Night-time economy advisor Kate Howard shares her vision for Galway City’s night-life

Kate Howard is Galway’s first ever Night-time Economy Advisor. Ms Howard has been tasked with revitalising the city’s nightlife – something that took a big hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a few months in the position, Ms Howard has been hard at work, consulting city leadership and members of the community on how to make Galway’s nightlife more inclusive, safe, and vibrant for all ages, locals and visitors alike.  

Can you tell us what you do as the Night-time Economy Advisor?  

“My role as the night-time economy advisor is to coordinate and facilitate the vision of the night-time economy and the action plan for the night-time economy for Galway City.” 

What is the current nightlife status in Galway? What areas do you believe can be improved?  

“The current status based on the data coming in is that it is neutral.  People want more offerings, more non-alcoholic events, family-friendly events, late night openings for cultural venues, gaming nights, more music, more of everything.” 

Some would say there are more pressing issues in Galway City than nightlife, such as accommodation access. Why do you think it’s important to invest in Galway’s nightlife?  

“Firstly, I understand and acknowledge the accommodation deficit and crisis in Galway and across the country and of course that is paramount and a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed.  However, I also believe that a vibrant night-time economy can play a vital role in Galway’s overall development, in terms of an economic driver but also quality of life and attractiveness. 

Galway is known for its nightlife and if we don’t maintain, develop, and expand it, we’re going to lose people to other places. Our music on the streets is hugely important to our city as well as the music in the bars, I mean this is what Galway is known for.  

When we have European visitors over, they comment on the bustling streets, people are walking around, and the music is pouring out as you pass by. I think it’s really important to our identity.” 

In light of reports of anti-social behaviour in the city centre, do you think Galway’s nightlife has an image problem, such as Student Christmas day and reports of violent assaults?

“It depends on who you speak to, I’m not going to give my opinion on it too much, but we have to understand that the night-time economy means different things to everybody.  

For one person it means a vibrant, thriving, cultural arts and entertainment scene. For others it is an economic booster, revenue, tourism, footfall and all of that. Then for others public safety and community well-being is paramount. It is all of those things, and it has to be this holistic approach.  We have to be mindful of our residents who live here and mindful of our visitors and our students who are actually hugely important to this city. 

We are a town almost, we are a small city so anything that happens can feel impactful in that moment. I do think a level of respect and living in harmony with the residents and the visitors and all of us would be the ideal scenario.” 

What are some communities that have been underserved by Galway’s nightlife, and how do you plan to entice them to participate?  

“I would say families, limited options for family-oriented night-time activities, and I would say older adults who actually have the time and potentially the funds. We don’t want people to feel isolated so I think it’s really important to cater for activities that they would be interested in and might inspire them.  So that is definitely a cohort. 

Youth events are coming up very strongly, we don’t really have a local community space or centre in the city and that can be fixed short to mid-term and something we can take on board. 

I think we also need to cater to those who are not drinking, the non-alcoholic events. We have a strong student population and a lot of them don’t drink as well and this is coming up very strongly.  People are asking for non-alcoholic raves and silent discos.  Basically, what we do with alcohol – but without it.” 

What is your long-term vision for Night-time in Galway?  

“The vision is that everyone feels safe, welcome, and has the opportunity to experience a diverse and fulfilling night-time culture. 

Then a mix of experiences and activities throughout the city for all ages, I would love to see a combination of late-night events with trad, and in the next space you have some electronica and digital but family friendly as well, it’s no different than what happens around Europe, we’re just not doing it very well yet in Ireland.”