About NUI Galway's Community Engagement
A message from our President: 
"Our University has always been close to community. The west of Ireland is an environment that demands that. We're in the middle of a city; we're in the middle of a very rich environment both culturally and economically and that's something we can all benefit greatly from.
It's a two-way street, the University can give back to community but we get back much, much more in terms of learning from the experience and the engagement."
- NUI Galway President Dr. James J. Browne
Our Dynamic Relationship with Our Community
We value our community partners and neighbours. We contribute to our community - not only the City of Galway, but regionally, nationally and internationally. We engage with many groups:
- Non-governmental Organisations
- Industry
- Small Business
- Schools
- Individuals
- Charities
We're involved with many community activities and the community is active on campus contributing to student learning and campus life.
We make significant contributions to the region culturally, economically, socially, civically and more. Find out just some of the things we do:
Environmental Commitment
Our campus is actively working towards achieving a Green Flag and is striving to integrate sustainable practises into all aspects of campus and community life. Read here to learn more about our Green Campus.
Why not go for a walk or bike along our Riverside Route and enjoy the River Corrib in all its glory.
Meet the campus sustainability team and learn more about sustainability on campus.
Art and Culture Events
We organise many cultural events, which are free and open to the public, such as:
- Lectures
- Concerts
- Exhibitions
There are also many opportunities to visit the Art Gallery and Museums on campus.
Zoology and Marine Biology Museum is housed in the Ryan Institute
Computing and Communications Museum of Ireland
View the Campus Map and Latest Events on Campus
Civic Engagement
NUI Galway is committed to promoting greater civic engagement through the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI). The CKI's aim to educate students to be effective and responsible citizens is realised through two programmes:
- Service Learning - Community organisations host students as part of their academic programme.
- ALIVE - Student volunteers actively engage with community organisations.
Learn more about our Civic Engagement strategy visit the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI).
Widening Access
NUI Galway is fully committed to developing and promoting initiatives which seek to counter disadvantage. Our Access Programme activities are devised to advance the social, economic, educational and cultural needs of the Western region.
Find out more about our Access Programme
The Irish Language Community
The Connemara Gaeltacht is a valuable resource for NUI Galway. We run courses, classes and other events as part of an Irish language preservation programme in both Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain in An Cheathrú Rua and An tIonad Oideachais agus Cultúir in Carna. These are available through academic courses and Irish clubs.
Find out more about our engagement with the Irish Community
Contact Us
To learn more about our community engagement contact:
Lorraine McIlrath
Academic Staff Developer (Service Learning)
T 353 (0)91 495 234
E lorraine.mcilrath@nuigalway.ie
Ann Lyons
Project Manager and Network Co-ordinator for Campus Engage
T 353 (0)91 492 228
E ann.lyons@nuigalway.ie
Lorraine Tansey
Student Volunteer Coordinator
T 353 (0)91 495346
E lorraine.tansey@nuigalway.ie
E studentvolunteering@nuigalway.ie