Events 2013

03rd - 05th May 2013
A celebration of Killary Mussels harvested from “One of the Forty Places to See Before you Die” takes place from 03rd - 05th May 2013, on the glorious Renvyle Peninsula in North Connemara.  This is the eighth year of the festival and promises that more mussels will be eaten here this weekend than in any other part of the country. Last year, over a ton of mussels were eaten and organisers are set to harvest three tonnes of Killary Mussels for this year's celebrations, which include music, fun, mussel cooking competitions, children's treasure hunts and set dancing, to name a few.
more info: www.connemaramusselfestival.com

04th - 05th May 2013
Féile na Ceardlainne a free Festival of Art, Craft, Music and Dance celebrating the very best of Irish craft and design on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May. The two-day festival of events will take place at Ceardlann, home to nine unique Arts, Craft and Design studios in Spiddal village whose members have planned free open day workshops for people of all ages to try their hand at craft.
more info: www.ceardlann.com

03rd - 06th May 2013
Fleadh na gCuach (The Cuckoo Festival) takes place each year in the scenic fishing village of Kinvara, Co. Galway on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. It is a very popular Traditional Irish Music festival with over 50 music sessions in the villages' pubs over the weekend. In addition to the music, one can also find Art & Crafts, Poetry, Drama during the festival. 
more info: www.kinvara.com

03rd - 05th May 2013
The Leenane Mountain Walking Festival includes a choice of high-level mountain walks or a low-level option, and enjoy a unique combination of mountain and sea along the way.  There will be transport to and from the mountains, including a speedboat across Killary Harbour to Mweelrea Mountain.
more info: www.leenanevillage.com

10th - 12th May 2013
The Inishbofin Community Arts Festival runs from the 10th to the 12th of May 2013. Situated on the stunningly scenic and historic island of Inishbofin, this Arts Festival is a colourful and eclectic mix of music, dance, visual arts, crafts, heritage, poetry, creative workshops and fun family activities.
more info: www.inishbofin.com/arts_festival.html

11th May 2013
The race has three disciplines: Trail / Mountain Running, Kayaking and Cycling. The course will be exceptional, the scenery spectacular, so now all that's needed is good weather. The Connemara Adventure Challenge is 31km in total and it is open to racers of all levels.
more info: www.gaelforceevents.com/connemara

09th - 12th May 2013
The Galway Early Music Festival celebrates old world music and arts and features concerts, workshops, street performances of music, dance and historical re-enactment.
more info: www.galwayearlymusic.com

18th May 2013
The half marathon will take place on Saturday in mid May. The route, which will utilise the main road around the island, offers stunning views from every side of the island and will be challenging! Uniquely, due to the narrow roads, this 13.1 mile run or walk is offered as a time-trial with runners/ walkers starting in pairs at 15 second intervals. This adds to the excitement of the event, as the winner is announced based on time analysis, rather than first home!
more info: www.croi.ie/events/inishbofin-half-marathon-1

17th - 19th May 2013
The Galway County Fleadh will take place in Castleblakney, Co. Galway from the 17th May 2013. Events will include competitions, sessions and dancing.
more info: www.comhaltas.ie

17th - 19th May 2013
The annual Burren Slow Food Festival gives visitors the opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, mix with fellow foodies, see cookery demonstrations from well known chefs and get a true taste of Co. Clare culture in the beautiful setting of the Burren. The three day event showcases the best elements of food culture in Clare from the local growers, producers and traders that make Clare such a unique and dynamic food destination.
more info: www.slowfoodclare.com

18th May 2013
The 3rd annual Roundstone Bay 8K takes place during mid May in the heart of Connemara. The course itself consists of a figure of eight loop, beginning and ending in Roundstone village, and taking in some spectacular coastal views along the way. Both runners and walkers are welcome and the organisers have endured to put on an event that will cater to all types of participant. Proceeds from the race will go towards the local RNLI Lifeboat service, a hugely worthwhile charity that relies entirely on donations and fundraising to ensure its viability.
more info: www.roundstonebay8k.com

