Golden Jubilee

Information about our Golden Jubilee celebrations

A new era in third level education in the west of Ireland began on Monday 18 September 1972, when the first cohort of students commenced their studies at Regional Technological College (RTC), Galway.

From the mid-1980s onwards, RTC Galway expanded its presence in the region, by offering courses in Mountbellew, Letterfrack, Castlebar, and Cluain Mhuire. In January 1998, the name of the college was changed to Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT).

On 1 April 2022, GMIT amalgamated with Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) and Institute of Technology, Sligo (ITS) to become Atlantic Technological University (ATU). As we reimagine our future as part of ATU, we are also conscious of our heritage.

To mark the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the foundation of RTC Galway, we will be running a programme of events throughout 2022–2023 to remember and reflect upon fifty years of technological higher education in the west of Ireland.

Our Golden Jubilee 1972–2022 Commemoration Committee & Sub-committees look forward to welcoming one and all as we celebrate fifty years and counting.

Further Information

Dr Mark McCarthy
Senior Lecturer & Programme Chair in Heritage Studies
Chair of the Golden Jubilee 1972–2022 Commemoration Committee
Tel: +353 (0)91 742411
Email: Mark.McCarthy@atu.ie