through Lough Corrib from April through October. They also regularly host special events onboard, from club nights to barbecues.

Whether you’re touring the city or planning a special party, the Corrib Princess offer a fabulous day or evening out.

Waterside, Woodquay, Galway // +353(0)91 563 846

Galway Rowing Club Home to some of Galway’s best parties, including Galway International Arts Festival events, galleries and fundraisers, the Rowing Club in Woodquay is a hidden gem of a venue. Overlooking the River Corrib, it has a full bar, plenty of space for dancing, and an outdoor deck for warm weather. Book it for private parties, events, dance classes, weddings and more!

Woodquay, Galway // +353 (0)87 121 3752

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Barr An Chaladh Located in the heart of Woodquay, the first inhabited village of Galway City, you will find a country pub called ‘Barr An Chaladh’. It’s listed as one of the ‘Top 10 Best Pubs’ in Ireland by Fodor’s travel guides in 2017!

Barr An Chaladh is classed as Galway’s liveliest Irish music pub, featuring the finest of live Irish bands seven nights a week.

Bursting at the seams with character and keeping true to itself with its wonderful old world charm and décor, Barr An Chaladh is a perfect intimate place to meet and to make good friends as it attracts a lovely fusion of old and young clientele. They have a fantastic selection of beers, stouts, wines and spirits which you can enjoy with friends and family, or while chatting to our many friendly locals.

See you at Barr An Chaladh, where the fire never goes out and the atmosphere is always on tap!

3, Daly’s Place, Woodquay, Galway // (091) 895 762

planning a party?

Finger food, Reserved areas, Cocktails, Gins & Late Bars Book your engagement party, birthday, corporate event or special occasion now!

091 449 431

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Exclusively for THIS IS Galway readers

It’s time to get your GAME FACE ON! €10 credit FOR EVERY NEw JOINER IN JAN & FeB Citypoint, Prospect Hill | 091567828

FUTA FATA

Image by: Boyd Challenger

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F

“That was a really lovely thing,” Mac Dhonnagain says. “We decided to try and publish some of these well-known series, and I wasn’t sure if it would work, because they’re so well known.”

A futa fata in Irish means a babble or flurry of excitement. If you can imagine a hallway full of children before a school play, or lunch break, that’s the image that a futa fata brings forth. It’s also the name of a small powerhouse Irish-language publishing house, based right in Spiddal. We got to talk with the owner, Tadhg Mac Dhonnagain, about publishing in Irish out the West.

“I kind of stumbled into publishing, in a way, almost by accident,” Mac Dhonnagain tells us. His career up to Futa Fata has been varied; he began as a primary school teacher at a Gaelscoil, and then spent thirty years in Dublin as an Irish-language television presenter for RTÉ.

“Then I came West and I was still working in TV. I went from a full-time job to more of a freelance thing. And in the years before I left Dublin, I’d been involved in music as well. I started composing songs for children in Irish; I made a collection, and when I came down West I started to kind of develop that. And then the next thing I did was a collection of traditional Connemara rhymes, with a book – and that was the first time I published a book.”

That book is Gugalaí Gug!, which won a Gold Disc in 2013, and was Mac Dhonnagain’s first foray into the publishing world. After that, he began heading to the Bologna Book Fair, to find books for inward translation to be published in Irish through Futa Fata.

In the years since they began, Futa Fata have translated and published books from David Walliams (Gangsta Granny), Julia Donaldson, and they’re the home of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Perhaps to their surprise, the first Irish edition of Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a huge success, making it onto the RTÉ news and featuring during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

“Kids are super happy to read them again in Irish. It makes them feel really good about themselves, that they can read this substantial book in Irish – and they’re familiar with the story, so it helps them with comprehension.

And Jeff Kinney – his books are translated into over 50 languages, but he’s Irish-American and he was really pleased his book was being translated to Irish. He made a point of coming to Dublin on his global tour, so we’ve got to know him now and we went out to dinner with him. It’s a lovely connection; it makes it more special. He felt it was a coming home.”

After a few years of inward translations, though, Mac Dhonnagain wanted to see if Futa Fata could push things on.

“I decided to see if we could do it the other way around – originate [books] in Ireland and try to sell them on the international market, as well as selling them at home.”

When looking for new Irish talent, they prefer for books to be written in Irish first.

