Our festival "officially" begins on Thursday evening, June 7, 2012, at the Radisson Blu Hotel downtown Galway.

As you walk into the hotel, you will be greeted by a 30 foot quilt called Céad Míle Fáilte. This quilt is created by over 1000 quilters who live throughout Ireland and it means 100,000 welcomes!

For one hour, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a champagne reception and meet quilters from all over the world. Our sixteen celebrity teachers will be your special hosts during this reception and the views from the hotel overlook the spectacular River Corrib, which makes this a perfect spot to enjoy your champagne and listen to lively Irish Music.

Everyone will be invited to come into the Grand Ballroom as a special welcome is presented by the director of the festival, Jim West. Special acknowledgments will follow and we will hear a few words from the legendary quilter, Jinny Beyer.

This presentation will be followed by a formal three course dinner, complete with a choice of wines. Following dinner, the talented performers from Trad on the Prom will provide a one-hour Riverdance-type show. Trad on the Prom is Ireland's #1 music, song and dance show. Their performers hold 15 World Titles and the show is
one of the holiday highlights for thousands of visitors each year.

If you would like to attend the Grand Reception, reservations are now open!

The cost of this event is only €125 per person.

To make your reservation and sign up for other events, Register here.

We are also offering a very special VIP reception for only 50 guests, hosted by the festival director, Jim West. This VIP reception will take place in a private room over looking the Corrib River, and includes an open bar for one hour, VIP seating directly in front of the stage for the show. The cost of this reception is €250 per person. Register here for the VIP Reception