Things to do

Galway Events and Festivals in January 2012

New Year

festivities begin at midnight on December 31st, with fireworks hardly heard over the noise of cheering partygoers, continuing well into January 1st all over the city.

Galway Events and Festivals in February 2012

Tedfest / Father Ted Festival

late February, held on Inis Mor Island (Inishmore) - one of the nearby Aran Islands, this is an anual fan convention celebrating the popular Channel 4 sitcom based on the fictional Craggy Island (similar in appearance to Inis Mor).

Galway Events and Festivals in March 2012

St. Patrick's Day

March 17th, the best known of all Irish Festivals, celebrated wherever there are Irish folk. The festivities in Galway are some of the best, with parades, fireworks, street parties, lots of food and drink, and traditional music and dance.

Easter Sunday / Easter Monday

late March / early April, religious celebrations are held at the cathedral and other churches around the city.

Galway Events and Festivals in April 2012

Cuirt International Festival of Literature

late April, a chance for the Irish to express their love for poetry and literature, at the Galway Arts Centre.

Galway Events and Festivals in May 2012

Labour Day (La an Lucht Oibre)

first Monday in May, a public holiday throughout the country

Lawrencetown May Festival

early may, a four-day event for all the family, held in the nearby town of Ballinasloe, some 60km / 37 miles to the east

Early Music Festival

late May, the city comes alive with concerts, street performances and other events, including walking tours of the medieval Latin Quarter, live music in the city Museum and a party cruise on Lough Corrib.

Galway Events and Festivals in June 2012

Round Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race

early June, world-class powerboats compete for the trophy and kudos of winning this race, which starts and ends in Galway Bay and attracts hordes of spectators, as well as up to 75 of these sleek, fast craft.

Bloomsday

mid-June, a celebration of the life and works of acclaimed Irish writer James Joyce.

Galway Events and Festivals in July 2012

Film Fleadh

early July, one of Ireland's principal film festivals, with many international films screened over six days, attracting acclaimed actors and directors since first being staged in the late 1980's. Venues include the Galway Omniplex on Headford Road, the Townhall Theatre on Courthouse Square and the Rowing Club at Woodquay, while open-air screenings take place at Eyre Square.

Galway Art Festival

mid- to late July, a vibrant and colourful event, bringing visual artists and performers both national and international, plus huge numbers of visitors usually topping 100,000 people. Highlights include theatrical performances, comedy gigs, street parades, exhibition of fine art and markets, all of which take place over two weeks.

Galway Racing Festival

late July to early August, including the horse races themselves, kicks off towards the end of July and featuring its grand finale at the beginning of August, being world-renowwned for its fabulous horses, fun and fashion. Betting is considered to be optinal.

Galway Events and Festivals in August 2012

Connemara Pony Show

a premier event for lovers of these cute ponies, taking place in August, attracting owners and breeders from across the world.

Galway Events and Festivals in September 2012

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival

early September, held in the neighbouring village of Clarenbridge (Clarinbridge), this truly is the place to be for greatGuinness, sumptuous oyster and lots of entertainment and music, both traditional and modern. The 100,000+ oysters couldn't be fresher, being harvested from the surrounding shallow waters of Dunbulcan Bay. Expect to find everythingfrom golfing tournaments and gourmet dining, to photograohy exhibitions, yacht racing and market stalls.

Clifden Arts Week

mid-September, with music, dance, literary readings and talks, at the Station House Theatre in the coastal town of Clifden, located around 75 km / 47 miles to the north-west of the city.

Galway Oyster Festival

late September / Early October, in case you missed the slightly earlier Clarenbridge version. This Oyster festival has the same menu of delights, based on the absolute fact that you can never eat enough oysters. Especially notable is the Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship and the Oyster Pearl Competition, where a local lady is chosen to represent the celebrations and awarded a string of pearls.

Connemara Walking Festival

late September, a chance to enjoy the very best hiking trails around Connemara, held over four days.

Galway Events and Festivals in October 2012

Dunmore Festival of Song

early October, concerts staged in the neighbouring village of Dunmore.

Ballinasloe Horse Fair

early October, an equestrian extravaganza lasting just over a week, in the town of Ballinasloe.

Baboro International Arts Festival for Children

mid October, one of the biggest Irish celebrations aimed at the younger generation, with various puppet and shadow shows, children's workshops, dancing and music suiting all the family.

Baffle Festival of Poetry and Craic