Our Mission Statement

We aim to provide information, support and friendship to people with Down syndrome and their families in Galway City and County, working towards an improved quality of life with respect and acceptance of people with Down syndrome as valued members of their community.

We recognise the importance of early intervention and developing communication ability.

We aim to create opportunities for social and personal inclusion and integration across the age spectrum

Recent Posts

Annual Christmas Carol Singing – Dec 19th

Copper Coin Campaign – Nov, Dec 2015

I never made it by Martin Concannon

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Winter Wonderland Gala night

The next big fundraising event in our calendar is the Winter Wonderland Gala night which takes place on Saturday 9th December in the Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo.

The Lodge at Ashford offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in a fabulous historical setting on the shores of Lough Corrib. It was voted Best Fine Dining Hotel of the Year – 2017 by the Irish Hotel Awards and voted number 2 in the Top Hotels in Ireland by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

The evening kicks off at 7 pm with a lavish mulled wine reception followed by a sumptuous fivecourse dinner created especially by the Lodge’s award-winning chefs. Entertainment on the night is brought by folk singer James Hope, Ian Canavan and special guests.

Those who attend will also get the chance to win some fantastic prizes including a one night’s stay in the Lodge.

Tickets for this unique event are priced at €75 and are available to purchased below

A special B&B rate of €150 per room will be available for ticket holders who wish to stay the night and sample the top-class accommodation on offer (please call theLodge directly on (094) 954 5400 to book).

That gives you the opportunity to enjoy a special package of bed, breakfast, dinner, drinks and entertainment in the luxurious surroundings of the Lodge for only €150 PPS. So this festive season, treat yourself and your loved ones to a fabulous night all for a good cause.

For further information, please contact Aedín on 085-1573115.

Tickets are limited so don’t delay, book today!
Priced at €75 p/p, tickets can be purchased individually, double ticket, tables of 4 or 8

Click on link to purchase your tickets
downsyndromegalway.ie/winter-wonderland-gala-night-dec-9th/
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A HOME FOR DOWN SYNDROME GALWAY...

Below is a breakdown of what exactly is required in our search for a premises.

Requirements for the New building/house/office space/unit
1. Willing to rent/Lease unit
2. Cost vary €5,000 to €12,000
3. Size 1,000 sq foot to 1,500 sq foot approximately
4. Near other amenities.
5. Base group in particular area to run in conjunction with branch committee
6. near public transport
7. Adequate parking and it is easily accessible
8. short and long term plan - we are willing to discuss all options with us

Remember the plan is to hold regular social groups for upto 280 members with Down
Syndrome such as:
• Kids activity clubs, youth club, Summer Camps
• Project/Training Room for Educational and Therapy sessions
• Parent support group and a point of contact for resources
• Option of a pop up shop and coffee dock
As we have about 100 members attending Little owls and Speech therapy it would
be great to have:
• Reception area – suitable for people to just pop in and receive
information.
• Large room for Social gatherings, Meetings, etc.
• 3 rooms suitable for therapies, classes, small gatherings, etc.

Replies back by 1st week Nov to include answers to all of above. Phone Pat Coyne direct on 087/2850812 for any clarification.
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A Home for Down Syndrome Galway!

It has become apparent to us from the feedback from members and their families that in order to develop our branch and to provide what members need it is necessary for us to have facilities to call our own, to have a place to meet up, run activities, therapies and training.

The fact that we have never had a Base to call our own means that all of our planned events are dependent on cost and location suitability.

So DS Galway Committee have agreed to start the process of finding a suitable location and give Down Syndrome Galway the premises it needs to grow and expand to benefit our family members.

Having our own Base to work from offers all our members and their families so many opportunities to hold regular social groups such as:
Kids activity clubs, youth club, Summer Camps
Project/Training Room for Educational and Therapy sessions
Parent support group and a point of contact for resources
Option of a pop up shop and coffee dock
We could finally avail of the many offers that we get from Dance, Art, Drama, Sport, and Music teachers volunteering their time to hold classes.

The Possibilities really are endless and This is where we need your help. Do you or anyone you know have any knowledge or contacts that would help us in our search for a suitable building? We are considering all options of Buildings and locations.

Requirements for the New building/house/office space/unit:
Reception area – suitable for people to just pop in and receive information.
Large room for Social gatherings, Meetings, etc.
3 rooms suitable for therapies, classes, small gatherings, etc.
Parking is essential and suitable accessibility for all.

Location:
As we cover a vast area we understand that it is impossible to find 1 location to suit all but we are happy to consider 1 large location and perhaps a smaller hub in a convenient location that would serve to support when necessary.
Places with accessibility to public transport and within a 10 - 15 mile radius of Galway would be ideal.

Replies to galwaydsi@gmail.com or if you would like to discuss it further with Pat Coyne, Chairperson at 087 2850812.

This is a great opportunity for everyone and one that is necessary for the future of our Branch. So please contact us if there is anywhere or anyone that you think would be suitable to discuss it with us.

Kind regards
Down Syndrome Ireland Galway Branch
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Congrats and well done to all who participated in Bike-2-Bofin on Saturday. All arrived safely in Cleggan and Bofin for a well earned nights of fun. Big thanks to all involved in making it our 5th successful one. 🚴‍♂️ 🚵‍♂️ 🚴‍♀️ ... See MoreSee Less

All home safe! Great pics from Bike 2 Bofin today. Thanks to all cyclists, volunteers and supporters

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Voices for Down Syndrome Galway
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