Discover Galway
Galway has always been a hub for everything craic and culture. The City of the Tribes has events happening all throughout the year but it is during the summer months we are just spoiled for choice. Below is a taste of what's on offer in Galway city - so if you're in the mood for an adventure, if you want to experience something different or even if you just want to distract the kids for a few hours - there's nearly always something on.
Simply click on the title of the event below to find out more information...
April:
1. Cúirt International Festival Of Literature
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The 2024 festival will run from 23 – 28 April, 2024 and feature an eclectic and exciting range of Irish and international writers in Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings and much, much more.
May:
The Bealtaine Festival 2024 will see hundreds of events for, by and featuring older people all across Ireland, offering theatre, visual arts, music and more. This year’s theme is “Lust for Life” by writer Liz McManus. The Bealtaine Festival is Ireland’s unique nationwide celebration of creativity as we age and is an initiative of Age & Opportunity.
The Galway Food Festival returns as part of the ‘Blas Na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway’ network of food organisations that recognise the distinctive hospitality that Galway provides all year long, with special events planned for the month of May.
Galway Theatre Festival features 9 days of exciting theatre, circus, spectacle, and storytelling, showcasing the vibrant performance culture of Ireland’s festival city.
Galway Bike Week is expected to take place from the 11th – 19 May 2024 as part of National Bike Week, with cycling events all over Galway county, organised by local authorities, community groups, charities and cycling groups.
5. An Tóstal Salthill Festival
If you’re searching for something to do in early May, why not take up a spot by the sea to witness the amazing sight of dozens of racing currachs as they take to the water for the An Tóstal Salthill Festival.
6. Galway Early Music Festival
The Galway Early Music Festival celebrates its 28th birthday in 2024 with old world music and arts and features concerts, workshops, street performances of music, dance and historical re-enactment.
7. Tour de Conamara Cycling Sportive
Tour de Conamara is the Irish leg of a new international cycling sportive held in Clifden Connemara, with the option of 140km and 80km routes. A 14km Family cycle with free cycling tuition for kids will be hosted during the weekend making it a cycling weekend with something for everyone
Celebrating it’s 135th year the Athenry Agricultural Show is one of Ireland’s longest running agricultural community events. With many exhibitor classes to choose from and a great showjumping and equestrian program of events, there will be something for everyone on the day.
June:
1. Headfest
Headfest is a family friendly festival. The Headford annual community festival takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend from from Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June 2024. A temporary arena is expected to be based in the Moyne Villa F.C sportsgrounds for the duration of the festival.
2. Salthill Fives National Soccer Tournament
Salthill Devon’s popular five-a-side festival is expected to return this June Bank Holiday (June 1st and 2nd 2024) in Salthill Park. Expect to see a great mix of Galway natives, visitors and friends gather to enjoy this great footballing festival in the scenic location of Salthill Park, overlooking Galway Bay.
3. Lasta National Arts Festival
Galway, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, is gearing up to host the third Lasta National Arts Festival from June 1 to 12. The Town Hall Theatre, among seven venues nationwide, eagerly anticipates a showcase programmed by and for young people.
After a successful inaugural festival last year, the 3rd Galway Folk Festival, will take place from 5 to 9 June, 2024 over four stages in Monroe’s Tavern and at Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill, Galway, with some of the biggest names in current Irish folk music involved.
The Medieval Summer Fête at St. Nicholas’ Church is expected to return on Saturday June 8 2024 (to be confirmed). Running from 10:30am-2:30pm, you are invited to join the organisers for Medieval Music and Dance, Medieval craft and re-enactments of Sword Fighting and much more.
6. Claregalway Agricultural Show
The Claregalway Agricultural Show features classes for horses/ponies, cattle, sheep and dogs in the outdoor arena. There are indoor arts, crafts, home baking, horticulture, photography and flower arranging classes too. There will be live music and novelty events such as the donkey derby, best dressed lady, glamorous granny competitions.
Get ready for an incredible weekend filled with live music, dancing, and unforgettable performances at the Clifden Showgrounds in 2024. Expect a lineup that will leave you thrilled and wanting more. So mark your calendars and bring your friends along for an unforgettable experience!
