Galway International Arts Festival has been named as the Best Irish Festival at the 2019 Irish Hospitality Awards.
The annual Irish Hospitality Awards recognise excellence in the hospitality industry across a total of 28 categories, including restaurants and pubs, tourist attractions, and hotels.
The winners are chosen by members of the public.
Commenting on the award, John Crumlish, CEO Galway International Arts Festival said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive this recognition from The Irish Hospitality Awards as Best Irish Festival, and we’re very grateful to all who voted.
“In 2018 over 252,000 people attended over 200 events across 14 days. This award is shared with our wider festival team, all the great artists we work with, our wonderful volunteers and all the sponsors and funders without whom it would not be possible to put our festival on.
“Look forward to seeing everyone in Galway this July.”
A spokesperson for the Irish Hospitality Awards 2019 said: “The hospitality industry has grown significantly over the years and this has introduced new challenges to the professionals who work within the sector.
“The customer expectations have been increased but these winners are the experts in meeting their customers’ needs and demands in the best possible way.
“The awards aimed to thank those who make a huge contribution to enhancing the country’s tourism and reputation, whose work often remains overshadowed.
“We would like to congratulate all winners and finalists for their amazing achievements.”
This year’s Galway International Arts Festival will take place 15-28 July. First programme announcements include Burt Bacharach (Monday 22 July), Villagers and John Grant double bill (Thursday 18 July), The Academic (Saturday 20 July), Two Door Cinema Club (Friday 26 July), ORBITAL (Saturday 27 July) and Bell X1 (Friday 19 July).