24th - 26th May 2013
The rich diversity of African films, animations, shorts, and documentaries, offering both entertainment and a fresh perspective on life in the continent, will be on show in Galway. The sixth Galway African Film Festival takes place from Friday May 24 to Sunday 26 in NUI Galway’s Huston School of Film & Digital Media, Earl’s Island (across from the Cathedral). The films concentrate ways of finding and creating identity in familial, social, and political situations. Some focus on individual adventures, others on social struggles.
more info: www.galwayafricanfilmfestival.org

25th May 2013
With a mini, half and full marathon this event with a starting point in Ballyvaughan, it is a great option for walkers, runners and have a go heroes!
more info: www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com

25th - 26th May 2013
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.
more info: www.tourdeconamara.com

24th - 26th May 2013
Inishbofin is widely considered to be Connemara's best island for walking and the Inishbofin Walking Festival is the perfect time to come and enjoy the friendly and relaxed pace of Island life. Let enthusiastic professional and local guides share their vast knowledge of local folklore, history, heritage and ecology with you.
more info: www.inishbofin.com

26th May 2013
An Tóstal is a celebration of local currach racing traditions and the Galway hooker racing and much more. Many boats are expected to participate in races including the average 33 - 44ft boat known locally as na báid mhóra to smaller boats such as the 28-33ft known as leathbháid and also the gleoiteoga.  Rowing teams will travel from Co. Clare , Donegal, Conamara, Kerry, Limerick and Cork to participate in this year’s currach racing activities on the day. As well as water activities such as sand castle competitions, tug of war and other games will take place on Trá na mBan in Salthill throughout the day. Everybody welcome to this wonderful day out!
more info: www.antostalsalthill.com

24th May - 03rd June 2013
The annual Conamara Bog Week 2013 festival starts on Friday May 24th and finishes Bank Holiday Monday June 3rd in the Quaker village of Letterfrack. This is the 29th year of the festival and the organisers Conamara Environmental Education and Cultural Centre are promising an exciting line up as usual.
more info: www.ceecc.org

31st May - 02nd June 2013
A new festival celebrating Galway’s status as a maritime city is to take place this summer as part of tourism initiative The Gathering. The inaugural Galway Sea Festival will run over the June Bank Holiday Weekend with a focus on maritime activities and will feature family events, including seafood trails, music, dance and entertainment.
more info: www.galwayseafestival.com

01st - 02nd June 2013
The Spiddal Currach & Hooker Regatta (Feile Curachai agus Báid Seoil an Spideal) sees Currach racing and Galway Hooker racing along the shores of Spiddal with family events on the beach such as tug-of-war and bouncy castle along & traditional Irish music. Teams from all over the country will be taking part.

02nd June 2013
The Sky Road 10K Challenge takes place in Clifden on Sunday, 2nd June. It is run for a charity of your choice. There will be a first prize of €500 for the fastest male and female. Entry is €20. Walkers are welcome.
more info: www.clifden.ie

02nd June 2013
The first Markel Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival takes place on Sunday, 02nd June, amidst the stunning surroundings of one of Ireland's hidden castle treasures overlooking Europe's largest privately-owned lake, just outside Gort, Co Galway. The race has a distance for all levels, whether first timers or elites.
more info: www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk

07th - 09th June 2013
The annual International Quilt Festival of Ireland will include the largest group of quilts to be assembled in Ireland being displayed on the campus of NUI Galway as part of a major exhibition.
more info: www.iqfoi.com

15th - 23rd June 2013
Galway Bike Week 2013 takes place in June with cycling events all over Galway county, organised the local authority, community groups, charities and cycling groups.
more info: www.galwaycycling.org

16th June 2013
This year’s Galway Regatta will take place on Sunday June 16th at the NUIG grounds at Dangan. Galway’s oldest rowing regatta, this year it celebrates its 130th anniversary, and once again entries from all four provinces with many of the top rowing clubs in Ireland are expected to compete.
more info: www.iaru.ie