“That’s a really important part of the whole thing; it’s our mission, really. We’re funded by Foras na Gaeilge and also by the Arts Council to do just that, to foster new Irish-language talent. And also, from the illustration side of it – the illustrators generally wouldn’t be Irish speakers, but they’re Irish artists who are trying to make a living, which is difficult enough here in Ireland. We have a lot of connections there as well.

“Our books are translated into twelve languages now worldwide. It’s not an enormous part of our business, but it’s a really nice part. We’re really proud of it.”

Mac Dhonnagain, who has been involved in the Irishlanguage world for decades, believes that the Irish language is at an exciting place.

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“It’s coming around,” he says. “I really believe it. I mean, I’m more positive about it now than I was some years ago. I can see that we have advanced,” he says. For a start, he sees the growing interest in Irish-medium schools first hand while touring the country for Futa Fata events.

“Because Irish is a minority language, it shares the kind of challenges of many minority languages,” he says. “But today, there are well over a million people educated in Irish. [Many people] could sit down with one of our picture books for children and mightn’t understand every single word, but they would be able to get the gist of it.

“I think there is a huge demand for Irish medium-education.

Irish people have really embraced it. The demand outstrips supply. One school in Dublin, where we did an event in there last year, takes in sixty-five five year olds every year, and they have a waiting list of 300. That’s just one school.”

But for Futa Fata, education isn’t their primary goal; they write books to serve the Irish-speaking community.

“There’s a growing population of children going to Irishmedium schools as well as native Irish speakers in the Gaeltacht, where we are based, who would read for pleasure. I suppose our main focus is to create fun material, to read for pleasure. And if it’s used in the education system, well, that’s a happy kind of coincidence, but we don’t see ourselves as educational.

“We have events in Connemara, book launches and signings, and big crowds come, local families with their kids line up. That, as a phenomenon, as an event, didn’t exist before. In a rural area, it’s nice that kids will look back on their childhood and remember those events, with Irish at the forefront. Even when we’re taking on new writers, we look for people who are excited about doing events and creating those connections.”

This year, Futa Fata are building on their years of success with exciting new projects forthcoming. They’re publishing Muireann Ní Chíobháin’s first book; she’s worked extensively for RTÉjr in both Irish and English, so her book is sure to delight young audiences. They’re also starting a new series of books about Irish mythology, illustrated by the Irish-based Scottish illustrator Shona Shirley Macdonald, who is something of a legend in the illustrating world.

As the Irish language grows in strength and popularity, we look forward to seeing more wonderful projects from Futa Fata, across the country and beyond. For more on their illustrated books and interactive CDs as Gaeilge, visit www.FutaFata.ie.

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FRESH PLACES NEW FACES Brand spanking new businesses to check out in Galway!

HANDSOME BURGER

Handsome Burger showed up on Galway’s food scene as a market stall in Moycullen and quickly became one of Galway’s favourites for tasty burgers, loaded fries and potato salad! After a few months of hard graft and time spent returning to their roots with market stalls & beer garden appearances around the City, they’re now permanently back in town with their brand-new Westend location.

Despite the bigger production, all the important things remain the same: They’re still hand-rolling every burger made with locally-sourced beef and serving all the favourites; from the B.O.B to the spicy Handsome Roost burger to the parmesan and maple bacon fries. The new space is big and bright, with plenty of room to gather up your friends and family around the table and enjoy some of the best burgers in town.

49 Lower Dominick Street, Galway’s Westend // +353(0)87 763 6681

NEW FACES

Gourmet Food Parlour For the first time, you can find Gourmet Food Parlour outside of Dublin and right here in Salthill.

Known for their gorgeous brunches, tapas, dinner and drinks, it’s a brilliant option for coming together with friends and family. They cater to a range of dietary requirements, keeping taste first and foremost in mind, whilst also having an array of healthy options on the menu.

14 Lenaboy Gardens, Salthill // +353(0)91 393 330

Push Gym This boutique gym just off of Eyre Square offers a relaxed, professional space to work out. Virtual Spinning classes, complimentary PT sessions with monthly memberships, training programmes and a state of the art gym make it an easy and convenient option when choosing where to get fit in Galway. They even have a VIP/Coffee Lounge!

Kiltartan House, Forster St, Galway // +353(0)86 206 5109

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Jianbing Bar Experience one of China’s most beloved street food options right here in Galway. Jianbing is a crispy crepe, which can be made to suit what you’re craving: breakfast, with eggs and sausage, a savoury lunch with slow-cooked duck or falafel and veg, or a sweet dessert option! They also serve Bell Lane Coffee and their signature Bubble Tea. 6 Quay Street, Galway // +353(0)91 568 962

Little Collins It took a 17,376km journey from sunny Melbourne to rainy Galway for JP and Íde to finally realise their dream and open Little Collins CBD Dispensary on Abbeygate Street. Expect CBD house made tea, high quality CBD hemp flowers and delicious ‘Melbourne’ coffee as well as great breakfast & lunch options. Sustainability, health and all 100% plant based.

