Your Council

Freedom Of The City Of Galway

On the 12th of June 2026 President Catherine Connolly received the Freedom of Galway City in a ceremony held at the Hardiman Hotel.

 The Honorary Freedom of the City of Galway is the highest civic award bestowed by the City of Galway. Recipients of the award are referred to as “Freeman” or “Freewoman” of the City of Galway, and as such become an Honorary Citizen of the city.   

The bestowing of the Freedom is ratified by the elected members of Galway City Council.

Catherine FreedomOfCity
Staff and councillors standing with new an ghaeltacht sign

Galway City Council Unveils Initiative to Showpiece the City’s “Invisible” Urban Gaeltacht Townlands

24 July 2026

The Irish Language Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) of Galway City Council, in collaboration with local community stakeholders, has launched a landmark initiative to identify, map and celebrate the city’s historic urban Gaeltacht areas. ‘An Ghaeltacht’ signs have been installed at the boundaries of eight Gaeltacht townlands within Galway City boundaries – highlighting Irish-speaking regions where the government officially recognises Gaeilge as the primary vernacular language.