Training Example: This is Galway – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Experience Galway!
Discover the Top Attractions in the West of Ireland
Explore More!
[H1] Discover Galway
Explore upcoming Galway Festivals and Events
Explore More!
[H1] Explore Galway by Night
Explore Galway City's Night-Time Economy
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[H1] Visit Galway
Explore Galway City and beyond
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Discover Galway City

[H2] Explore Galway
With so much to experience, planning a getaway to the City of Tribes has never been more appealing. From the sights and sounds to the many smiling faces, you’ll feel at home in no time.

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[IMG: This-is-Galway-Typographic-Logo-1]

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[H2] The Essential Guide to Galway City
Galway, the festival city of Ireland, is a lively and vibrant destination all year round. A hub for both culture and craic! From dazzling events and world-class festivals to a soul-satisfying food and drink scene. There’s a treasure trove of adventures just waiting to be discovered.

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[H2] Plan your trip to
Galway
Are you visiting Galway soon? Below you’ll find a selection of seasonal highlights from
the best things to do to hidden gems and more!

[IMG: A 2-Day Galway Maritime Itinerary: 48 Hours exploring Galway’s Coastline]
[H3] A 2-Day Galway Maritime Itinerary: 48 Hours exploring Galway’s Coastline

[H2] A 2-Day Galway Maritime Itinerary: 48 Hours exploring Galway’s Coastline

[IMG: A Two-Day Galway Itinerary of Arts & Culture: 48 Hours in Ireland’s Creative Capital]
[H3] A Two-Day Galway Itinerary of Arts & Culture: 48 Hours in Ireland’s Creative Capital

[H2] A Two-Day Galway Itinerary of Arts & Culture: 48 Hours in Ireland’s Creative Capital

[IMG: 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Using your Irish: Galway as Gaeilge]
[H3] 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Using your Irish: Galway as Gaeilge

[H2] 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Using your Irish: Galway as Gaeilge

[IMG: 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Families: Child-Friendly Activities]
[H3] 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Families: Child-Friendly Activities

[H2] 2-Day Galway Itinerary for Families: Child-Friendly Activities

[IMG: The Perfect Itinerary for a Rainy Day in Galway]
[H3] The Perfect Itinerary for a Rainy Day in Galway

[H2] The Perfect Itinerary for a Rainy Day in Galway

[H2] Itineraries
[H2] Galway Voices:
Stories from the Edge
Introducing ‘Galway Voices: Stories from the Edge’, a youth-led digital storytelling project amplifying the voices of young people living and creating in Galway’s Westend, offering a contemporary lens on place, community and the city’s evolving night-time culture.

Read More!

[H2] Discover The Wild Atlantic Way
[H3] The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most scenic coastal route, stretching 2,600km along the country’s dramatic western shoreline. Its rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and endless Atlantic views make it a must-see for travellers. This Galway-focused guide highlights top stops to help you plan an inspiring, adventure-filled journey on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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[H2] Food, fun and all the rest... Here are the best bits of Galway!

[IMG: A Shopping Guide: Galway]
[H3] A Shopping Guide: Galway's Best Clothes Stores

[H2] A Shopping Guide: Galway's Best Clothes Stores

[IMG: Galway, Ireland: The Ultimate Travel Guide - Everything to See, Eat & Do]
[H3] Galway, Ireland: The Ultimate Travel Guide - Everything to See, Eat & Do

[H2] Galway, Ireland: The Ultimate Travel Guide - Everything to See, Eat & Do

[IMG: Take care your Health and Wellbeing in Galway in 2026]
[H3] Take care your Health and Wellbeing in Galway in 2026

[H2] Take care your Health and Wellbeing in Galway in 2026

[IMG: The best bars for a live traditional Irish music session in Galway]
[H3] The best bars for a live traditional Irish music session in Galway

[H2] The best bars for a live traditional Irish music session in Galway

[IMG: Galway]
[H3] Galway's Best Gyms

[H2] Galway's Best Gyms

[IMG: The best Galway hotels for families]
[H3] The best Galway hotels for families

[H2] The best Galway hotels for families

[IMG: Sustainable Shopping in Galway: The Best Eco-Friendly Stores in Galway]
[H3] Sustainable Shopping in Galway: The Best Eco-Friendly Stores in Galway

[H2] Sustainable Shopping in Galway: The Best Eco-Friendly Stores in Galway

[IMG: Where to get the Best Coffee in Galway]
[H3] Where to get the Best Coffee in Galway

[H2] Where to get the Best Coffee in Galway

[IMG: The Galway Foodie Bucket List]
[H3] The Galway Foodie Bucket List

[H2] The Galway Foodie Bucket List

[H2] There's so much to discover all around county Galway... Where will you explore next?

[H3]
Galway International Arts Festival announce full 2026 programme
Galway International Arts Festival 2026 has announced one of its most ambitious programmes to date, featuring theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, street spectacle and talks over 14 exciting days and nights. Find out more here…
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Discover More
[H3]
Expression of Interest: Activating Underused Spaces in Galway By Night
Galway City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from businesses with unused or underused spaces that could be activated between 6pm and 2am as part of the Galway City Night‑Time Economy Programme. Find out how to get involved here…
Read More

Discover More
[H3]
Blas na Bealtaine Returns for a Month-Long Celebration of Galway’s Food and Culture
Blas na Bealtaine, the annual food festival from Blas na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway, returns this May with a month-long celebration.
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[H3]
Galway’s Red Line Comedy Club Turns One
This May, Red Line Comedy Club celebrates its 1st birthday, and if its debut year is anything to go by, they won’t be keeping things low-key.
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[H2] Find Great Offers
Take the stress out of planning your visit to Galway by availing of any one of these fantastic packages and offers.

