Celebrate the One Health Festival 2026 with guided walks, meditation and nature based art in one of Galway's most precious green spaces.

Galway is a vibrant city in which to live, work, visit. The network of parks, woodlands, beaches and open spaces are a reminder of the interdependency of human, animal, and environmental health.

Through a series of events from 20th November to 27th November 2026, ‘One Health for Galway City’ will raise awareness of and enhance the understanding of One Health locally.

What is One Health? One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the deep interconnection between the health of people, animals, plants, and shared ecosystems.

Friends of Merlin Woods promotes the positive use of Merlin Woods and its connected meadow lands and works towards attaining the highest possible designation for the environmental protection the area deserves.

Healthy Galway City and Galway Sports Partnership will partner with Friends of Merlin Woods to offer a weekend of Nature for Health ‘Bright Days’ and ‘Twilight Sessions’. Nature for Health is a walk and nature programme to engage people in forest activities to enhance their quality of life. Woodland walks are led by walk leaders and local environmental experts and include elements of gentle exercise, art and storytelling, environmental education, and mindfulness.

As we all know, the weather in Ireland in November can be unpredictable, and this event will be held entirely outdoors in nature. Please dress appropriately, with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

This event is funded and supported by Galway City Council, Healthy Ireland and Creative Ireland Creative Communities.

Description supplied by the event organiser.