Slán Sábháilte campaign encourages people to be ‘safe and sound’ on nights out  

The ‘Safe and Sound’ Campaign aims to promote positive social behaviour and respect towards the city of Galway while socialising at night. 

Galway City Council has launched this campaign as part of the Night-Time Economy initiative, so visitors and residents of Galway City can enjoy socialising after 6pm, whether it be at sports events, theatres, cafes, pubs or the cinema.  

The campaign urges people to be ‘sound’ towards their surroundings and each other while enjoying the many amenities Galway has to offer.  

‘Safe and Sound’ has four simple messages: ‘Calling your mates for a night out, calling your mates out for bad behaviour’ and ‘Treating your mate to a drink, treating everyone with respect.’  

‘Knowing when it’s your round, knowing when you’ve had enough’ and ‘Heading out with all your mates, coming home with all your mates.’  

These statements highlight the many rituals people like to do on a night out, like inviting your friends, buying them a drink and knowing when it’s your round. 

However, it reflects the importance of having respect for yourself, such as knowing when you’ve had enough to drink.

Also, having respect for your friends, like making sure they come home with you and doing the ‘sound’ thing by being respectful of your surroundings.  

Kate Howard, Night-Time Economy Advisor for Galway City, stated, “This campaign encourages everyone to enjoy our vibrant night-time economy while being mindful of those around them and the wider community.”  

“It aims to set a positive tone for the future of Galway’s nightlife – combining both enjoyment and responsibility.”  

“We are encouraging people to take simple actions to look after each other and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night out…Let’s help make the nightlife a positive experience for all”.  

Derinn Finn, final year social science student at the University of Galway expressed her concerns to Galway Pulse, she said, “As a young girl, who socialises a lot in Galway City especially at night time, safety is so important.”  

Derinn continued by saying, “I think Galway is a safe place, but I think you still have to have your wits about you, it’s so important to mind your drink in case you get spiked.”  

“It’s also crucial that you know how you’re getting home from the night out and that you are never walking home alone.”  

Meanwhile, Danielle Nally a final year student at ATU Galway, described the new campaign as “a great way to connect with young people about the key issues that may take place on a night out.” 

She also stated that, “The ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign will hopefully teach people about choosing the right thing to do while also having fun in a vibrant city that everyone has the right to enjoy.” 

The Safe and Sound campaign was launched on 18 November by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.  

The campaign focuses on the nine Night-Time Economy towns and cities, such as Galway City, Cork City, Dublin City, Drogheda, Sligo town, Buncrana Donegal, Longford town, Kilkenny City and Limerick City. 

For more information you can visit Galway City Council.