Latest Activities

On May 22nd, the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway brought their Chinese Culture in Schools program to SCOIL BHRÍDE SHANTALLA Primary School. This event, which focused on traditional Chinese ink-blowing art, captivated the participation of the 2nd class students.

Institute teacher Yuanyuan Tang introduced the students to the basic concepts of Chinese painting, the tools and materials required, and the differences between Chinese and Western painting. Her presentation included an interactive quiz, encouraging enthusiastic participation from students of all grades. Through the introduction to Chinese painting, the students understood the unique aesthetic perspectives and the pursuit of artistic conception in Chinese art.

Given that ink-blowing art involves dot painting similar to that on blue and white porcelain, Yuanyuan Tang demonstrated the process of creating Chinese blue and white porcelain, its use in China, and its cultural significance. The teachers and students were amazed by the intricate designs and the blue-and-white colour scheme of the porcelain. Following this, she demonstrated the ink-blowing art process and organized the students into groups to create their ink-blowing paintings.

During the ink-blowing painting activity, the institute's teachers and volunteers chose the motifs of "plum blossoms" and "persimmons," introducing the students to the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms and the auspicious wishes represented by persimmons. The students used ink and colours to create unique depictions of plum blossoms and persimmons, immersing themselves in the distinctive charm of Chinese painting. 

Warmly received by the teachers and students of Scoil Bhríde Shantalla. The students showed enthusiasm and interest in the painting activity. After completing their artwork, many students asked the teachers how to write their names in Chinese characters and expressed their fondness for Chinese culture.

Confucius Institute at University of Galway Shines with Chinese Culture at Ireland's St. Patrick's Day Celebration 2024

Once again, the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway shone brightly as it joined local Irish communities in celebrating St. Patrick's Day. This annual grand celebration unfolded across the streets of Galway on March 17th. The team organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway participated in the festivities, captivating widespread attention, and admiration with its showcase of projects rich in Chinese characteristics and performances integrating ethnic traditions. This celebration saw record-breaking participation with over 2,700 individuals from 65 groups. 

The team from the Confucius Institute at University of Galway that participated in the St. Patrick's Day parade comprised nearly 50 Chinese international students and local Chinese residents. Which was significantly larger in scale than in previous years. The procession prominently displayed vibrant Chinese elements such as dragon dances, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese ethnic costumes, while also delighting local children with adorable panda mascots. The Confucius Institute team also distributed vouchers for institute courses and activities to parade participants, allowing more people to learn about and experience Chinese culture. 

Attendees expressed their deepened understanding of Chinese culture and the exchange and integration of cultures between China and Ireland through the splendid performances and interactive experiences provided by the Confucius Institute team. This St. Patrick's Day event not only brought joy and surprises to local residents but also provided new opportunities for the promotion of the Confucius Institute at Galway University in the local community. 

The Confucius Institute at Galway University will continue to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Ireland, tirelessly striving to strengthen friendship and understanding between the peoples of both countries. 

The 2024 Chinese New Year Gala and the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Confucius Institute

On February 23rd, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon and mark the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine at Galway University, a grand New Year Gala and fifth-anniversary celebration event was held at Galway University, hosted by the Confucius Institute. The event was supported by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, the Galway City Council, and The University of Galway. The theme of the event was "Dragon Soaring Across the Seas, One Family," bringing together over two hundred Chinese nationals, overseas Chinese, local residents, as well as representatives from the Confucius Institutes at the University of Dublin and University College Cork.

Speeches were delivered by Donal Lyons, Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Yang Tong, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, Becky Whay, Vice President of Galway University, and Timothy O’Brien, the Irish Director of the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Regenerative Medicine at Galway University. They praised the achievements of the Confucius Institute over the past five years and expressed expectations for future endeavours.

The celebration began with a vibrant promotional video that highlighted the accomplishments of the Confucius Institute in the past five years, including achievements in Chinese language teaching, the dissemination of Chinese culture, and clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine. Through collaboration with the university, the Confucius Institute has set a benchmark for the spread of traditional Chinese medicine in Ireland. Positive development goals and expectations for the next five years were outlined, expressing confidence in the continuous growth of the Confucius Institute and emphasizing its crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine between China and Ireland.

