What’s on in Galway in 2026

Festivals & Events this year in Galway 📅

Another spin around the sun brings us to 2026, a new year when Galway will become a hive of activity, where there is always something going on with multiple festivals attracting visitors and locals alike for fun and frolics. From sports to music, theatre to food, there is something for every interest. Below are some of the highlights of the Galway events calendar.

January 2026

For rugby fans there is a big match taking place at Dexcom Park in January with Connacht Rugby playing host to Leinster on 24th January 2026 (Kick-off 5.30pm) in the United Rugby Championship.

January 2026 promises a laughter-packed start to the year in Galway, with top comedy acts hitting the stage.

Dara Ó Briain — Re:Creation at Leisureland, Salthill (8-10 January). After a hugely successful international tour with *So, Where Were We?*, he returns with a brand-new live show full of storytelling, audience interaction and comedy madness.

Glenn Wool at Tigh He-He Comedy Club, Róisín Dubh — 9 January. Wool is a globetrotting comedian (Vancouver, UK, Europe, Australasia), known for sharp humour and crowd work, headlining a night with local rising talent and host Karl Spain.

Neil Delamere — Reinventing The Neil at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway — 17 January. Delamere brings his energetic style, witty stories and riffs, asking whether “if it ain’t broke should he fix it?”, packed with comic insight and laughs.

January 2026 brings two standout performances to Galway. The Fureys – Legends of Irish Music & Song (Farewell Tour) take the stage on January 15, followed by The Taylor Swift Project on January 31.

Music for Galway – Midwinter Festival: The Quartet Extends

The Music for Galway Midwinter Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026 with The Quartet Extends, a celebration of the versatility of the string quartet. Galway’s own ConTempo Quartet leads the programme, joined by a diverse array of musicians — including a clarinettist, soprano, pianist, uilleann piper, and a second string quartet — performing quartets, quintets, sextets, and culminating in an octet.

This year’s festival also welcomes Margarita Guerrero Martínez, Music for Galway’s young Cellissimo Ambassador, for a special performance.

Celebrate creativity at the Annual Galway Tattoo Show on 31 January to 1st February 2026 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa. Showcasing world-class international and Irish tattoo artists, this event is a must for tattoo enthusiasts. Beyond incredible ink, enjoy live music, entertainment, and vibrant market stalls.

February 2026

Join the celebration of Galway’s bilingual heritage at the Tonnta Festival, running from 29 January to 1 February 2026. Galway’s annual festival celebrating the Irish language, held around the St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend. The event, created by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, is designed to be inclusive for fluent speakers, learners, and curious visitors through a diverse program of events across the city, including music, theatre, food, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Motorsport enthusiasts will relish the Galway International Rally which takes place annually on the first weekend of February. The rally is organised by The Galway Motor Club (www.galwayrally.com).

Galway United Senior Men’s are expected to build on their form in the top flight of Irish football in mid-February with matches at Eamonn Deacy Park. Fixture list to be confirmed.

Galway’s February music scene offers an exciting mix of talent and style. On February 11, singer-songwriter John Bramwell, formerly of I Am Kloot, performs an intimate solo set at Róisín Dubh. On February 20, Aimee Carty returns home for a headline show at the Town Hall Theatre, showcasing her unique blend of folk, pop, and heartfelt storytelling. On February 21, two unmissable performances light up the city — Imelda May presents Raised on Songs & Stories, an evening of music, poetry, and personal reflection, while Breathe – The Pink Floyd Experience brings a spectacular tribute show to the Black Box, recreating the legendary band’s iconic soundscapes and visuals.

Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt

February brings three top comedy acts to Galway’s Town Hall Theatre. On 12 February, BAFTA-winner Adam Kay presents This Is Going To Hurt, a hilarious and heartfelt glimpse into life on the NHS frontline. On 14 February, Pat and Faye Shortt deliver riotous sketches in Shortt Stuff. Finally, on 20 February, Emma Doran brings her sharp wit and relatable humour to the stage in her show Emmaculate.

March 2026

Pat Mustard at Tedfest

Tedfest is a four-day festival, taking place in March from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th 2026 on Inis Mór, largest of the Aran Islands, with events related to the cult television series Father Ted (e.g. Ted’s Got Talent, Lovely Girls Contest, etc.).

Galway plays host to the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations with a large parade in Galway city and smaller local parades around the county. In 2026 the celebrations run from Friday 13 March to Tuesday 17 March 2026. Galway also participates fully in Seachtain na Gaeilge / Irish language week from 1st to 17th March.

April 2026

Clifden Traditional Music Festival in late April (expected from 23 to 26 April 2026) is always a fun weekend in Clifden in Connemara, with excellent Irish music, song, and sean-nós dance workshops. (Dates to be confirmed.)

Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Also in April from 21st – 26th April 2026, the Cúirt International Festival of Literature (www.cuirt.ie) in Galway is a vibrant week-long literary celebration, founded in 1985 by Galway Arts Centre. The festival brings together Irish and international authors to engage with readers through readings, workshops, talks and book launches. With a strong commitment to inclusion and innovation in storytelling, it has grown into one of Europe’s most respected book festivals, rooted in Galway’s cultural heart.

Connemara International Marathon

April also sees serious athletes participating in one of the more remote marathons: the Connemara International Marathon, taking place on Sunday 19 April 2026 in wild and stunning Connemara, County Galway. Runners can choose from a half-marathon (21.1 km) starting in Leenane, a full marathon (42.2 km) beginning at Lough Inagh, and an ultra marathon of 39.3 miles (63.3 km). The route winds through lakes, hills and mountain scenery — one of Ireland’s most scenic road race experiences.

For a shorter but equally beautiful run, there is the Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run, to be held on Saturday 18 April 2026 on Inis Oírr island, situated off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay.

May 2026

The first weekend in May is a Bank Holiday weekend and multiple festivals feature across the region, including Fleadh na gCuach in Kinvara and the Joe Heaney Festival of Traditional Irish Singing in Carna.

Another highlight is the Inishbofin Community Arts Festival, typically held from 2nd to 4th May 2026 (TBC).

From 1 to 10 May 2026, the Galway Theatre Festival will take place throughout the city with a vibrant programme of shows of all types performed by local and national theatre, circus, spectacle, and storytelling artists.

Early Music Festival

The annual Galway Early Music Festival, held each late-May/early-June in Galway city, brings together medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music in historic venues. International and Irish ensembles perform concerts, workshops, street music and family events, creating an immersive celebration of early music and heritage. (www.galwayearlymusic.com), promoting ancient, medieval, renaissance and baroque music.

ŠKODA Tour de Conamara

May 2026 is gearing up to be an exhilarating month for sports enthusiasts. On Saturday 2nd May 2026, the Inis Iron Meáin road race will weave through the picturesque Inis Meáin of the Aran Islands. From 9–17 May 2026 , Galway Bike Week will pedal into action, offering a series of cycling events across the county.

Also don’t miss the Connemara Mountain Walking Festival expected to run from May 1–3, 2026, in Leenane. It offers guided walks for all levels along the majestic mountains and Killary Harbour. The event is fully inclusive, providing transport, professional guides, and a final celebration with tea and scones.

Lough Cutra Triathlon

On 9 May 2026, the Inishbofin Half-Marathon & 10K will take runners along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Meanwhile, Inishbofin’s Walking Festival (May 15 – 17 2026) promises a leisurely exploration of Connemara’s best island. Finally, the Tour de Conamara (May 23 2026) and the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival (May 23–24 2026) will showcase the region’s cycling and triathlon prowess. Also, the Banff Mountain Festival World Tour 2026 is expected to return to the Town Hall Theatre in late May (date TBC).

Numerous other sporting events take place during May, June and July including key matches of the National GAA Hurling and GAA Football Championships. In 2026, expect high-octane hurling and fierce competition during these iconic matchups.

June 2026

The Galway Folk Festival will take place from 3rd to 7th June 2026 in Galway city. Over five days, the festival will spotlight both traditional Irish folk and contemporary roots music across multiple venues. With workshops, sessions, headline concerts, and free daytime events, it offers a lively celebration of music heritage and community spirit in one of Ireland’s most vibrant cultural cities.

The Portumna Forest Marathon takes place on 6 June 2026 in Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway. Featuring 10K, half-marathon, full-marathon and ultra (50K/100K) distances, the run winds through 450 hectares of tranquil woodland and tree-lined paths — a stunning natural backdrop for both seasoned and enthusiastic runners.

The Croí Corrib Cycle 2026 is likely to take place on 7 June 2026, raising vital funds for heart and stroke prevention. Starting and finishing in Galway, the cycle offers scenic routes around Connemara and Lough Corrib. Riders of all levels enjoy stunning views, community spirit, and a rewarding finish supporting Croí’s lifesaving work.

Gaelforce West

Then there’s Gaelforce West taking place on 13 June, is Ireland’s iconic adventure race across the rugged landscapes of Connemara and Killary Fjord. Combining running, cycling, and kayaking over challenging terrain, it attracts elite athletes and adventurers alike, offering breathtaking scenery, endurance, and unforgettable outdoor excitement

Another June highlight will be the Galway Uke Fest, expected to take place from 18–21 June 2026 (tbc), 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.

July 2026

The Galway Film Fleadh is a six-day international film festival, scheduled for 7–12 July 2026 in Galway, Ireland 🇮🇪. As Ireland’s leading film event, it showcases a diverse array of Irish and international cinema, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. It’s a key platform for new talent and runs the Galway Film Fair, connecting filmmakers with industry financiers and distributors. The “Fleadh” (Irish for “feast”) attracts global filmmakers and cinephiles.