23rd June 2013
Galway Simon Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on June 23rd at 11am.  This is the fifth year of this fantastic event with Early Bird registration Fee until May 14th. There is also a discount for teams of 5. The AAI Certified 10km course will follow a glorious route along Galway Bay and is suitable for runners and walkers of all abilities. Registration for the event is now open on www.GalwaySimon.ie and on www.RunIreland.com so why not sign up and set yourself a target of completing a 10km mini-marathon or beating your personal best. Timing chips and T-Shirts provided for all participants.
more info: www.galwaysimon.ie / www.runireland.com

05th - 06th July 2013
Traidphicnic is a weekend event with concerts by traditional music artists along with art and cultural workshops with the backdrop of the beautiful Connemara landscape. Indulge in delicious local cuisine or just sit back and soak up the wonderful music. Traidphicnic has something for everyone and is very much a family event. Based near to Ceardlann, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, you can explore the shops, sneek a peek at the crafters at work, and nip to the beach or into the seaside village of An Spidéál and make your own discoveries.

06th - 07th July 2013
Galway Garden Festival is held in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle in mid July. Nursery suppliers from across Ireland will share a wealth of planting experience with all who browse the plant stalls’ extensive range of plants, trees, seeds, and shrubs. Garden equipment, from hoes to glasshouses to woven willow baskets. Celebrated gardeners will provide advice and the work of organisations such as Bóthar, The Beekeepers Federation, and The Organic Centre, Co Leitrim, can be appreciated at the stands in the castle grounds.
more info: www.galwaygardenfestival.com

14th July 2013
The 8th Annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show takes place in mid-July, 2013, 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.
more info: www.roundstoneevents.com

09th - 14th July 2013
Film festival for feature films and shorts. 2013 marks the 25th Galway Film Fleadh, and the central goal of the festival remains unchanged: to bring together audiences and filmmakers within an intimate environment and share a common experience.
more info: www.galwayfilmfleadh.com

15th - 28th July 2013
Running in parallel with the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Fringe Festival aims to provide a platform for local artists, writers, playwrights, poets, actors and musicians to perform and showcase new work.
more info: www.galwayfringe.ie

15th - 28th July 2013
One of Europe most inventive, vibrant & colorful events. A truly international celebration of the performing and visual arts which takes place in and around Galway City each July.
more info: www.galwayartsfestival.com

27th July 2013
Starts at Acton’s Eco Campsite Claddaghduff Clifden Connemara. All proceeds are in aid of the local Claddaghduff community Hall. This has extensive community support in obtaining funds to repay for the refurbishment of the hall.
more info: www.omeydash.com

29th July - 4th August 2013
Galway Race course, Ballybrit, Galway. Ireland's premier horse racing festival. Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion, you are at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway city, in the West of Ireland, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.
more info: www.galwayraces.com

04th - 05th August 2013
Come and experience Ireland's history and heriatge from Bronze Age to Medieval Times in Craggaunowen, Quin, Co. Clare. The Lughnasa event features a fantastic array of costumed re-enactors depicting life in Ireland from the Bronze Age to Medieval times. There will be lots to see and do including combat demonstrations, brehon law trials, ancient cooking demonstrations, artefacts and weapons display, ancient fun and games for the kids and much more!
more info: www.shannonheritage.com

10th August 2013
Galway’s most popular athletic event, the Streets of Galway 8k Road Race is in it's 28th year the event will include more than 2,000 runners. Starting from South Park in the Claddagh, the race takes in the city centre streets, following a course out to Salthill before finishing with a two kilometre final stretch along with prom.
more info: www.runireland.com/events/streets-galway

15th - 18th August 2013
Premier show for Connemara Ponies in Ireland for breeders and owners from home and overseas. The annual Connemara Pony Festival & Show in Clifden, Co Galway attracts visitors from all over the world. The highlight of the festival is on Thursday and Friday, when the biggest showcase of Connemara Ponies in the world takes place. Ponies compete in in-hand classes, ridden classes, working hunter classes, and a puissance (or high jump) competition. For non-pony enthusiasts, there is a dog show, a domestic arts show and Irish Dancing.
more info: www.cpbs.ie

