What is Age Friendly Ireland?
Age Friendly Ireland is the organisation responsible for the national Age Friendly Programme, affiliated to the World Health Organization’s [WHO] Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. The programme involves a multiagency, multi-sectoral approach to age-related planning and service provision. Age Friendly Ireland supports cities and counties to be more inclusive of older people by addressing their expressed concerns and interests under the eight pillars of the World Health Organization’s global programme.
Age Friendly Ireland operates as a shared service centre of local government hosted by Meath County Council. The shared service centre supports a network of 31 local Age Friendly Programmes which are led by local authorities, and which involve many stakeholders from other public bodies, universities, community/voluntary and private sector partners. The shared service supports a number of strategic national structures and provides technical guidance to its networks.
What is Age Friendly Galway City?
Age Friendly Galway City is delivered by Galway City Council and works to improve the services and facilities that our older people have identified as being important to them, and the wider community, as they live healthy and active lives. The programme involves a multiagency, multi-sectoral approach to age-related planning and service provision. Our projects, in partnership with other organisations and agencies, include:
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Respect and Social Inclusion
- Social Participation
- Communication and Education
- Civic Participation and Employment
- Health and Wellbeing
The key contributors to the age friendly programme are the Age Friendly Alliance and Galway City Older People’s Council.
Who are the Older Persons Council?
The Galway City’s Older People’s Council (OPC) represents the voice of older people in Galway City. It is a key stakeholder group of the Galway City Age Friendly Programme and aims to ensure consistency of services, supports and outcomes of the Galway Age-Friendly Strategy. Its members attend the Age Friendly Alliance Meetings of the Galway City’s Age Friendly Programme.
Who are the Galway Age Friendly Alliance?
The Alliance is a voluntary partnership made up of representatives from the following public sector agencies in the area and other organisations that promote a positive approach to ageing.
- Galway City and County Council
- The Health Service Executive
- An Garda Síochána
- GRETB
- University of Galway
- Údarás na Gaeltachta
- COPE Galway
- Galway Rural Development
- Galway City Partnership
- Forum Connemara
- Galway City Community Network
- Galway PPN
- Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)
- Croí na Gaillimhe (SVP)
- Local Link – Bealach na Gaillimhe
- Volunteer Galway
What is the Directory of services?
The Directory of Services for Older People in Galway City & County provides a wealth of useful information not only for older people and their families, but also for carers and service providers. Its user-friendly format covers information on many of the activities, services, and supports available for older people in Galway City & County.
What is the Age Friendly Galway City & County newsletter?
The Age Friendly newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for Older People living in Galway City & County. It is full of news and useful information and includes events taking place around the city and county. To sign up to the Galway City Age Friendly mailing list, and to receive the quarterly newsletters and other relevant information please email agefriendly@galwaycity.ie.
Galway Age Friendly Strategy 2026-2031
The Galway Age Friendly Strategy 2026-2031 is a coordinated plan developed by Galway City and County Councils to make the city and county more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for older people. The strategy focuses on improving everyday life for older adults by enhancing public spaces, transport, housing options, social participation, community supports and access to information. It is shaped through extensive consultation with older residents, community groups, and service providers to ensure that the priorities reflect real needs. As Galway’s population continues to age, the strategy aims to ensure that the region remains a great place to grow older, promoting independence, wellbeing and strong community connections.
Positive Ageing Week 2026
Positive Ageing Week 2026 aims to shine a light on the invaluable contributions of older people in Galway City and beyond. This initiative recognises those who lead active, engaged lives - whether through strong social connections, physical activity, or community involvement in areas such as local projects, sports, the arts, and environmental efforts.
Organisers plan to celebrate 30 older individuals across Galway City and County, particularly those who might not otherwise receive recognition. The goal is to highlight their impact on family, friends, and communities while encouraging others to stay connected and active.
Do you know an older person who is active and engaged?
It could be that they:
· have strong social connections
· are physically active
· help with family and childminding
· are a family carer
Or do they help in their communities with:
· local activities
· tidy towns
· community gardens
· hobbies
· sporting organisations
· the arts and culture
Each nominee will have their portrait professionally taken and featured across media platforms, including local newspapers and social media. Though this is not a competition, all participants will receive a framed photograph and an invitation to a celebratory gathering during Positive Ageing Week.
People are encouraged to nominate an older person who exemplifies positive ageing. With their permission, nominees must submit a short biography (up to 200 words) detailing their background, contributions, interests, and perspectives on ageing.
See bio examples on pages 4 and 5 of the recruitment pack and on the Cope Galway Website here
City nominations must be sent via email to Galway City Age Friendly at agefriendly@galwaycity.ie or via post to 'Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91 X4K8' before the deadline of Friday 8th of May 2026.
If you’d like to find out more about the Galway City Age Friendly programme, please email:agefriendly@galwaycity.ie