A delegation from Galway City and County Councils departs from Shannon Airport today (Wednesday 13 August 2025) to participate in a series of tourism, cultural, and economic development engagements in the United States.
The delegation is led by Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, Leas-Chathaoirleach, Cllr Mary Hoade, and City and County officials. Support is being provided by Platform 94, CREW, Galway Chamber of Commerce, Aran Island Ferries, and the University of Galway.
During the trip, the delegation will travel throughout Illinois and Wisconsin to engage with government, tourism, cultural, and business leaders.
The centrepiece is Galway’s participation in the Milwaukee Irish Fest, the world’s largest Irish cultural event, attracting over 120,000 visitors annually. The Galway delegation, which has participated in the festival for more than 30 years, will operate a dedicated stand at the festival to promote Galway as a visitor destination for United States audiences. Galway will also be represented at the Chicago Irish Fest, which will take place at Gaelic Park from 22 to 24 August.
In Chicago, the delegation will visit City Hall for a briefing on the Green Social Housing Strategy, meet with business networks to explore collaboration, and tour the Chicago Architecture Center’s urban renewal projects. They will also be hosted by the Irish American Heritage Center and attend a presentation by the University of Galway on the Imirce Project, a digital archive of over 7,000 letters and memoirs from Irish emigrants to North America spanning the late 1600s to the mid-20th century.
Galway City Council is reaffirming its commitment to its twinning relationships with the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. Galway County Council officials will meet with representatives from Washington County, Wisconsin, which is twinned with County Galway, to strengthen civic and cultural links.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said the visit aims to showcase Galway’s cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and role as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, alongside new travel experiences for U.S. visitors.
On Galway’s twinning with Chicago and Milwaukee, the Mayor added, “These partnerships are living connections that bridge the Atlantic, carrying ideas, opportunities, and friendships. At a time when global tensions can divide, they highlight the power of local diplomacy and show that cities can lead where nations sometimes struggle.”
Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hoade commented, “Milwaukee Irish Fest offers an ideal platform to showcase everything that makes Galway a unique and vibrant destination, from our rich culture to our warm welcome. This visit is also a valuable opportunity to connect with our diaspora and strengthen transatlantic relationships that bring lasting value to our communities.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said the trip aims to promote tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and build strategic partnerships with U.S. institutions.
“Galway’s visit is part of a wider strategy to position the city as a global hub for culture, creativity, and connection,” he stated. “With strong community support, we are forging relationships that will benefit both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the visit is a chance to engage with tourism and government stakeholders while promoting County Galway at Milwaukee Irish Fest.
“With direct U.S. access to the West of Ireland via Shannon Airport, Galway is open and ready to welcome visitors,” he added. “Our presence at Milwaukee Irish Fest has encouraged thousands of Americans to fly into Shannon, and new transatlantic routes create fresh opportunities to grow visitor numbers from across the United States.”
“The trip will also inform the preparation of the new Galway City & County Economic Strategy and will give us the opportunity to promote Galway as a global economic hub,” added Mr. Conneally.