25 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway // +353(0)85 250 5686

WeFix Galway When life happens – a phone smashed on the bathroom floor, or a laptop that won’t turn on – WeFix Galway is there for you. They provide reliable and affordable repairs to phones, laptops (hardware and software), as well as design solutions. Give them a call and see what they can do for you!

31 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway // +353(0)87 909 3772

Snoozles Quay St Put yourself in the heart of the Latin Quarter when you stay at Snoozles’ new location, right on Quay Street. Bright, fun and affordable, it’s the perfect place to chill out, meet new people on your travels and, best of all, experience all of Galway City within easy strolling distance.

10 Quay Street, Galway // +353(0)91 568 644

Open the Door Escape Rooms Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon?

Lock yourself into a room with your friends and see what happens! Open the Door Escape Rooms offer interactive puzzle rooms, where players must solve all the puzzles and clues to escape the room within the time limit.

4 Prospect Hill, Galway // +353(0)91 450 192

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A Conversation With Sarah O’Toole And Féilim O’hAoláin

Theatre 57 are a brand-new collective of over 70 theatre artists that have come together to work as a unit, assessing what it’s like to make art and theatre in Galway. The official launch will be taking place in Electric Garden and Theatre on Monday 21 January at 7pm and all are welcome.

The collective includes Little John Nee, Fregoli Theatre’s Maria Tivnan, Emma O’Grady, Aindrias DeStaic, Moonfish’s Máiréad Ní Chróinín and many more independent artists, including designers, costume makers and actors. I caught up with Theatre 57’s Sarah O’Toole and Féilim O’hAoláin to discuss the collective’s upcoming launch and hopes for the future.

Their excitement was palpable.

The original group of 57 theatre artists began their journey seven months ago and have been working tirelessly since. Féilim notes that while “there are a lot of theatre venues throughout the city, there is no real hub where people can go on a more casual basis and feel supported to create and present their work.” The reality for independent theatre artists is that they are “making work and trying to promote it regardless of funding and infrastructure”, neither of which are present in Galway.

“The need for these resources is not a new idea; other cities already have elements such as hot desking, artist supports and structures in place.” Theatre 57 cofounder Róisín Stack has said that “theatre in Galway is made against the odds”, which is a sad reality. Féilim believes that the good influence from the great Mike Diskin in Town Hall has taught them that “you have to fight for what you want and sometimes that just needs an impetus.”

While discussing the reputation of Galway as the European Capital of Culture, Sarah O’Toole sees it as “such a wonderful opportunity to build the infrastructure that will feed into arts in the city for years to come”.

She believes that this collective have the power to “fuse with other initiatives, giving them the platform to showcase their work”. Sarah is adamant that once this infrastructure is in place within the city, “it will be easier to export our work and give Galway theatre a platform internationally. We have such a wonderful scene here and there are so many artists I would love to see flying the flag for Galway internationally; sending stories made in Galway by Galway people out into the world!”.

Image by: Boyd Challenger

THEATRE 57 When asked about their hopes for the future, the collective are hugely motivated. Sarah says that “down the line the collective want a home of our own – a creative hub. A physical location in the city where we can workshop, support and help with funding. It’s a shame that we market ourselves as a city of the arts, it should be recognised with proper resources”. Féilim wants this creative hub to be a place of “positive feedback and support structures to help artists develop along with more public events at the end of the month, every month. This will include live cinema elements where live performers and a live band redo films, platforms for local artists with one-person shows” with more to be announced at the official launch. Theatre 57 are running a pilot programme with Electric Garden & Theatre, a place that “shares a similar ethos of community and supporting creativity”.

Speaking of Galway city as a whole, Féilim notes that “the more a city flourishes in various ways, whether it is tech, restaurants, arts or culture, it makes the city better and has a long-term effect”. Sarah chimed in to make the incredibly valid point that “if you spend so much time fighting there is less time to make the art itself, so if there is something already in place there will be more time to put into the actual explorations and creation of art”. Theatre 57 are striving to put the much-needed resources in place so that future generations are not faced with this obstacle.

