This Place is more than just a book—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and spirit of Galway, from East to West. Through stunning imagery and evocative poetry, This Place captures the essence of Galway’s landscape, nature, and relaxed energy, offering readers a visual and poetic journey through this enchanting county.

The project aimed to celebrate Galway and its people, weaving together Irish and English poetry with carefully selected images to create a rich tapestry of place and community. Led by Ruth Mulhern, the Creative Ireland team member in Galway County Council, the project was driven by a desire to showcase as many aspects of Galway as possible while honoring its cultural heritage.

Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, the project embraced serendipity and adaptability, allowing chance encounters and responsive planning to shape its creative process. The result is a book that not only captures the beauty of Galway but also reflects the resilience and creativity of its people.

The collaboration between poets Erin Fornoff and Máire Holmes, photographer Matthew Thompson, and designer Bob Gray ensured that every aspect of the book, from its look and feel to its content, seamlessly came together to tell the story of Galway. With thoughtful attention to detail, the words and images dance across the pages, offering readers a glimpse into the heart and soul of rural Galway.

This Place is not just a book—it’s a tribute, a celebration, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Galway and its people. As a gift to the community, copies of the book are available free of charge at select locations, ensuring that the beauty and essence of Galway can be cherished and shared by all.