The number of homes available to buy in Galway has plummeted this year — at the same time as prices continue to rise for those that do come to the market, a new report reveals.

There were almost one-fifth fewer homes sold in the city and county in the first three months of this year than were sold during the same period last year.

But median house prices were up by 5% in Galway as a whole — with double that increase in the city area.

January to March of 2025 was the slowest first quarter for sales in Galway since the start of the decade, according to the latest Geowox Housing Market Report.

A total of 426 houses were sold during the quarter, down 18% on last year’s first three months of sales (518) and much fewer still than in Q1 2023 (633) and Q1 2020 (559). The report does not include figures for 2021 or 2022, when market activity was slowed by the Covid pandemic.

The vast majority of those sales in Galway in the early months of this year were existing houses — only one-in-ten, or 43 of them, were new houses.

In Galway City, just 88 homes changed hands between January and March, a 25% drop on the number recorded during the same months last year — more than six times the 4% drop in sales nationally.

By comparison, sales of homes in other cities actually rose — by 3% in Dublin, 4% in Cork and 3% in Limerick, with Waterford City sales falling by a much more modest 4%.

Meanwhile, house prices continued to rise — by 5% in Galway as a whole, bringing the median selling price to €330,000, an increase of €15,000 over the year.

But price increases in the city were greater, rising by 10% to a median price of €422,000 … meaning that buyers are paying on average €37,000 more for a home than this time last year.

It continues a trend that has seen median city prices rise by 48% since 2020 — a shocking difference of €137,000 in the space of five years. The picture is not much better in the county as a whole, with prices up €97,000 in the period.

Nationally, median prices rose by 10% in the first three months of this year, with homes having a BER rating of A or B fetching a premium.

Geowox’s Head of data, Marco Giardina, said: “Median prices are steadily rising, while energy-efficient and new homes continue to command hefty premiums.”

Pictured: Marco Giardina, Geowox’s Head of data: “Median prices are steadily rising, while energy-efficient and new homes continue to command hefty premiums.”

Two worthy Galway charities will benefit from a Gala Night hosted by the current Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr. Martina Kinane, in Athenry’s Raheen Woods Hotel on Saturday, June 7.

She has chosen the Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit and Hand in Hand, the Children’s Cancer Charity as the beneficiaries of this year’s Cathaoirleach Charity Ball.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to host this year’s Cathaoirleach Charity Ball which is a great privilege. We have a great night’s entertainment planned and very much look forward to what promises to be a wonderful nigh,” said Cllr. Kinane.

The evening will commence with a drinks reception at 6.30pm followed by a four course meal provided by the Raheen Woods Hotel, with music on the night by Sean Slattery and the Connections.

Oranmore Maree Costal Search Unit is a 100% voluntary organisation. Their vital work includes leading, organising and conducting search, rescue and recovery operations on both land and water.

They also provide pastoral care to the family and friends of casualties, their efforts bring solace and support to countless families, communities and emergency responders.

Hand in Hand – Children’s Cancer Charity is a charity that helps families who are dealing with childhood cancer.

They provide free practical support including household cleaning services, laundry and family meals, as well as emotional support through play therapy and counselling.

Cllr. Kinane said she was very much aware of the valuable work undertaken by her chosen charities.

“I am delighted that all the proceeds from the Cathaoirleach Charity Ball, will help two very deserving charities to continue the valuable work they both undertake in our local communities,” she added.

Tickets are €80 each and are available from the Council’s Corporate Services Office on 091 509316.

Pictured: Cathaoirleach Martina Kinane pictured at the launch of her Cathaoirleach’s Ball in Raheen Woods Hotel with (from left) Caroline O’Connor and Shea Marshall of Hand in Hand; Lester McNamara and Oisin Nevin, Raheen Woods Hotel; Jackie Joyce, and Sean Harte, Betty and Sean Greene and Cillian Morris of the Oranmore Maree Coast Search Unit. Photo: Sean Lydon.

A trio of teenage entrepreneurs will attempt to do their county proud when they represent Galway at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final next Thursday, May 8, in Mullingar.

Katelyn Hyland from Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, and Niamh Ryan and Aoife Cleary from High Cross College in Tuam emerged as winners in the Senior and Intermediate Categories respectively from the LEO Galway Student Enterprise Finals.

Katelyn Hyland from Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew established her business idea, Cúl Cards, to take local honours in the Senior Category.

“Cúl Cards is an interactive, Irish card game which aims to promote the use of Irish in the classroom, at home and in daily life!” she explained.

“There are 24 topics per pack and they are all designed with bright colours and vibrant, fun icons to keep everyone interested.

“On the back of the card there is a list of potential answers/prompts associated with each topic. They come in a box with a 30 second timer, and instructions.

