Galway prepares for Royal visit

The Galway element of the Royal visit to Ireland next week is proving a headache for security officials as they grapple with the city’s unique mix of medieval streets, waterways and congestion.

In an itinerary that has surprised international observers but will mirror President D Higgins’ former stomping grounds, Galway city and county is front of centre during the four day trip by Prince Charles and his wife which begins next Tuesday.

While parts of the visit are still under wraps due to security concerns, it emerged late last week unofficially that the Claddagh School deep in the heart of the old fishing village had been chosen for a tour by British Embassy staff for the Duchess of Cornwall, who is the patron of a number of children’s charities.

The couple’s first engagement when they get to Galway will be at NUI Galway for a reception “celebrating Galway’s and the University’s links with Britain”. The reception will feature Irish crafts, music and dance at what was once one of three Queen’s Universities in Ireland.

The Prince of Wales will then head for the Marine Institute in Oranmore where he will get to indulge his love of the environment and meet with national marine scientists. That will be followed by a visit to the Burren in Co Clare.

After the Claddagh visit, the Duchess will attend a short performance at the Druid Theatre to mark its 40th anniversary followed by a reception for supporters.

Later that evening Prince Charles and the Duchess will attend a private dinner with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Lough Cutra Castle in Gort.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.