18th August 2013
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. The event is affiliated with The Irish Pony Society and The Irish Shows Association. Horses and Ponies are pre-entry only with entries taken on the day for all other classes.
more info: www.claregalwayagriculturalshow.ie

August 2013
The Connemara is a 100 mile endurance run with 30 hour limit taking place every August. The course is simply fabulous, taking participants from Clifden through Letterfrack, Leitirgeish, the Inagh alley, Maam Cross, Leenane, Inagh Valley again, then on to Roundstone, Ballyconeely and back to Clfden to complete 100 miles.
more info: www.connemara100.com

17th August 2013
Gaelforce West is the largest one day adventure race of its kind in the world. It is a multi-sport adventure race involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking. The course of approximately 67km stretches from the stunning Glassilaun beach to Westport. En route there are some significant obstacles to cross, including Killary Harbour and the famous holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. The event is designed for solo competitors, but you can run it with a buddy or training partner.
more info: www.gaelforceevents.com

August 2013
A weekend where people can come and sample the beauty of the village of Roundstone and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants.
more info: www.roundstonesummerfest.com

16th - 18th August 2013
Up to 100 unique Irish boats, the Galway Hookers, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway, in August.
more info: www.kinvara.com/cruinniu/index.html

17th - 25th August 2013
Galway’s rich heritage is set to be celebrated in a range of events across the city and county as part of National Heritage Week. Over 100 different events are planned from Ballinasloe to Inishbofin and will take in everything from genealogy workshops to talks on the history of the Connemara pony.
more info: www.heritageweek.ie

09th - 11th September 2013
Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion; you are at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway city, in the West of Ireland, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.
more info: www.galwayraces.com

13th - 15th September 2013
Great food, great Guinness, great music and entertainment all in a splendid marquee on the banks of the Claren River which flows through the village of Clarenbridge on the edge of Galway Bay.
more info: www.clarenbridge.com

18th - 21st September 2013
Aer Lingus is inviting teams from all over the world to compete in the first ever International Hurling Festival. The best hurlers from North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada will descend on Galway for a three day festival of ceol, craic and culture, as well as the first hurling competition of its kind.
more info: www.aerlingushurling.com

19th - 29th September 2013
The longest running community arts festival in Ireland, Clifden Community Arts Week, now in its 36th year yet again promises to have something to excite everyone in this years programme. Audiences can expect a very high quality artistic programme with a superb literary, musical and visual art content which again will have the community arts of Clifden and the surrounding hinterland as a central focus with creative writing, music, theatre, graphic design and film workshops and performances taking place in the local schools for the duration of the festival.
more info: www.clifdenartsweek.ie

20th September 2013
The event is now in its eigth year provides free access to museums, galleries, theatres and public buildings.
more info: www.galwayculturenight.com

26th September 2013
Now in its 3rd year, Guinness Live in The Latin Quarter will be a four day music festival featuring an extensive line-up of national and local acts  in a series of intimate gigs in venues and pubs throughout the city’s Latin Quarter, with more than 50 live performances over four nights. Admission to all gigs will be free and on a first-come, first-served, basis.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie

26th - 29th September 2013
On the last weekend of September each year, the picturesque town of Galway hosts the Galway International Oyster Festival, one of the biggest events in Ireland's social calendar. A feast of live entertainment, gourmet food, fine wine and of course Oysters and Guinness are enjoyed by some 10,000 people with guests and luminaries from all over the world.
more info: www.galwayoysterfest.com

27th - 29th September 2013
Organised by The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club with a choice of Grade A, B & C Guided walks on both Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy walking in this wonderfully rich limestone pavement...the land of the fertile rock with its precious and delicate terrain.
more info: www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com