The collective has grown from a starting point of 57 artists to a whopping 70+ group of incredibly creative individuals. Having gathered information on where these theatre artists have studied and who they have worked with, the group are an extremely interesting and impressive unit. Theatre 57 are in the process of getting their website off the ground. Sarah said that this will be their digital base, showcasing their aims and plans while featuring an “artist network page which offers a birds-eye view of each person involved; a snapshot into the scene and its vibrancy”.

Theatre 57 have come together to provide the support and resources needed by the arts community in the Capital of Culture. Officially launching on 21 January in Electric Garden & Theatre at 7pm, the collective has the ambition, energy and creativity to change the way theatre is made in Galway. All are welcome to head along to the launch to witness the beginning of Theatre 57.

Words by: Sarah Gill SOCIAL WHITE:

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WHAT’S going ON? Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT’S ON

Subtitle: Spotlight European Film festival

Galway International Rally

Spend a weekend enjoying some of the best of European cinema. From popular, accessible comedies to thrillers and dramas, SUBTITLE returns this year with another lineup of great cinema.

This is a comeback year for the Galway Rally after a 2018 hiatus. The rally route comprises of ten stages over some of the best available roads in the country, with plenty of viewing space for spectators.

January 25 - 27 // Town Hall Theatre

February 9 - 10 // Ballybrit

Tedfest

Mother Tongues Festival

“So we’ll all meet every year at the end of February on a small island in the Atlantic…” Described as “a storm of drink, fancy dress and sporting events” by the Independent, Tedfest is a mad weekend on the Aran Islands you won’t want to miss. Go on, go on, go on…

To celebrate UNESECO International Mother Language Day, this festival brings a weekend of celebrations, workshops, and educational opportunities centred around the benefits and challenges of bilingualism.

February 22 - 23 // Various Locations

February 21 - 24 // Inis Mór, Aran Islands

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AN TAIBHDHEARC On January 21, An Taibhdhearc will stage a special, free performance at the Eyre Square Shopping Centre to commemorate the First Dáil, exactly one hundred years from when the first democratic gathering of the revolutionary Republic of Ireland was held.

It is appropriate and fitting that An Taibhdhearc commemorates the first Dáil, given that the national Irish language theatre grew alongside the new state. Professor Tomás Ó Máille, brother of Phadraig Ó Máille (a member of the first Dáil), and his comrades began dreaming of the first national Irish theatre in 1918 and founded it in 1928.

Actors will re-enact the happenings at the house of the Lord Mayor of Dublin at 3:30pm on January 21, 1919. The day will begin with a parade from An Taibhdhearc through the streets of Galway, ending at the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, accompanied by the Tulla Pipe Band from County Clare.

Following the performance, Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh will deliver an address entitled “Bunú Dháil Éireann 1919: uair na cinniúna don daonlathas i nua-stair na hÉireann” from An Taibhdhearc’s stage at 5:30pm. A short publication to commemorate the event will be issued, and refreshments will be available. This event is free but pre-booking is advised.

The following weeks bring many more exciting performances to An Taibhdhearc. High Rock Products ‘Caith Amach É’ is a smash hit comedy based on the Leaving Cert Irish Oral Picture sequences, which has been highly acclaimed by students and teachers everywhere. They also have some brilliant music planned for the spring season.

Tickets for all upcoming events are available online from www.antaibhdhearc.com or from box office on 091-562024, opening times 10-5pm Monday to Friday and 12-5pm Saturday.

Hollaback: Nothing But Noughties @ DNA Live On Saturday, January 26 th , DNA Live will bring the ultimate Noughties Covers Band Hollaback to Galway. This band knows how to get the party started, playing nothing but the BEST music from the 00’s era.

You can expect plenty of nostalgic throwbacks, novelty props and singalongs. Enjoy dancing to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, The Black-Eyed Peas, Destiny’s Child, JLo, Usher and all of the icons of the 00’s. Themed fancy dress is encouraged, sure it’s all part of the fun!

Follow @DNAGalway on Facebook to keep updated. Tickets available via Eventbrite from Friday, January 11th . Earlybird Tickets available for €5, buy yours now!

Shaking Up Your Weekend – New Cocktail Menu at DNA Nightclub DNA Nightclub have launched their new Cocktail Menu and there are eight delicious Cocktails being shaken ‘n’ stirred up for you to enjoy.

Make sure to taste their Baby Mama Martini or design your own DNA Daiquiri, where you can choose which flavour you would like: Strawberry, Mango, Passionfruit, Watermelon or Forrest Fruit. There’s a Cocktail to suit everyone’s taste; with unique mixes alongside a blend of old-time classics with a DNA twist.

