Galway City and Salthill are celebrating a double triumph, both proudly achieving Purple Flag accreditation for 2025, recognising their commitment to fostering a vibrant, secure, and dynamic evening and night-time economy.
Galway joins over 80 Purple Flag destinations worldwide, including renowned tourist hotspots and charming market towns across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand, and Australia. For nearly 15 years, the Purple Flag has represented the gold standard in the management of evening and night-time economies. This marks the second time Salthill has earned this distinction while Galway City has successfully retained its Purple Flag status since 2015.
Similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag serves as a symbol of excellence, aiming to elevate the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centers between 5pm and 5am. It highlights the rich tapestry of entertainment, dining, and culture that Salthill and Galway City offer, all while prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents and visitors enjoying the Night-Time Economy (NTE).
"This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives in Galway," said Cllr Peter Keane, Mayor of the City of Galway. "It's the result of a strong partnership between businesses, An Garda Síochána, Galway City Council, and other stakeholders. We are dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone, from our youngest residents to our most seasoned visitors, and this award underscores our commitment to the continued growth and success of Galway's night-time economy."
The Purple Flag judging panel highlighted several key successes in both locations:
Salthill - The panel commended the development and review of CCTV provisions, the excellent availability of public toilets along the promenade, and the significant engagement of businesses with the local community to enhance the overall atmosphere of the NTE.
Galway City - The panel recognised the success of initiatives like Youth Lates and Café Lates, as well as the very strong partnership fostered by the NTE Stakeholder Advisory Forum. The appointment of Galway City Council's first Night Time Economy Advisor was also noted as a significant demonstration of commitment to the Purple Flag areas and those operating within the NTE.
Visitors and residents looking for information on events and activities in Galway by night can explore the dedicated Galway by Night Homepage on This is Galway's website.
Galway City's Night-Time Economy is supported by Galway City Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Cover photo by Andrew Downes Xposure.
Pictured Row 1 (L-R): Cllr Niall McNeilis; Community Garda, Joseph Quinn; Simon Price, Electric Galway; Superintendent Paudie O’ Shea; Kate Howard, Galway City Council, Night-Time Economy Advisor; Brian Barrett, Galway City Council, Head of Economic Development and Culture. Row 2 (L–R): Louise Osborne, Galway City Council, Festival and Events Officer; Lisa Regan, Galway Westend Traders; Mayor of Galway City Cllr Peter Keane; Sharon Griffen, Chairperson of Galway City Comhairle na nÓg; Nilyfur Seitbekirova, Youth Work Ireland Galway; Karen Healy, Galway Westend Traders; David Greally, Galway Business Watch.
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