Moycullen and Spiddal lead Galway West turnout figures

Moycullen has topped Galway West turnout figures as polls closed in the bye-election to fill the seat vacated by Catherine Connolly following her election as President last October.

Published 22nd May 2026, 23:19 BST Michelle Bermingham and her dog Chalky greet President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabine Higgins at the polling centre in Westside. | Joe O'Shaughnessy Moycullen has topped Galway West turnout figures as polls closed in the bye-election to fill the seat vacated by Catherine Connolly following her election as President last October. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Moycullen finished the day with the highest turnout, recording 59% participation by the close of polls at 10pm.

A total of 2,155 ballots were cast in Moycullen, which had led turnout figures throughout the day.Spiddal recorded the second-highest turnout in the constituency at 50%, followed by Salthill on 49%.

Oranmore and Bushypark both finished on 47%, while Knocknacarra and Carraroe each recorded turnout of 46%.

Claregalway reached 43% by the close of voting, with Tirellan recording 42% and Doughiska standing at 41%.

READ NEXT: Which one of these Galway West Bye-Election candidates will replace Catherine Connolly in Dáil Éireann?

Ballybane and Westside both recorded turnout of 40%, while the Aran Islands polling station in Cill Rónáin finished on 39%.

Renmore recorded the lowest turnout among the reported areas at 36%.

The bye-election carries added historical significance as Galway West has now produced two Presidents of Ireland in succession.

Both President Higgins and President Connolly previously served as Mayors of Galway City before going on to represent Galway West nationally and ultimately becoming Heads of State.

The election count will start at 9am on Saturday, May 23, in Salthill and a total of 196 ballot boxes will be brought to the count centre at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club tonight and early tomorrow morning.

Related topics: Moycullen Turnout Galway West Aran Islands Election Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.