For group bookings, please contact: hello@dnagalway.com or phone 091 500 330.

Planning a Special Occasion? Ask about their VIP Lounge ‘The Attic’ and Party Packages.

BRUNCH•LUNCH DINNER•DRINKS IRELAND’S LARGEST GIN COLLECTION

FORSTER STREET, GALWAY 091 564111 | info@hydebargalway.ie | www.hydebargalway.ie HydeBarGalway HydeGalway

LATE NIGHT BAR FRI & SAT FORSTER STREET, GALWAY 091 376561 | info@anpucan.ie | www.anpucan.ie AnPucan AnPucan AnPucanGalway

WE RECOMMEND

Comedy, live music, burlesque: we thought you might like it!

Shivers w/ Paramida + Kris Baha Dust off the winter cobwebs for possibly the best Shivers party yet. On the rooftop they’re welcoming back Paramida from open to close, bringing a genrebending mix of house, trance, disco, and everything in between, underscored by the Love on the Rocks boss’s imitable ear for the groooove.

February 1 // Electric

Applause at Pálás Shake off the January blues with the first night of a new season of live music sessions from some of Galway’s best local artists. Tracy Bruen and Ted Cronin will be kicking things off in Merrow Bar, with their rich blend of folk and America.

Februrary 1 // Merrow @ Palas

The Dirty Circus: Fancy Pants

Lakiko

Try something new in 2019 and treat yourself to an evening of cabaret and burlesque! The Dirty Circus always brings a brilliant night of glamour, decadence and of course a bit of naughtiness.

Also known as Lana Kostic, Lakiko brings an ethereal blend of classic cello and vocal harmonies, with influences ranging from pop music to Bosnian folk sounds. The result is an otherworldly and moving musical experience unlike anything you’ve likely heard before.

January 19 // Roisin Dubh

February 7 // The Black Gate Cultural Centre SOCIAL WHITE:

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Connacht Rugby v Cheetahs Head to the Sportsground for an evening match as Connacht take on the Cheetahs in the Guinnes Pro14. Connacht had an exciting win over the Cheetahs in December so we’re hoping to repeat that in February! There’s always a great atmosphere for home matches so get your tickets before they’re gone.

February 16 // Sportsground, College Road

Swan Lake Foil Arms & Hog: Craicling Former children and regular eaters Foil Arms & Hog return to Galway in spring 2019 with their new show. Best known for their sensational Youtube comedy sketches, Foil Arms & Hog really shouldn’t be missed live. Craicling is a fast paced sketch show featuring a class on how to hold a baby, a Gregorian chant about life as a monk and the assassination of a classically trained actor.

2 December // Eyre Square Shopping Centre

The Royal Moscow Ballet comes to Galway following a great year in 2018, with criticallyacclaimed and sold-out runs. From the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake, watch the drama and tragedy unfold.

February 24 // Town Hall Theatre

Kneecap Comprised of Mo Chara, Móglai Bap and DJ Provaí, they give us an insight into the life of young people in West Belfast. Their in depth knowledge of Irish language combined with killer flow and a wry humour produces the most unique sound of late.

February 14 // Roisin Dubh

EVERY WEEK

WHAT’S ON

Trad at the Head

Family

Every Wednesday night, the medieval King’s Head brings brilliant live trad sessions to their stage. Sit back with some pub grub and a pint of Guinness and enjoy in the heart of the Latin Quarter, inside a medieval building over 800 years old!

Electric are bringing something for all the family every Saturday night, with three rooms and three styles for dancing and tunes all night long.

Padraic Disconaut is a Family favourite, but the lineup changes every weekend!

Every Wednesday // The King’s Head

Every Saturday // Electric Garden & Theatre

Riff Raff Comedy

John Conneely Inc

Every Sunday you can find Oisín Hanlon, Michael Rice and special guests at the Black Gate Cultural Centre from 8pm for a night of comedy!

It’s just a fiver at the door and it’s pretty popular (they must be funny!) so you’ll want to get your head in the door early.

If you like to round out your weekend with some high-energy singing, dancing and live tunes, then join John Conneely Inc at the Roisin Dubh.

This ten-piece band shuffles through music genres, with everything from Nina Simone to Django Reinhardt and fresh interpretations of 80s and 90s belters.

