Tuam's Twin Town - Straubing

In the mid 1980’s a study done by the Tuam historian Dr. Tony Claffey suggested a twinning with the Bavarian town of Straubing. The main reasons were; common heritage, religious and cultural connections from the early days of Irish Missionaries in Bavaria, common traits in character, etc.

By 1987 most of Tuam’s Secondary Schools had introduced German as a subject. Consequently both towns were interested in a pupil exchange programme. These exchanges have continued every year since 1989. Furthermore, an increasing awareness of Germany as Ireland’s second most important trading partner led to the establishment of a Twinning Committee within the Tuam Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Other successful relationships include;

• In 1991 Tuam Town Commissioners and Straubing City Council signed and ratified a formal partnership between the two towns.

• Theatre and Music groups from both towns have visited each other.

• Tuam has a stand at the Ostbayernschau - Gaubodenfest (East Bavarian Show of Gaubodenland Festival), each year.

• Students from Tuam went to Straubing for the last 4 summers for holiday jobs while an increasing number of visitors from Straubing come to Tuam for holidays on private arrangements.

• A street in Straubing has been named after Tuam