27th - 29th September 2013
Taking place over the last weekend of September, the Leenane Autumnal Festival celebrates all things autumnal, with a focus on traditional food, arts and crafts from this exceptionally beautiful part of the country.
more info: www.leenane-festival.com

September 2013
Galway will celebrate European Researchers’ Night in September (date to be confirmed) together with 320 cities around Europe with its latest Sea2Sky event. Sea2Sky, organised by NUI Galway in collaboration with the Marine Institute, Galway Atlantaquaria and its new partner CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, will showcase science on the grandest of scales themed around marine science, atmospherics and astronomy.  The main events will be held at the Galway Bay Hotel, Leisureland and Galway Atlantaquaria.
more info: www.sea2sky.ie

28th September 2013
The Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure race involves a combination of running, cycling and an assault course. There are 3 levels to choose from: the 17km intro course, the 32km sport course, and the expert-level 60km option. Each race includes the Fear Gorta assault course through Kylemore Woods, the details of which are a heavily guarded secret. Sumo wrestlers are rumoured, muck is gauranteed.
more info: www.connemararoughdiamond.com

28th September - 06th October 2013
A nine-day extravaganza of all things equestrian, with entertainment, music and great family fun, the 172nd Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival is held in the town of Ballinasloe, County Galway. The equestrian days are Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On the Sunday and Monday, the Fairgreen is the place to be, with every breed of horse and pony on display from the beautiful Connemara Pony to trotting ponies and wonderful Irish draughts. With an assortment of fun events, street stalls, fireworks, tug-o-war, street & vintage parade, arts & crafts, music and children's events, there’s a sense of community about the show, but with around 85,000 visitors a year the word has spread.
more info: www.ballinasloe.com

26th September 2013
Now in its 3rd year, Guinness Live in The Latin Quarter will be a four day music festival featuring an extensive line-up of national and local acts  in a series of intimate gigs in venues and pubs throughout the city’s Latin Quarter, with more than 50 live performances over four nights. Admission to all gigs will be free and on a first-come, first-served, basis.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie

03rd - 07th October 2013
Each year since 1995 an Autumn Gathering has been held in Coole Park, Gort to honour the memory of Lady Augusta Gregory (1852-1932). The cream of world speakers have contributed to the continued success of the weekend. Lady Gregory was one of the co-founders of the Abbey Theatre for which she wrote many plays. She contributed enormously to the Irish Literary Renaissance and fostered the genius of W.B.Yeats . Poets, artists, playwrights and writers of every genre found a welcome in Coole Park. The Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering programme will include lectures, workshops and discussions on literature, creative writing, drama, novels, poetry and local history. A comprehensive list of entertainment items is organised including plays and music. A resident genealogist will help people to find their Irish roots.

October 2013
The Galway Theatre Festival, now in it's sixth year, will take place throughout the city with the inclusion of more venues than before; the soon-to-be-reopened An Taibhdhearc will host two shows, as will Druid Lane Theatre, the Town Hall Theatre, and of course, the Nuns Island Theatre. Galway theatre companies feature heavily in the programme with Blue Teapot, Mephisto, Fregoli, Moonfish, and Vagabond all involved.
more info: www.galwaytheatrefestival.com

October 2013
The Galway Jazz Festival returns for its ninth year, with an expanded programme with shows to be held in An Taibhdhearc, Druid Theatre, The Black Cat in Salthill, the Meyrick Hotel, The Electric Garden, various schools in the city and county, as well as public spaces around the city.
more info: www.galwayjazzfest.com

14th - 20th October 2013
Ireland’s premier international arts festival for children and families runs in Galway city and county in mid October, featuring Theatre, Dance, Literature, Music, Puppetry, Workshops and Visual Art for all ages. See the magic of well-known stories come to dazzling life on the stage. Special treats are also in store for everyone with beautiful exhibitions, readings and workshops. Come to Galway to experience this delightful Festival and explore this beautiful family-friendly city.
more info: www.baboro.ie