Every Sunday // Black Gate Cultural Centre February 22 - 23 // Various Locations SOCIAL WHITE:

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how

Image by: Boyd Challenger

wya?

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m P Disco (Padraic O’Connor). I’m a chef at Biteclub Streefood Discotheque and DJ with Galway house collective/flutes Disconauts who’s kinda handy at playing other people’s records in a row to make you want to dance. Disconauts play regularly (DJ sets or with live percussion and horns) in Blue Note, Electric, Bierhaus and at clubs and festivals around the country and we also run our infamous boat parties and One Night Love Affair soirees.

Where’s your go-to spot for breakfast/brunch?

Hate the word brunch, gives me the heebie jeebies, hate it... no need for it at all.

Breakfast or lunch... sound.

Best places in town are the old reliables like Kai and Ard Bia (both top of the game for years; consistency, sensational food, beautiful spaces, great knowledgable staff), Urban Grind (beautiful coffee and food and lovely staff), Biteclub (i’m biased here, obviously. but if you’ve not been in for our esquites dish on the weekend then get yer ass in pronto!) and really like the food and vibe at Merrow in the Palas Cinema.

Best pint of Guinness in Galway?

Am more of a blouse man myself but there are many fine establishments in town to taste the goodness of Guinness. “Uptown” my favourites include Hughes Bar in Woodquay, Tigh Choili and Murphy’s on High Street (have NEVER had a bad pint in Murphy’s!). Neachtains is one of the most beautiful bars in the country, it’s an institution; a seat outside Neachtains on a sunny day people watching and suppin’ stout is a must. But mainly I like my stout down the west over the bridge in Galway’s Westend. The Blue Note and Bierhaus are my favourite boozers and pints/blouses in both establishments are always proper and the music and banter is always top drawer. The Crane Bar pulls a mean pint as do the kind staff in Wards Hotel in Lower Salthill. Actually that’d be a decent pub crawl wouldn’t it?

Woodquay to Wards... into it.

Favourite spot to get away from it all?

Get away from it all? In Galway? It’s impossible bbz. It’s too small and everyone knows everyone... but that’s also the great thing about Galway.

A meat & cheese board and a nice glass or bottle of wine in Sheridan’s Wine Bar (above their cheesemongers) is the most beautiful way to while away an hour or two. The laid back vibes, top notch food and cocktails in The Universal are also a very good time. And another lovely place to try and get some peace and quiet is a seat in the garden out the back of Urban Grind. Calm, quiet, good coffee. Obviously. if you really want to get away or run away, then you head out to Connemara. It’s wild rugged beauty will give you the hug you need and reenergise you.

Favourite time of year in Galway?

Oh, shiftin’ season, obviously. But sure that runs all year round so there’s loads to go around for everyone.

Galway isn’t about a time of year, Galway is all about the people. They are the magic that makes our wonderful town tick.

That said, there is one time of year i dislike though. Race week. Race week can do one. Dose of a week.

What’s Galway’s best kept secret?

You mean the one about a friend of a friend of mine being the best shift in Galway?

No? Oh.... ok. Well then it’s American Village Apothecary and Tasting Rooms on Dominick Street. Claire has created a beautiful environment to get back in touch with the magic of nature. Locally foraged plants and flavours are highlighted in their stunning drinks. They’re doing beautiful coffees there too. And staff are knowledgable and friendly, Martin Crosbie and the crew will look after you properly. Do yourself a favour and swing by.

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WHERE IT’S AT

This is a list of places mentioned in the articles in order of appearance. Each business has a number with which you’ll be able to use to find them on the map above.

1. McGinn’s Hop House 2. Woodquay Hostel 3. Bar Italia Ciarlantini 4. Caribou 5. Ellie & Dal 6. Antiques Room 7. Corrib House Tea Rooms 8. Hughes Bar 9. Decorate Your Own 10. Corrib Princess 11. Galway Rowing Club

12. Bar an Chaladh 13. Handsome Burger 14. Gourmet Food Parlour 15. Push Gym 16. Jianbing Bar 17. Little Collins 18. WeFix Galway 19. Snoozles Quay Street 20. Open the Door Escape Rooms 21. An Taibhdhearc 22. DNA

Advertise with us Each month, This is Galway’s magazine shines a spotlight on local eateries, pubs and clubs, cultural destinations as well as events across the County.

It’s an essential resource for visitors who want to dive straight into the heart of the place, and locals looking for a bit of inspiration.

To advertise with us in future issues or to stock the magazine in your space, send an email to: marketing@thisisgalway.ie

Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

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