Welcome back to this week's Good News. Here in Galway we are saying hello to February. This month arrives with heart shaped promises and a bite in the air that insists it knows something about love that the rest of the year doesn't. February pretends to be about romance, but underneath all the red packaging, it's really about attention. Attention to positivity, to good news and achievements. The days may be short, but winter hasn't released its grip yet. So keep reading for your weekly hit of dopamine....
Café Lates Brews a Better Nighttime Economy
Galway city is one of the nine pilot locations nationwide supporting Ireland's night time economy under the initiative of Café Lates. The plan is simple: promote alcohol-free evening events that breathe life back into the city past 6pm. Back for 2026 and running during April - June and August - December, Café Lates invites café owners in Galway City Centre and Salthill to host Thursday evening events, boosting footfall, revenue and creating a more expressive café culture in Galway. Interested café owners can apply by the 27th of February by contacting:
Eimear Coleman// Galway City Council (Eimear.Coleman@galwaycity.ie)
Kate Howard // Night Time Economy Advisor (Kate.Howard@galwaycity.ie)
Menu Glow Up at Boojum
Calling all Boojum fans. The brand has launched its biggest menu overhaul to date. Introducing eight new signature creations alongside fresh proteins, sides, sauces and flavours all while keeping the classics. One standout from the menu has to be their crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned Mexican Spiced Patatas! A dish that pairs nicely as a side as they do tucked into burritos or bowls or bundled with the fresh and new Snacking Tacos.
Unforgettable Film Báite shot in Connemara gets 4 IFTA Nominations
Captured in Connemara, Báite (2025) is an Irish language murder mystery and family drama that has been playing to win. With Báite landing an impressive four nominations at this year's Irish Film and Television Awards. The film is set in September 1975 and opens on a seemingly ordinary day for pub owner Peggy Casey until a lifeless body is revealed in a nearby lake. The unforgettable film has enjoyed bucketloads of success after winning Best Irish Language Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh 2025 and the Audience Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival. They are proud to now add four IFTA nominations to their list, including Eleanor O’Brien as Lead Actress in film, Ruán Magan as Best Director in Film, Sheena Lambert for Script Film and Eimear Noone and Craig Stuard Garfinkle for Original Music. The winners will be announced on February 20th at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre so stay tuned folks!
Digital Creative Industries Summit
Galway is in the midst of gearing up to host the EDGE26 Creative Economy Summit this summer with the goal to bring together leaders ranging from film, TV, animation, games, immersive tech, design and music technology. The event will land at Dexcom Stadium on Thursday, May 21st and will be hosted by CREW (Creative Enterprise West). So much excitement is in store for Galway! Award-winning entrepreneur Áine Kerr aims to pin Galway as the creative Capital of Ireland.
The G Hotel & Spa Shines
Galway’s very own g Hotel & Spa has gone and done it again by scooping gold for Ireland's five star Guest Experience at the 36th Gold Medal Hotel Awards. The glitzy awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 26 2026, right here in Galway at The Galmont Hotel and Spa, with Anton Savage hosting the celebrations. Bastien Peyraud, the General Manager of the g Hotel and Spa commented on the achievement, “This recognition reflects not only the efforts of our team, but the efforts of a wider community we’re proud to be a part of”.
