Hi Connacht

18/06/2026

THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM will receive its World Premiere at the 2026 Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday 11th July at 8:20pm at the Town Hall Theatre Galway, with some of the cast and creatives in attendance.

Directed by Frank Berry and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film is based on The New York Times article ‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ by Dan Barry.

Advance tickets are now sold out. More tickets will be released on Tuesday, 23rd June at 6pm when the full programme for the 38th Galway Film Fleadh is released.

18/06/2026

Very cool "Then and Now' from Sally Longs bar in Galway.

18/06/2026

Well done lads 👏 👏 👏 🏉

Congrats to the Connacht men selected in the Irish Rugby squad for the upcoming Nations Championship ☘️🇮🇪

Photo credit: Connacht Rugby

18/06/2026

🎭 More Than 60 Events, 10 Days of Creativity – Boyle Arts Festival Returns This July!

From live music and theatre to visual arts, family fun and community events, Boyle Arts Festival 2026 is set to transform the town once again. Running from July 16th to 25th, the festival promises something for all ages as one of Ireland's longest-running and most respected arts celebrations returns.

📅 See what's in store and start planning your festival experience.

Article Below. 👇

🎨🎭🎶

Boyle Arts Festival 2026 takes place from July 16 to 25 with visual arts, music, workshops, exhibitions, family events and more than 60 events

18/06/2026

💜 Galway's Generosity on Show as Charity Ball Raises More Than €22,000

The Galway community has once again demonstrated its incredible generosity, with this year's Cathaoirleach's Ball raising €22,364 for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland.

Article below. 👇

💜👏

Galway's Cathaoirleach's Ball has raised €22,364 for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland, with strong support from the local community and businesses.

18/06/2026

📢 Positive News for Roscommon and Lough Key Forest Park

Plans to expand the range of activities and visitor facilities at Lough Key Forest Park have been approved, marking another significant step forward for one of Roscommon's most popular attractions.

The project is expected to boost tourism, support local businesses and create new opportunities for economic growth across north Roscommon.

With funding already secured and planning approval now in place, the development moves a step closer to becoming a reality.

🌳 Supporting tourism
💼 Creating opportunities
📍 Investing in Roscommon's future

🌲🍀

18/06/2026

💍 **Three Rings I Will Never Forget – Lydia Clayton**

Every piece of jewellery tells a story, but some stay with you forever.

In this week's column, goldsmith Lydia Clayton reflects on three bespoke engagement rings that challenged her creativity, carried family history across generations and reminded her why handcrafted jewellery is so special.

✨ Family legacy
✨ Exceptional craftsmanship
✨ Personal stories captured in precious metal

Read Lydia's latest column now on Hi Connacht.

💍

Goldsmith Lydia Clayton shares the stories behind three memorable bespoke engagement rings, each crafted with family history, personal meaning and exceptional attention to detail.

18/06/2026

🎶 Out Tomorrow: Eva Reilly McIntyre Releases Debut Single "Only Our Rivers Run Free" 🎶

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of speaking with rising Irish folk singer Eva Reilly McIntyre about her musical journey and her hopes for the future.

Tomorrow marks a major milestone as her debut single, "Only Our Rivers Run Free", is released on streaming platforms.

Written by Mickey MacConnel.

We wish Eva every success with the release and look forward to following her musical journey in the years ahead.

🎧 Available on all major streaming platforms from tomorrow.

🎶🍀

18/06/2026

🎶⚓ The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival gets underway tomorrow in Rosses Point!

The popular three-day festival returns from June 19th to 21st, bringing sea songs, maritime heritage, live music and family-friendly entertainment to one of Sligo's most scenic coastal locations.

Performers and visitors from across Ireland and beyond are expected to take part in what has become one of the West Coast's best-known maritime music festivals.

📍 Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
📅 June 19th - 21st

Will you be heading along this weekend? 🎵🌊

⚓🎶🌊

The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival returns to Rosses Point from June 19th to 21st, 2026, featuring sea shanty groups, family activities....

18/06/2026

Thanks to Alan Dillon TD for the update. Terrific news. 👏

A major day for Castlebar and Mayo as €1.6 million has now been secured for Phase 2 of the Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex.

This investment will deliver:

🏔️ Competition-Standard Climbing Wall
💪 New Gym & Fitness Spaces
🎓 Outdoor Pursuits Academy
📚 Classrooms & Training Spaces
☕ Café
👀 Public Viewing Gallery
🚿 Modern Changing Facilities

🅿️ With the new car park already underway, funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

This is a significant boost for local sports infrastructure and another step in developing Lough Lannagh as a leading outdoor and recreation hub for the West.

I also want to acknowledge the work of my colleagues Councillors Ger Deere, Cyril Burke, Donna Sheridan, for their continued support in progressing this project for the community, Mayo County Council, ATU, and Minister Patrick O’Donovan and his Sports Capital Team.

Ger Deere - Mayo County Councillor Castlebar Municipal - Fine Gael Cllr Donna Sheridan DNG Cyril Burke

Thanks to Alan Dillon TD for the update. Terrific news.