GIAF Eyre Square performance

The centerpiece of the festival season is the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) will run from 13–26 July 2026, transforming Galway into a global hub for creativity. This two-week, multidisciplinary event showcases an ambitious program spanning theatre, music, visual arts, dance, and First Thought Talks. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, blending acclaimed international acts with groundbreaking Irish talent across the city’s venues and streets.

The Heineken® Big Top for GIAF will feature headline music experiences throughout July.

The Galway Races Summer Festival is a seven-day event running from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2. Highlights include the Tote Galway Plate on Wednesday and the famous Ladies Day (featuring the Guinness Galway Hurdle) on Thursday. Racing starts in the evening on weekdays and afternoon on weekends.

August 2026

The Cruinniú na mBád traditional sailing festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway, runs from August 7–9, 2026. This event celebrates maritime heritage with spectacular races of the iconic, red-sailed Galway Hookers. It also features the traditional turf unloading, alongside live traditional music and singing ashore.

he Galway Pride Festival 2026 is expected to take place in Galway City from Sunday, August 9, to Saturday, August 15. As the longest continual Pride event in Ireland, the week-long celebration features a diverse program of events, including information nights, arts and performance, music, and social gatherings. The festival culminates with the colorful Pride Parade on the final Saturday, August 15th.

Join 3,000 runners on 8 August 2026 at 7pm for the Streets of Galway 8K Road Race, around Galway City and along the Salthill seafront.

September 2026

Annually on the last weekend of September, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival in partnership with Galway Docklands Seafood Festival returns in 2026 from 25 to 27 September. Events include the Irish Oyster Opening Championship, World Oyster Opening Championship, seafood trails, live music, gala dinners, and family events.

The Clifden Arts Festival (Clifden Community Arts Week), Ireland’s longest-running community arts event, is scheduled for September 16–27, 2026. This eleven-day festival in Connemara, Co. Galway, features a diverse program of high-quality literature, music, visual arts, and theatre, with a strong focus on celebrating local creative talent.

On Friday 18 September 2026, Galway Culture Night invites free access to museums, galleries, theaters and exploration of the city’s cultural scene.

Later in the month, the Galway Cartoon Festival brings exhibitions, live caricature sessions, and a schools’ cartoon workshop, promising cultural enrichment and fun.

Experience the invigorating Great Fjord Swim on Saturday, September 12, 2026 (tbc), at Killary Fjord. This stunning open-water event in the deep green waters offers challenging distances—including 3.9km (Ironman distance), 2km, and 750m surrounded by the majestic mountains of Connemara.

October 2026

The Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Ireland’s premier festival for young audiences, is scheduled to run in Galway city and county from October 9–18, 2026. The ten-day event features a world-class program of international and Irish work, including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, visual art, and workshops, dedicated to sparking creativity and imagination for children and families.

Early in October, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, one of Ireland’s oldest fairs, will celebrate its heritage with parades, animals, crafts and family events (2026 date to be confirmed).

The Galway Comedy Festival, Ireland’s biggest comedy event, returns to the city from Tuesday, October 20, to Monday, October 26, 2026. This seven-day celebration features over 70 Irish and international comics performing in a wide range of shows, including stand-up, improv, live podcasts, and more across various venues.

Internationally acclaimed performance company Macnas is expected to stage its spectacular annual Halloween Parade on the October Bank Holiday weekend, likely on Sunday 25 October 2026 from 5.30pm.

November 2026

Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge

November 2026 promises a diverse range of events. The Tulca Festival of Visual Arts is expected to run from 6 to 22 November 2026, showcasing contemporary visual arts across Galway city.

On or around 7 November 2026 (TBC), the Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge will invite participants to conquer mud and strength tests near Killary Harbour.

From 8 to 20 November 2026, the Galway Science & Technology Festival provides hands-on shows and workshops across the city and county exploring science, engineering and technology.

December 2026

Galway Christmas Market

The Galway Christmas Market, will return in mid-November 2026 and run through early January 2027, with Eyre Square hosting this highlight of the festive calendar—stalls, lights, a big wheel, Santa’s Grotto, German style market and entertainment.

Glide into the holiday spirit as Galway City Ice Skating is expected to return to Salthill during the 2026 Christmas season! Opening in mid-November at Leisureland, the rink offers ~600 m² of real ice, perfect for all ages and levels. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive music and holiday vibes. Sessions typically start around €15, with group rates available.

Galway prides itself on its reputation for providing some of the best festivals in Ireland, so no matter what time of year you visit Galway in 2026, there’s a good chance there will be an exciting festival or event to enjoy.