Galway is an Irish city renowned for its vibrant culture, and once you visit the city, it’s easy to see why. The buildings are colourful, the people are friendly, and there’s always something to do. There’s an energy to the place different from other parts of Ireland, and what better way to experience any new atmosphere than at a festival? So, without further ado, here’s a list of festivals in Galway!
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway Arts Festival, also known as the Galway Art Festival, is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the year. You’ll enjoy excellent theatre, music, comedy, visual art, and of course, dance. Enjoy a concert at the Heineken Big Top live music venue, or listen in on African literary art. That’s right. The Arts festival features acts from around the world – not just Ireland or Galway. That’s what makes it so special!
Galway Races
Ireland’s biggest and most famous racing festival is held in Galway during the last week of July every year and involves seven days of unrivalled action. The 2023 festival will run from Monday 31 July, to Sunday 6 August. The Galway Races run for an entire week, and the attendance usually exceeds 100,000!
Galway Christmas Market
The Galway Continental Christmas Market received over 350,000 visitors in 2021, and there were more than 50 wooden chalets located in Eyre Square along with the Big Wheel, Carousel, Santa’s Grotto, the German Bier Keller along with numerous other theatrical delights throughout the four-week fair. This year the market will run from the 11th of November until the 22nd of December.
Macnas Halloween Parade Galway
Audiences will be brought on a journey by Macnas conjuring up a magical-realist world brimming with fizzing light, infusing the streets with spices and aromas, wafting and roaming around dense dark corners that rise to meet the transcendental and magical. It promises to be strange, unpredictable and utterly mesmerising.
Galway Comedy Festival
Every October, a week-long comedy festival comes to town. This year the Galway Comedy Festival runs from Tuesday the 25th until Monday the 31st of October. It’s the largest comedy festival in Europe, so it’s well worth a visit!
Trad on the Prom
Experience first-hand the magic performers who have captivated audiences in extraordinary and groundbreaking productions such as ‘Riverdance’, ‘The Chieftains’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’. It’s a truly remarkable experience suitable for all ages and nationalities, so why not give it a try?
Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival
The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is held each year on the last weekend of September at the heart of Galway City. You might be interested to know that it’s the world’s longest-running Oyster Festival and one of the most internationally recognised Irish events worldwide. So why not pop down and see for yourself?
Galway Film Fleadh
Galway Film Fleadh is a week-long international film festival that takes place during July on the western edge of Europe in Galway, Ireland. Founded in 1989 as a platform for Irish filmmakers to exhibit their work to their peers, the central goal of the Galway Film Fleadh remains unchanged: to be a platform for the boldest new films!
Galway Theatre Festival
Galway Theatre Festival draws on the West of Ireland’s unique theatrical heritage, and is dedicated to platforming and developing independent theatre and performance. Galway Theatre Festival features a week of exciting and unique independent theatre, celebrating the vibrant creativity of the City of Tribes!
Galway Garden Festival
A wonderful gathering of Ireland’s best rare and special plant traders, expert speakers, artisan food and crafts producers, as well as a host of musical entertainment and open-air performance, this unique and charming event has something for all.
Galway Folk Festival
Galway Folk Festival is a super celebration that brings some of the finest names in contemporary Irish folk music to the City of the Tribes. There’s a fantastic blend of new and established names alike – a mixture that creates a unique sound well worth experiencing. The festival shines a spotlight on some of the country’s greatest folk talents and is one not to be missed!
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
Cúirt International Festival of Literature brings readers and writers together to tell stories, share new perspectives and celebrate writing in all forms. The movement strives to foster a community of readers interested in the world, creating a space for conversation, debate and reflection.