Bia Lover is a food festival will provide an exhibition in Athenry for quality food and drink suppliers based primarily in the west of Ireland. Parallel events include cookery demonstrations, food talks, a producers market on Saturday & Sunday in the park and partnership food and drink trails with local pubs, restaurants and farms from Friday.
9. Corrundulla Agricultural Show
Join us at the Corrandulla Agricultural Show, a delightful family fun day out where there’s something for everyone. Prepare to be captivated by an array of exciting events and activities.
10. Féile na mBád
Regatta in Kilkieran, Co. Galway displaying unique Irish boats, such as currachs and Galway Hookers including the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád and Púcán classes of boat traditionally used throughout Galway Bay, along the coast of Connemara and North Clare.
July:
Cong Food Village Festival showcases the wonderful produce of the West in a fun and educational way. Cong is passionate about food and are delighted to be able to share this passion with you. The program is packed with great events across the two days which will include the festival marquee, storytelling, while there will also be talks on nutrition, foraging, food awareness and healthy eating advice, alongside beer tasting, street food and cooking demos.
2. Traidphicnic
Traidphicnic is the uniquely Irish community-based festival of music, art and inclusion in the beautiful Conamara village of An Spidéal. Cancelled in 2023 so please check closer to the time to confirm the 2024 event will proceed.
The 13th annual Galway Garden Festival will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2024 in the wonderful surrounds of Claregalway Castle and it promises to be a very special weekend. Everyone may enjoy this distinctive and endearing event.
4. Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show
The 17th Annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show takes place in mid-July, 2024, at the Showground. The main event, the Connemara Pony Show, consists of 20 in-hand classes showcasing all ages and varieties of Connemara Pony. A Dog Show and Sheep Show are also included in the day’s events. A great day out is assured for competitors and spectators alike. The deadline for entry is late June.
A film festival for feature films and shorts, The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film festival, is a six-day international event, held every July and welcomes a diversity of films from around the world.
6. Westside Community Arts Festival
Westside Arts Festival is an annual celebration of creativity in the community. It is held every July and brings together artistic talents from all over the world. Come along and take part in the events, storytelling and artistic workshops. A wonderful event for young children.
Every year on July 16th, the Féile Mhic Dara (Macdara Festival) is held at Carna, Galway, on Ireland’s west coast, in the Gaeltacht. On the day, pilgrimages to the island’s church for Mass and celebration have a long tradition, with local fisherman donating their time and boats to ferry people out to the deserted Oileán Mhic Dara – or St. Mac Dara’s Island from Mace pier in the morning and back in the afternoon.
Others travel in their own currachs, or canoe boats. Following the service, everyone spends some time on the island, with celebration picnics taking place if the weather permits, before the Galway Hookers’ Féile Mhic Dara regatta.
Aughrim is delighted to host a family fun day in Aughrim Village on Sunday 14th of July from 11:30am. The following will take place on the day: Battlefield Bus Tours,Open Air Market Stalls, Food and Music, Kids Activities in the park such as Face Painting, Hair Braiding, Yoga, Kids Games, a Baby Soft Play area, a Sensory Area & Hamper Raffle. All are welcome.
9. Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway International Arts Festival is one of the main highlights of the year and involves events throughout Galway City.
The 47th Galway International Arts Festival will take place for 2 weeks in July and will feature a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events from artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course Ireland and Galway.
10. Galway Fringe Music Festival
The Fringe will be a carnival-style performing arts spectacle, which will encourage community involvement and offer site-specific, outdoor theatre, music, film, and literary pop-up events and displays.The theme of the 2024 has yet to be confirmed, but expect some of the best local artists and community groups to bring unique and inventive drama, poetry, visual art installations, writing, music and dance to the fore in celebration the best of local talent.
Féile na mBád is a regatta in Inishmaan displaying unique Irish boats, such as currachs and Galway Hookers including the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád and Púcán classes of boat traditionally used throughout Galway Bay, along the coast of Connemara and North Clare. Please note: dates may vary due to weather conditions.
12. Galway International Race Festival
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 2024 festival will run from Monday 29 July to Sunday 4th August. Each year sees attendances of over 100,000 at the Galway Races over the week long festival, and the town has a real buzz at night, with hangovers aplenty the following day. It is a joyous, fun-filled seven days where people might leave with a few less euros than they had when they arrived but they also leave with great new experiences, new friends and a time that will never be forgotten.