23rd - 28th October 2013
The Galway Comedy Festival has grown since its beginning in 2005 to become a major event on the comedy circuit in Ireland, regularly attracting big international names to the city for the October Bank Holiday weekend.  With several shows each day and night, with comedy show for children too, you are garaunteed to see well known comidians both Irish and international –and a decent number of ‘faces from the telly’ there.
more info: www.galwaycomedyfestival.com

27th - 28th October 2013
The October Racing Festival takes place in Galway on Sunday and Monday, 27th and 28th October, 2013. So if you fancy some great racing and great fun, then this is the place to be. There will be great racing, free car parking, free entry for children under 14, free racecard draw each day, big screen, Tote, On course bookmakers, bar and restaurant facilities • Admission Price: €15 per adult Music will be by the Guinness Jazz Band.
more info: www.galwayraces.com

26th - 28th October 2013
Something spooktacular is taking place in Galway’s Latin Quarter this Halloween Weekend. From Sat 26th to Mon 28th, the city’s medieval streets will host the country’s biggest Halloween Festival with many fun and free events planned for the weekend with high-spirits guaranteed.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie

02nd - 03rd November 2013
The 3rd annual Galway Masters International open Basketball Tournament will take place at NUIG Kingfisher in Galway on the first weekend of November 2013. Masters basketball denotes players must be over forty and thirty-five years old respectively for men and women, and the objective of this event is to promote competitive basketball for men and women and to offer players of various nationalities the opportunity to compete and socialise together over the two day event.
more info: www.galwaymasters.com

02nd November 2013
The Turf Warrior Challenge offers the chance to round off the season in a flurry of mud and sweat on the banks of Killary Harbour in Co. Galway. The deceptively short 10km course is packed full of climbing, swinging, leaps into the Atlantic and all kinds of other mayhem and madness. Said to be the toughest course in Ireland, it promises to test competitors' stamina, nerve and camaraderie. The fun does not end with the race. Once they have washed the mud off, all warriors are invited to the themed party in Killary Adventure Centre.
more info: www.gaelforceevents.com

08th - 10th November 2013
The Spirit Of Voice festival will return in November with concerts and events celebrating song, words, and the human voice.
more info: www.spiritofvoice.com

November 2013
The Tulca Festival of Visual Arts is an annual festival taking place in Galway each year. Running since 2002, Tulca features dynamic and exciting work from national and international visual art practitioners.
more info: www.tulca.ie

24th November 2013
An exhibition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to bridge the gap between students and industry by showcasing local schools, companies, third level institutes and government bodies. A great day out at NUI Galway.
more info: www.galwayscience.ie

November 2013
The What If, Why Not? Adventure Film Festival is a celebration. A celebration of just how damned amazing this planet and the people on it are. Over two days we'll screen jaw dropping, award winning, adventure sport films. Films that will inspire you. And sometimes terrify you. Over two nights we'll be showcasing some of Ireland's freshest musical talent. Plus talks and workshops. Life's an adventure. Join us on ours.
more info: www.whatifwhynotfestival.com

November - December 2013
The Galway Christmas Market will take up residence in Eyre Square in the centre of the city from the again this Christmas season. The market promises to be  a highlight of the Christmas Season and will make for a wonderful attraction for visitors young and old. Sample Christmas treats from all from around Europe including a Santa’s Grotto, a German bier keller, numberous gift and snack stalls and an entertainment area.
more info: www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie

26th December 2013
The 10th running of the Fields of Athenry 10km will take place on St. Stephen's day, December 26th at 11am. Over the last number of years this has has become of of the leading road races in the country, and this year it aims to raise the bar higher. The race returns to its now traditional route, finishing under the medival arch in Athenry.
more info: www.athenryac.com/news/fields-athenry-10km

January 2014
Music for Galway’s Midwinter Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre in January to celebrate classical music with a three day midwinter festival.
more info: www.musicforgalway.ie

