‘City of Tribes’ mural Mural at Fairgreen

In July 2023, COPE Galway Fairgreen Hostel residents teamed up with local artist, Tracey Moca, to brighten up Fairgreen Hostel’s exterior wall.

The residents came up with the idea of creating a tribute to Galway and worked with Tracey to design and paint it. The mural has transformed the wall facing Fairgreen Road, and borders a main route into the city. Its colourful, welcoming design has garnered a positive response from locals and visitors to Galway.

The residents are hugely proud of their wall, and of their beautiful contribution to the community. Everyone involved with the project spoke of how much they valued the opportunity to work together on something they can all feel proud about. Following its success, the residents and Tracey were spurred on to paint Fairgreen’s back garden walls with two more beautiful murals, which they completed in October.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from Galway City Council and Creative Ireland, and supported by T O’Higgins Hardware Homevalue, who kindly donated paints and materials.

COPE Galway Fairgreen Hostel is a single men’s homeless accommodation that has been supporting the community from its current 26-bed location, since 1998. The service has been in operation since 1983.

It’s isolating being homeless, and this brought us together. It is always great to be a part of something from start to finish. It’d be good to do it again because people have really enjoyed it.”

Fairgreen Hostel Resident

‘I’ve been working with the soundest bunch of people on this mural. I had a great time getting to know them and having the craic. They worked so hard, showcasing their skills and talents. Thanks, lads, for making it so easy – all credit to you on your fantastic work.’

‘The men at Fairgreen Hostel have brought their own individual and unique talents to the table, from coming up with ideas, to using their individual painting skills and techniques.’

‘Over the past few weeks the residents of Fairgreen Hostel have created a wonderful tribute to Galway! Their commitment and engagement with the project has been fantastic. Thanks to the guys for all their kindness, hard work
and generosity on this, and for giving the Galway community such a beautiful gift!’

Tracey Moca, Artist and Project Manager

For 25 years, Fairgreen Hostel has operated from this building, located on the main throughway into Galway’s bus and train station. By enhancing the exterior of Fairgreen we have transformed our building from an anonymous structure into a piece of visual art, which our residents and staff can be proud of.’

‘The project has given clients a real sense of purpose and ownership of their space, and has encouraged some to think about pursuing a career in painting or art. It’s great that a part of the building has now been transformed for the community, by the community and will be a long lasting and positive addition to the area.”

Paudie Cunningham, Team Leader, Fairgreen Hostel