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.
May 2025
The first weekend in May is the Bank Holiday weekend and there are loads of festivals to visit from Fleadh na gCuach in Kinvara, to the Joe Heaney Festival of Traditional Irish Singing in Carna.
Another highlight of the cultural calendar in April is The Inishbofin Community Arts Festival will take place from 2nd to 4th May 2025 on the beautiful island of Inishbofin. Expect a wonderful mix of ceol, dance, visual arts, crafts and heritage displays and workshops, poetry and family friendly things to do.
From 2nd to 10th May 2025, Galway Theatre Festival takes place throughout the city with a vibrant programme of shows of all types performed by local and national practitioners (www.galwaytheatrefestival.com).
Early Music Festival
Also in May, from 23rd to 25th, you can enjoy the Galway Early Music Festival (www.galwayearlymusic.com), which promotes the performance of ancient, medieval, renaissance and baroque music and stages many performances by musicians and dancers.
ŠKODA Tour de Conamara
May 2025 is gearing up to be an exhilarating month for sports enthusiasts in Galway. On May 3, the Inis Iron Meáin road race will weave through the picturesque Inis Meáin of the Aran Islands. From May 10-18, Galway Bike Week will pedal into action, offering a series of cycling events across the county.
Lough Cutra Triathalon
On May 10, the Inishbofin Half-Marathon & 10K will take runners along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Meanwhile, Inishbofin’s Walking Festival (May 16-18) promises a leisurely exploration of Connemara’s best island. Finally, the Tour de Conamara (May 24) and Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival (May 24-25) will showcase the region’s cycling and triathlon prowess. Also for outdoor enthusiasts, the Banff Mountain Festival World Tour 2025 returns to the Town Hall Theatre in late May.
Numerous other sporting events take place during the May, June and July including the key matches of the National GAA Hurling and GAA Football Championships which runs from April until the All-Ireland Final in July. Galway takes on Wexford on May 10-11, followed by a highly anticipated encounter with Antrim on May 17-18. Expect high-octane hurling and fierce competition during these iconic matchups.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
June 2025
The 4th Galway Folk Festival, celebrating contemporary Irish folk music, runs from June 4-8, 2025. Spanning four stages at Monroe’s Tavern and Seapoint Ballroom, the event promises top artists, pop-up gigs, and a vibrant music trail throughout Galway.
The long summer days of June is high season for sports enthusiasts and Galway has some fantastic events in beautiful places all over the county. In Portumna check out Portumna Forest Marathon (7 June 2025) which takes place in stunning ancient woodland in South Galway. Cyclists will love the 110km Croí Lough Corrib Cycle (8 June 2025) TBC.
Gaelforce West
Then there’s Gaelforce West (14 June 2025), the largest one day adventure race of its kind anywhere in the world involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking.
Another June highlight will be The Galway Uke Fest 2025, from June 19-22, which promises a lively celebration of ukulele music across Galway’s Latin Quarter. Featuring top local and international artists, the festival offers workshops, street performances, competitions, and vibrant gigs, creating a unique and joyful musical experience for all ages.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
July 2025
July is an extremely busy month in Galway with three of its most popular festivals taking place. The Galway Film Fleadh, from 8th to 13th July 2025 is a six day international film festival which attracts numerous acclaimed directors, actors, cinematographers and film industry insiders (www.galwayfilmfleadh.com).
GIAF Eyre Square performance
Founded in 1978, the massively popular Galway International Arts Festival (www.giaf.ie) runs from 14-27 July 2025 and showcases an international programme of theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature and comedy.
The Heineken® Big Top for GIAF will feature a scintillating lineup of musical experiences this July. On July 16th, brace yourself for Irish folk Trio Amble. Dec Pierce’s Block Rockin Beats follows on July 18th, promising the world’s biggest dance anthems with a hint of rock’n’roll. The Mary Wallopers Irish Folk group will bring their unique stylings of both well known & rare ballads to the Big Top on 19th July. Picture This will take to the stage of the Heineken® Big Top on 21st and 22nd July 2025, while Scottish post-rock band Mogwai will raise the roof on Thursday 24th July 2025.
The Galway Races (www.galwayraces. corn) was established in 1869 and traditionally begins on the last Monday of July and this year runs from Monday 28 July – 3 August 2025. It has grown over the years to a week long festival and attracts racing lovers, jockeys and trainers from all over the world.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
August 2025
In mid-August, Cruinniú na mBád, meaning the ‘gathering of the boats’, is held in the beautiful village of Kinvara, Co. Galway. Up to 100 unique Irish boats gather for a weekend of racing and sean nos singing, dancing and music (www.cruinniunambad.com).