“Cúl Cards are ideal for primary and secondary school students. They help prepare primary school students for spoken examinations and boost their confidence when speaking Irish.

“They are versatile and can be used as a game or even just as flashcards to revise different topics. Cúl cards are especially great in the classroom for engaging lessons and healthy competition among classmates!” she added.

Scents Crafts & Co, established by Niamh Ryan and Aoife Cleary from High Cross College in Tuam, will be representing the county In the Intermediate Category at the national final.

“We create scented items, such as various different types of candles, lip balm & hand cream gift sets,” they explained.

“Our unique selling point is having a small surprise in some of our candles, that reveal themselves as you burn the candle. We came up with this idea to make our candles interactive and distinctive.

“We also offer customisable candles, where you can customise the candle size, the colour and also personalise them.

“Breaking away from the candles topic, we also sell clay bead bracelets which you can customise to your preferred colour. To contact customers for these customisable orders, we use our company’s Instagram DM’s,” they added.

The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Final, taking place in the Mullingar Park Hotel next Thursday, May 8.

The enterprise education initiative is funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country. The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the National Final.

Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie.

Pictured: Katelyn Hyland from Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, overall winner of the LEO Galway Student Enterprise Final with her business, Cúl Card, pictured with Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway and Deputy Mayor of Galway City Cllr Niall McNelis. Katelyn will represent Galway at the National Student Enterprise Finals.

The parish of Barna/Furbo hosted what it called a Fáilte Isteach event last weekend – on the theme of a community stroll down Memory Lane.

The exhibition showcased fascinating photographs and written articles of local historical interest, past school groups and social and sports events.

Divided into a series of themed rooms, each dedicated to a different facet of a vibrant community, each exhibit offered a vivid glimpse into the people, their traditions and historical and social events that shaped our community.

Beyond the displays what was most evident was the atmosphere of togetherness, nostalgic reminiscence and positive wellbeing.

It was a strong reminder that amidst changing times, the bonds of community remain strong.

Events like this don’t happen without the commitment and generosity of spirit of a sharing community – so the organisers would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped to make it an event to remember.

Pictured with some of the exhibits at the “Fáilte Isteach” exhibition in the Barna/Furbo parish last weekend were, from left: Mary Hayden, organiser, Mary Horgan, contributor, Maria Brennan, organiser, and her daughters Jean and Claire Brennan.

Music lovers are in for a rare and unforgettable treat as celebrated singer-songwriter Ultan Conlon brings his soulful voice and evocative songwriting to the atmospheric surroundings of Mount Carmel Chapel, Loughrea for an exclusive concert next week.

Set for Friday week, May 9, this unique event promises an evening of music, stories, and heartfelt connection in one of Ireland’s most intimate and beautiful venues.

Hailing from Loughrea, Ultan Conlon has long been revered for his poetic lyrics, warm melodies, and a voice that effortlessly bridges the gap between folk, Americana, and contemporary Irish storytelling.

Over the course of five acclaimed studio albums, Ultan has carved out a special place in the Irish music landscape, with critics comparing his work to that of Roy Orbison, John Martyn, and Nick Drake.

Conlon’s most recent album, The Starlight Ballroom, recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Grammy Award-winner Sean Watkins, was met with widespread praise both at home and abroad.

Featuring collaborations with legendary musicians and a distinctive blend of Irish roots and American influence, the album cements Ultan’s reputation as a truly world-class talent.

The Mount Carmel Chapel, nestled in the heart of Loughrea, offers a setting like no other. Once home to the Carmelite nuns, the lovingly restored chapel boasts stunning acoustics, ornate detailing, and an intimate atmosphere that allows audiences to experience music in its purest form.

With limited seating, this concert offers fans a rare opportunity to enjoy Ultan Conlon’s music up close in a space that naturally lends itself to deep listening and emotional resonance.

Joining Ultan on the night will be Jimmy Higgins, Alan Kelly and Miceal O’Connor, all of whom are exceptionally talented musicians in their own right.

“It’s always special to return to my hometown and perform in places that are close to my heart,” said Ultan.

“The Mount Carmel Chapel is a truly unique venue, playing such an important part in the history of Loughrea. It’s a very peaceful place, with wonderful acoustics, and I can’t think of a better place to share my songs.

“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the audience in such an intimate space, and to performing with three superb musicians.”

The concert will feature a mix of songs from Conlon’s latest release, beloved tracks from his earlier albums, and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Ultan’s music, this promises to be a spellbinding evening of reflection, storytelling, and soaring melodies.

Tickets are limited and available at www.mountcarmelconcerts.ie

Pictured: Ultan Conlon (second left) with Miceal O’Connor, Alan Kelly and Jimmy Higgins, who will perform at Mount Carmel Chapel.