What’s on in Galway in 2024

Festivals & Events this year in Galway 📅

Another spin around the sun brings us to 2024, 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 2024

For rugby fans there are two big matches taking place at The Sportsground in January with Connacht Rugby playing host to Munster on New Year’s Day (Kick-off 3pm) and then taking on Bristol in the European Rugby Champions Cup on 19 January 2024 (Kick-off 8pm).

There are also some great comedy gigs coming to the Town Hall Theatre to help lift the January blues. Jason Byrne is ‘The Ironic Bionic Man’ on the 20th January, Adam Rowe ponders ‘What’s Wrong With Me?’ on the 25th January and Neil Delamere brings ‘Neil By Mouth’ on the 27th January.

Sharon Shannon, Frances Black, and Mary Coughlan take to the stage on Friday 19 January 2024 at Leisureland for what promises to be an wonderful evening of folk and traditional music and song from three legends of Ireland’s music scene. what more could you ask for! Award-winning Irish country music singer/songwriter Derek Ryan also plays Leisureland on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Music for Galway runs a programme celebrating classical music throughout the year (Friday 19 to Sunday 21 January 2024) including a monthly recital in Galway library at lunchtime on the first Tuesday of event month but its Midwinter Festival in January is a particular highlight (www.musicforgalway.ie).

February 2024

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 return to the top flight for the first time since 2017 with their opening SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game on Friday 16th February at 7:45pm at Eamonn Deacy Park against St.Patrick’s Athletic.

February 2024, sees some great Galway gigs with acts to suit all tastes. Kicking off at Leisureland, Smokie will ignite the stage on February 15, followed by the energetic Fat Dog at Roisin Dubh on February 17. Monroes will host The Breath on February 20, while The Clockworks will bring their indie vibes to Roisin Dubh on February 22. Unfortunately, Moving Hearts’ performance at Leisureland on February 23 has been cancelled. However, the rhythm continues with The High Kings at Leisureland and Mack Fleetwood at Roisin Dubh on February 24.

February 2024, sees a great selection of shows at the Town Hall Theatre set to captivate audiences with a diverse array of entertainment. Kickstarting the month with humor, Martin Angolo live comedian will deliver one-liners and silly observations on February 17. Following that, from February 19 to 21, SamePage presents “The Dumb Waiter,” a thrilling blend of laughter and suspense in Harold Pinter’s acclaimed play. Closing the month on February 22 is Blindboy Live Podcast, a storytelling podcast in the rich Irish tradition of the Seanchaí, promising a month of laughter, suspense, and captivating narratives at the Town Hall Theatre.

March 2024

Pat Mustard at Tedfest

Tedfest is a four day festival, taking place in March from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th 2024 on Inis Mór, largest of the Aran islands where you can enjoy events related to the cult television series, Father Ted, such as Ted’s Got Talent and a Lovely Girls Competition (www.tedfest.org).

Galway plays host to the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations with a large parade in Galway city and small local parades throughout larger towns in its Gaeltacht regions and around the county. 2024 will see St. Patrick’s Day celebrations extend for 3 days from Friday March 15th to Monday March 18th. Galway wholeheartedly takes part in the national festival along with events organised as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge / Irish language week (www.snag.ie) from 1st to 17th March.

A feast of music in March 2024 begins with All Tvvins who’ll will set the stage ablaze at Roisin Dubh on March 2, infusing the venue with their infectious energy. On March 10, the Town Hall Theatre welcomes The Speks, offering a unique musical experience. Anamoe Drive will follow suit at Roisin Dubh on March 14, promising a night of soul-stirring tunes. The Kilfenora Ceili Band takes centre stage at Leisureland on March 22, celebrating Irish music traditions. Wrapping up the month, Some One’s Sons, accompanied by Alfi, will leave a lasting impression on Roisin Dubh’s audience on March 30.

April 2024

Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a fun weekend in Clifden in Connemara of the excellent Irish music, song, and sean nos dance workshops. Everyone is welcome to attend the public events at the Trad Fest, which are always free. It should be a fantastic weekend with something for everyone! Some of the best traditional musicians, singers, and dancers in Ireland will once again perform in Clifden, as part of the Session Trail of the Clifden Trad Fest. (www.clifdentradfest.ie). Dates to be confirmed.

Also in April, from 23rd to 28th, satisfy your poetic soul with the Cúirt International Festival of Literature (www.cuirt.ie). The festival was established in 1986 as an annual literature festival where many Irish and international writers, poets and artists, attend for six days of readings, discussions, book launches, masterclasses, multimedia events, theatre, visual art and debate.

Another highlight of the cultural calendar in April is The Inishbofin Community Arts Festival which is expected to take place from 12 to 14 April 2024 (tbc) 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.

April also sees serious athletes participating in one of the most remote marathons around at the Connemara International Marathon on 21st April, which takes in some of the best scenery that Galway has to offer.

For music aficionados, Le Boom kicks off the month at Black Box on April 18, setting the stage for an energetic night. The Black Box will continue to resonate with the soulful sounds of Adrianne Lenker and Ellie O’Neill on April 19. Leisureland welcomes the legendary Paul Brady on April 19, promising a night of timeless melodies. Meanwhile, Roisin Dubh hosts the dynamic SPRINTS on April 19, followed by Gemma Hayes on April 27. Monroes presents The Bluetones on April 26, while Seapoint Ballroom welcomes the captivating Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, ensuring a diverse and melodious April in Galway.

May 2024

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.

