Galway buzzed as students crowded into pubs for Donegal Tuesday during RAG week, with Gardaí ensuring safety.
Students went out in force Tuesday afternoon, streaming into Galway’s pubs and bars. An Pucan’s pub garden was full of students, all wearing green and gold. The pub shared a video on social media showing crowds enjoying the student event.
Gardaí shared their RAG week safety plan, aiming to ensure students stay safe this week. The Gardaí prepared a policing plan for the Raise and Give (RAG) Week event, running from Sunday, February 9, to Friday, February 14, 2025.
Community Gardaí contacted universities, student unions, residents, pub owners, and the city council. They spoke with many groups, aiming to ensure a safe time for everyone.
The student union picked two charities for the 2025 RAG week: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership. They have many events planned, including a firewalk, a head shave, and a charity auction. There’s also a fun run, a Galentine’s Day brunch, a tournament, and even charity shops for clothes and books.
Inspector Darragh Browne spoke about Galway’s nightlife, saying everyone should help keep it great. Gardaí will visit licensed premises often this week, with extra patrols planned from Community, Drug, and Roads Policing units.
They will enforce all laws, including local rules, and will not tolerate antisocial behavior. Show respect to those around you; don’t let bad behavior ruin anyone’s fun.
Remember to be mindful when socializing and respect residents near college areas. If things get heated, use your brain. Don’t use your fists, okay? Assaults hurt many lives, and a conviction could ruin your future.
Inspector Browne advised planning for safety by thinking about how to get to and from places. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Be streetwise to protect yourself from the night.
The official RAG Week stopped in 2011 due to alcohol-related incidents. It came back in 2024 and was reportedly a big success, raising money and offering great vibes all around.
The 2025 RAG Week is a large program hosted by the student union. It hopes to be even better than the 2024 event.