February 2014
Oscar Wilde reminds us that although we are all in the gutter, some of us are looking at the stars. The Galway Astronomy Festival now in its 11th year, has become one of the most popular events in Ireland of the Iirsh astronomical calander, where amateurs and professionals meet, essential for exchanging information, successful stargazing and mutual progress.  We look forward to seeing you, hopefully under clear skies.
more info: http://galwayastronomyclub.ie

February 2014
Safety Direct, a leading supplier of safety and health products based in Galway, has long been the sponsor of the Galway International Rally. The rally has a notable place in Ireland's road racing history, as it was the 1st round of the Irish Tarmac Championship which was first held in 1978. Today, the rally serves as the season opener for the championship.
more info: www.galwayinternationalrally.com

February 2014
Mùscailt, meaning to celebrate and inspire is the title of the celebrated spring arts festival hosted by the National University of Ireland, Galway. The 14th Múscailt Arts Festival at NUI Galway invites all students, staff, alumni and the public to enjoy a week of art, music and performance on campus. Múscailt has something for everyone in terms of music, Sculpture and photography, theatre.
more info: www.muscailt.nuigalway.ie

February 2014
The Fr. Ted Festival which is popularly known as Ted Fest, is a celebration of the life of comedian Dermot Morgan and his 1990's cult TV sitcom Father Ted created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews. The event sees large numbers of fans take to the islands, most dressed as characters from the show. The event involves taking part in many themed events associated with the comedy series including fancy dress, five-aside football (nuns against priests), toilet duck comedy awards, buckaroo speed dating, lovely girls contest and A Song For Europe.
more info: www.tedfest.org

February 2014
Traditional Music with various sessions in the local pubs and a Concert nightly in Teach Ceoil. For the programme of events see festival website.
more info: www.corofintradfest.com

March 2014
Éigse an Spidéil is an annual festival of traditional music, dance, sean-nós singing, art, and poetry which takes place in Spiddal, Co. Galway.
more info: www.eigseanspideil.ie

March 2014
This year the Head of the River will be organised by NUIG Boat Club and Tribesmen, and it takes place from the mouth of the lake to a little downstream from the Quincentennial Bridge. The boats race for fours and double sculls starts at 10.30am, the race for single sculls and pairs starts at 1.30pm, and the race for eights and quad sculls starts at 4pm. Hundreds of competitors will be involved, and the best viewing points are Dangan slip or on or near the Quincentennial Bridge.
more info: www.galwayheadoftheriver.ie

14th - 17th March 2014
St Patrick's Festival in Galway is a platform to showcase local artists and community groups. The event aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events.
more info: www.stpatricksfestivalgalway.com

18th - 21st April 2014
Celebrating Galway as a good food destination, 2014 will be the third year of the Galway Food Festival and is sure to build on the success of the 2013 event. The festival will promote good food and good food outlets in Galway, as well as showcasing food producers based in Galway and in the West. The festival takes place in April primarily as it is the time of year when some of the best local ingredients become available, such as Connemara Spring Lamb, and trout and salmon caught locally. 
more info: www.galwayfoodfestival.com

April 2014
2014 is the 13th Connemara Marathon and a celebration night will be held in both Galway and Clifden. Comprising of a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and a 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon all taking place in April. Book early to avoid disappointment. 
more info: www.connemaramarathon.com

April 2014
Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops and outdoor entertainment.  The 2013 festival was a great success with the town filled with music and excitement throughout the whole weekend. The festival includes Music Workshops, Sean Nos Dance Workshops, Youth Sessions, Traditional Music Mass, Pub Sessions throughout the whole weekend, "Farewell Session" on Sunday.
more info: www.clifdentradfest.com

April 2014
This three-day music event, GAC(h) Duine takes place at Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street featuring  live acts and daily workshops with accredited musicians throughout the weekend, focusing on singing, song-writing and guitar playing.
more info: contact Galway Arts Centre (091) 568642

April 2014
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The festival annually brings approximately sixty authors of local, national and international repute to Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings and much, much more.
more info: www.cuirt.ie