In early May, 26th April – 4th May 2024 (to be confirmed), the 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

Some of the world’s most renowned classical and contemporary composers, conductors, orchestras, artists, musicians, and performers will come together for Cellissimo, a nine-day festival at the edge of Europe from May 18 to 24, 2024, to celebrate the power and beauty of the cello. This triennial event is sure to resonate with Irish and international music audiences (www.musicforgalway.ie/cellissimo).

Also in May, from 24th to 26th, 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 2024 is gearing up to be an exhilarating month for sports enthusiasts in Galway. On May 4, the Inis Iron Meáin road race will weave through the picturesque Inis Meáin of the Aran Islands. From May 11-19, Galway Bike Week will pedal into action, offering a series of cycling events across the county. On May 11, the Inishbofin Half-Marathon & 10K will take runners along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Meanwhile, Inishbofin’s Walking Festival (May 17-19) promises a leisurely exploration of Connemara’s best island. Finally, the Tour de Conamara (May 25) and Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival (May 25-26) will showcase the region’s cycling and triathlon prowess.
Also for outdoor enthusiasts, the Banff Mountain Festival World Tour 2024 returns to the Town Hall Theatre on 22nd May.

For music lovers, May 2024 continues to gift Galway with great music. Roisin Dubh is the place to be on May 10 as Jane Weaver enchants the audience with her unique sound. The following night, on May 11, the dynamic Miles Kane takes centre stage at the same venue, promising an electric performance. Black Box hosts the iconic John Cooper Clarke on May 16, offering a night of poetic brilliance. Wrapping up the month, Roisin Dubh welcomes Coach Party on May 30,

June 2024

The month of June brings the Galway Sessions Festival (www.galwaysessions.com) which celebrates Irish folk and traditional music and the music Irish emigrants brought with them across the world with events centered around The Crane Bar but also in other venues throughout Galway City.

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 (8 June 2024) which takes place in stunning ancient woodland in South Galway. Cyclists will love the 110km Croí Lough Corrib Cycle (9 June 2024). Then there’s Gaelforce West (15 June 2024), the largest one day adventure race of its kind anywhere in the world involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking.

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.

June 2024 in Galway promises a delightful fusion of music and comedy. On the 20th, the acclaimed Jake Bugg, influenced by Brit pop and Bob Dylan, will serenade audiences with his soulful tunes. For a dose of laughter, catch Ed Byrne’s “Tragedy Plus Time” comedy show on the 23rd. Exploring humor through life’s trials, Ed mines his own tragic experiences for laughs, testing the theory that comedy is tragedy plus time. Both events at the Town Hall Theatre.

July 2024

July is an extremely busy month in Galway with three of its most popular festivals taking place. The Galway Film Fleadh, from 9th to 14th July 2024 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 17-30 July 2024 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 at the Heineken® Big Top this July. On July 18th, brace yourself for an explosive mix of Irish punk rap and electrifying energy with Kneecap, the West Belfast trio known for their cultural phenomenon status. Dec Pierce’s Block Rockin Beats follows on July 20th, promising the world’s biggest dance anthems with a hint of rock’n’roll.

Kneecap – hip hop trio

First up at the festival is indie folk singer-songwriter Passenger on 15 July 2024, then Galway-born producer KETTAMA takes the stage on July 25th, bringing his house and electro beats to the Big Top. On July 26th, Fisheries Field will resonate with the soulful tunes of Gavin James, while The Saw Doctors will close the month on July 27th with their usual high jinx.

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 29 July – 4 August 2024. It has grown over the years to a week long festival and attracts racing lovers, jockeys and trainers from all over the world.

August 2024

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 5 to 11 August, 2024 (to be confirmed). Running since 1989, the event incorporates a parade, street party, art exhibitions, film screenings and more.

Join 3000 runners on the 10th August 2024 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.

Galway is set to resonate with the beats of renowned artists this August at the Galway Airport. On August 9, music icon Fatboy Slim will electrify the venue, followed by the dynamic “Belters Only” event on August 11. Two Door Cinema Club takes centre stage on August 16, promising an unforgettable performance. The Waterboys, Wolfe Tones, and The Coronas continue the musical extravaganza on August 19, 23, and 24, respectively. The legendary Pixies will rock the airport on August 27, while James Arthur will captivate audiences on August 28. Closing the month, Christy Moore will bring his iconic tunes to Leisureland on August 30 but Galway Airport is the place to be for an unforgettable August of diverse and dynamic music.

September 2024

Annually on the last week of September, this year from 27th to 29th 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 11th to 22nd September 2024 (to be confirmed) 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 20th, Galway Culture Night enters its 19th 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 7th, 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. Simultaneously, Quest Lough Derg 2024 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.

October 2024

The Baboró International Children’s Festival, running from 11th to 20th October 2024 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 2024 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 22nd to Monday October 28th 2024 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 (www.galwaycomedyfestival.ie).

Internationally acclaimed performance and spectacle company, Macnas, stages its annual Halloween Parade on the streets during the October Bank Holiday weekend, this year on Sunday 27th October 2024 from 5.30pm (www.macnas.com).

November 2024

Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge

November 2024 in Galway promises a diverse range of events. The 22nd 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 9, the Gaelforce Turf Warrior Challenge invites participants to conquer mud and sweat on the banks of Killary Harbour. From November 10 to 22, the 27th 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.

On November 16, Leisureland welcomes Peter Hook & The Light, promising an electrifying performance that revisits iconic classics. The following day, November 17, The Mersey Beatles take to the stage at The Town Hall Theatre, paying homage to the timeless tunes of Liverpool’s legendary quartet.

December 2024

Galway Christmas Market

December rounds off the events calendar with the Galway Christmas Market, from 10 November 2024 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).

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 2024, there is a good chance there will be an exciting festival or event of some sort for you to enjoy.