Galway Pride Festival (www.galwaypride.com) also takes place this month from 4 to 10 August, 2025 (to be confirmed). Running since 1989, the event incorporates a parade, street party, art exhibitions, film screenings and more.
Join 3000 runners on the 9th August 2025 at 7pm for the Streets of Galway 8K Road Race around Galway City and along the Salthill seafront in what is Galway’s most popular athletic event.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
September 2025
Annually on the last week of September, this year from 26th to 28th September, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (www.galwayoysterfestival.com) takes place. Established in 1954, some of the main events are the Irish Oyster Opening Championship and the World Oyster Opening Championship, a beauty pageant, and a Masquerade Gala.
Clifden Arts Festival from 17th to 28th September 2025 is the longest running community arts festival in Ireland. It began as a small schools community event but has evolved into a large community affair with events covering literature, music and visual art (www.clifdenartsfestival.ie).
On September 19th, Galway Culture Night celebrates its 20th year, offering free access to museums, galleries, and theaters, inviting the community to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Later in the month, the Galway Cartoon Festival rolls out, bringing international hilarity to Ireland’s sociable city. Featuring exhibitions, live caricature sessions, and a schools’ cartoon workshop, the festival promises laughter and artistic exploration, making it a must-attend event for those seeking cultural enrichment and a good dose of humor.
On September 13th, experience the invigorating Great Fjord Swim at the stunning Killary Fjord along the Wild Atlantic Way. With open water swimming catering to all levels, it’s a chance to dive into the majesty of nature. On September 20th, Quest Lough Derg 2025 offers an exhilarating race around iconic waterways. Kayak on Lough Derg, run along the Shannon’s banks, and cycle through picturesque landscapes.
Also don’t miss the wonderful Connemara Mountain Walking Festival in early September involving a choice of guided walks from strenuous to low level exertion based on the scenic shores of the Killary Fjord, which is one of the highlights of the walking and hiking calendar of events in Galway.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
October 2025
The Baboró International Children’s Festival, running from 10th to 19th October 2025 was founded in 1997 and has performances, exhibitions and interactive workshops, suitable for all the family to enjoy (www.baboro.ie).
Early in October, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, which is one of the oldest fairs of its type in Ireland, will in 2025 will celebrate the 302nd anniversary of this incredible international event, brings thousands to the county Galway town (www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com).
The Galway Comedy Festival from Tuesday 21st to Monday October 27th 2025 is a large event where funnymen and women take to the stage in many city venues over a week leading up to the Halloween bank holiday. Early acts announced include Rhod Gilbert’s The Giant Grapefruit (Oct 22, Leisureland), Chris McCausland’s Yonks! (Oct 23, Town Hall), and Al Porter’s ALGORITHM (Oct 24). (www.galwaycomedyfestival.ie).
Internationally acclaimed performance and spectacle company, Macnas is expected to stage its annual Halloween Parade on the streets during the October Bank Holiday weekend, this year on Sunday 26th October 2025 from 5.30pm (www.macnas.com).
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
November 2025
Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge
November 2025 in Galway promises a diverse range of events. The 23rd Tulca Festival of Visual Arts, running from November 1 to 17, showcases the talents of 15 artists and two collectives throughout Galway city centre. On November 8 (to be confirmed), the Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge invites participants to conquer mud and sweat on the banks of Killary Harbour. From November 9 to 21, the 28th Galway Science & Technology Festival unfolds, delivering engaging shows and workshops to schools across the city and county. With visual arts, athletic challenges, and scientific exploration, November in Galway offers something for every interest.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
December 2025
Galway Christmas Market
December rounds off the events calendar with the Galway Christmas Market, from 14 November 2025 to 5 January 2025, with Eyre Square hosting this highlight of the Christmas calendar where treats from all from around Europe will be on sale along with a Big Wheel, Santa’s Grotto, a German bier keller, and lots of entertainment (www.christmasmarketgalway.com).
Glide into the holiday spirit as Galway City Ice Skating is expected to return to Salthill this festive season! Opening mid-November at Leisureland, the rink offers 600m² of real ice, perfect for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive music, and magical Christmas vibes. Tickets start at €14 with sessions available daily. Special rates are available for schools and groups.
Galway prides itself on its reputation for providing some of the best festivals in Ireland, so no matter what time of the year you visit Galway in 2025, there is a good chance there will be an exciting festival or event of some sort for you to enjoy.
For more information please visit: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/galway-events-calendar/#google_vignette
