Galway Bay fm newsroom - Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, Deputy Mayor Councillor Donal Lyons and Chief Executive of Galway City Council Brendan McGrath will this morning formally welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Galway.
The royal couple are expected to arrive at Tribeton in the city centre around now where they'll receive a full briefing on Galway 2020.
Today's visit to Galway is part of Prince William and Kate Middleton's first official trip to Ireland - there are strict security measures in place and a large Garda presence across the city since the early hours.
The first port of call for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is Tribeton in the city centre around now; they'll be formally welcomed to Galway by Mayor Mike Cubbard, Deputy Mayor Donal Lyons and City CEO Brendan McGrath.
William and Kate will also receive a full briefing about Galway's designation of European Capital of Culture for 2020 and meet with a number of volunteer groups involved with the creative programme including Galway Community Circus, Sea Tamagotchi, Livefood and Hoops.
After the briefing, the royal couple will visit nearby Tigh Cóilí and then conduct a brief walkabout of the city centre and meet with some of the crowds who have gathered to witness their historic trip to Galway.
At around mid-day, William and Kate will make their way to Salthill Knocknacarra GAA club - where they'll be treated to sporting displays from local hurling, camogie and football teams.
Today's historic visit is the last leg of their Irish trip - they've already visited key landmarks in Dublin, Kildare and Meath since they touched down at Dublin Airport on Tuesday.
Many see their visit as coming at a crucial time post Brexit, with the trip described as an opportunity to build a lasting friendship with the Irish people.