The cultural and artistic part of the evening centred around the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. The performance opened with the Chinese song "Jasmine" by the Galway City Indoor Choir, followed by diverse presentations from Galway University faculty, students, international students, and local Chinese residents, featuring magic, songs, and dances that showcased cultural diversity. The Tai Chi performance by the Confucius Institute demonstrated the concept of balance, harmony, and internal-external cultivation in Chinese culture, providing the audience with a visually soothing experience. Highlighted by the enchanting melodies of traditional Chinese and Western instruments such as violin, guzheng, erhu, and hulusi, the musical performance added a special touch to the evening.

A lively lottery drew enthusiastic participation from the audience, and the abundance of prizes filled the entire event with laughter and surprises. To create a festive atmosphere, the Confucius Institute thoughtfully prepared red envelopes for the audience. The dragon dance performance before the show added a strong Chinese New Year flavour to the entire event.

Through this New Year celebration, the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine at Galway University not only provided a rich and colourful cultural feast to celebrate its fifth anniversary but also opened up a promising prospect for future development in Galway and Ireland. The event successfully integrated celebration activities with cultural promotion, deepening cultural exchanges between China and Ireland, and laying a solid foundation for the in-depth development of Chinese language education and cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine in Ireland.

The Final of the 3rd Chinese-Bridge Show Competition for Foreign Primary School Children in Ireland & the 1st Chinese Competition of ALL Irish Primary School Children

Celebrating the Spring Festival for the Chinese New Year at the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway

The garden party for the spring festival was ceremoniously hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway. Together with faculty members, students, local Chinese people, and a diverse range of people from all different countries all came together to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival.  It was held on the beautiful grounds of the University on New Year's Eve. Which in China is the 21st of January – the Chinese New Year’s Eve. The incoming Chinese director of the Confucius Institute Mr Ren Li was the host and organiser. He and the Irish director of the Confucius Institute Dr Timothy O'Brien gave a warm and welcoming speech. Dr O’Brien said that he hoped more Irish people would take the time to get to know the culture of China Like learning the Chinese language or understanding the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine and benefits of Tai Chi.

Throughout the celebrations, the Chinese culture was showcased through different types of performances, which were carefully organised by the CI team. There was a musical performance called Sing in the evening in the fishing boat, the famous Chinese song was played on a traditional musical instrument a Chinese zither. There was a traditional Chinese tea ceremony which was one of the highlights of the day. 

There was a showcase of activities on the site, such as paper-cutting, knitting Chinese knots, making flower lanterns, wearing Chinese clothes, guessing lantern riddles, experiencing Traditional Chinese Medicine and tasting Chinese food. It was a great family day of fun.  

This was the first spring festival experience party held in Galway and it will not be the last.  The Confucius Institute is hoping this event will further help establish roots here in Galway. With the hope to continue to educate the local people here in the University and beyond so that the people of Galway can learn more about the culture of China. 

2022 "Chinese Bridge"- Chinese Proficiency Contest of Irish National School Students

Organised by the Confucius Institute NUI Galway, the Chinese Bridge Competition was held for primary school students for the first time in Ireland. We received a total of 14 videos by the deadline, June 19th, from individuals and groups of primary school students from around Ireland including, Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Their work were rich and colourful which fully demonstrated their competence and talents in aspects such as Chinese poem recitation, Chinese songs, dances, calligraphy, and the introduction of the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, etc.

The work received was full of children's characteristics and interests, showing each contestant's knowledge of Chinese language, as well as their love and passion for Chinese culture.

After the judges comments, the results were announced on June 29th. In the end, an award for first, second, third and most popular would be awarded to successful students.

Details as follows - 

First award: Ella Gorman, 11years, 5the class, Irish girl from Dublin, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain.

Second award:
(1) Livia Matul, 7years, senior infant, Polish girl  from Dublin, St. Andrew's College
(2)Ethan Cullinan, 12years, Irish boy from Galway, 6the class, Scoil Íde.

Third award:
(1) 2 students group
Hana Rosie Nasri, 9 years, 3rd class, Irish girl from Galway, Scoil Éinne.
Mary Rose Cullina, 9 years, 2nd class, Irish girl from Galway, Scoil Íde.
(2) 2 students group
Isabel Cecilia, 9 years, 3rd class, Australian, Inisheer NS school.
Josef David, 8 years, 2nd class, Australian, Inisheer NS school.

Most popular award:  A group of 23 students from Cork, 4th class, Christian Brothers College Preparatory School.


Contestants Ella Gorman and Livia Matul will represent Irish primary school students in the semi-finals and finals of the Global Chinese Bridge. The Chinese Bridge activity has built a bridge of cultural communication between Chinese and Irish children. Congratulations to the contestants for their fantastic work and we look forward to more of their exciting performances in the future!

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