[IMG: West of Ireland Discovery Package at The g Hotel & Spa]
[H3] West of Ireland Discovery Package at The g Hotel & Spa

[H2] West of Ireland Discovery Package at The g Hotel & Spa

[IMG: Powered Nights - VIP Packages at Electric]
[H3] Powered Nights - VIP Packages at Electric

[H2] Powered Nights - VIP Packages at Electric

[IMG: Kids Go Free Summer 2026 at Dunlin Village]
[H3] Kids Go Free Summer 2026 at Dunlin Village

[H2] Kids Go Free Summer 2026 at Dunlin Village

[IMG: Easter Bed and Breakfast at The Clayton Hotel]
[H3] Easter Bed and Breakfast at The Clayton Hotel

[H2] Easter Bed and Breakfast at The Clayton Hotel

[IMG: Stay & Savour 2 Nights at Galway Bay Hotel]
[H3] Stay & Savour 2 Nights at Galway Bay Hotel

[H2] Stay & Savour 2 Nights at Galway Bay Hotel

[IMG: Valentine]
[H3] Valentine's Romantic Retreat at The Ardilaun Hotel

[H2] Valentine's Romantic Retreat at The Ardilaun Hotel

[IMG: Golf Getaway Offer at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa]
[H3] Golf Getaway Offer at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa

[H2] Golf Getaway Offer at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa

[IMG: Cruise & Cruise at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel]
[H3] Cruise & Cruise at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

[H2] Cruise & Cruise at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

[IMG: The Pullman Experience - 4-Courses & 2 Night Stay at Glenlo]
[H3] The Pullman Experience - 4-Courses & 2 Night Stay at Glenlo

[H2] The Pullman Experience - 4-Courses & 2 Night Stay at Glenlo

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[H2] Discover Galway
Food & Drink

Places to Stay

Shopping

48 hours in galway

Culture

What's On

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[H2] Explore Galway City's Night-Time Economy

Let's Go!

[H2] The Best Outdoor Adventures & Activities in Galway
Whether you’re taking a guided tour of Galway City or hiking along scenic trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy. Explore Galway’s breathtaking landscapes with boat trips, nature walks, and exciting tours for every type of adventurer.

Experience Galway by Night - This is Galway

[H2] Experience Galway by Night
Galway by night is vibrant and diverse, and there’s so much to see and do. Discover it all here… We have partnered with Galway City Council to showcase its full potential. By acting as a central hub for all things night-time in our city, we aim to unveil Galway City’s evening charm!

[IMG: Galway-City-Council-Logo]

[IMG: Galway-by-Night-Logo]

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[H3]
Introducing Galway City Night-Time Economy
Introducing Galway City Night-Time Economy, a collaborative action plan designed to build on and promote night-time culture and economy.
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[H3]
Expression of Interest: Activating Underused Spaces in Galway By Night
Galway City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from businesses with unused or underused spaces that could be activated between 6pm and 2am as part of the Galway City Night‑Time Economy Programme. Find out how to get involved here…
Read More

Discover More
[H3]
Café Lates 2026: Galway Cafés called for Expressions of Interest
Galway City Council has announced the launch of Café Lates 2026, an expanded Night-Time Economy pilot initiative supporting cafés to extend their opening hours and deliver non-alcohol-focused evening experiences across Galway City. Find out more here…
Read More

Discover More

[H2] Gaillimh Ah-Boo!
As part of Galway City’s inaugural Gaillimh Ah-Boo programme, the Galway City Council Night-Time Economy developed and commissioned three creative, participatory projects designed to celebrate Samhain and enhance the city’s vibrant night-time experience.

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[H2] Explore the latest events in Galway
Whether it’s art, food, music, film, sport, or culture: Galway’s events are what make the city so special… Our what’s on guide highlight’s the exciting events and activities happening in Galway. So let us be your go-to resource for planning your evenings in the city.

[IMG: Halloween at Sally Longs]
[H3] Halloween at Sally Longs

[H2] Halloween at Sally Longs
FUN, MUSIC
Oct 31, 2025

[IMG: Little Shop of Horrors at Town Hall Theatre]
[H3] Little Shop of Horrors at Town Hall Theatre

[H2] Little Shop of Horrors at Town Hall Theatre
MUSIC, THEATRE
Feb 24, 2026

[IMG: Dr David Coleman on Ready for Anything: Building Emotional Resilience in Children and Teenagers at Town Hall Theatre]
[H3] Dr David Coleman on Ready for Anything: Building Emotional Resilience in Children and Teenagers at Town Hall Theatre

[H2] Dr David Coleman on Ready for Anything: Building Emotional Resilience in Children and Teenagers at Town Hall Theatre
TALK
Oct 19, 2026

[IMG: Going Coastal: Free House at Bierhaus]
[H3] Going Coastal: Free House at Bierhaus

[H2] Going Coastal: Free House at Bierhaus
FESTIVAL, MUSIC
Nov 29, 2024

[IMG: Gold In The Water at Town Hall Theatre]
[H3] Gold In The Water at Town Hall Theatre

[H2] Gold In The Water at Town Hall Theatre
MUSIC, THEATRE
Nov 07, 2025

[IMG: One Take Challenge 2025 at Seven Bar]
[H3] One Take Challenge 2025 at Seven Bar

[H2] One Take Challenge 2025 at Seven Bar
FILM
May 28, 2025

[IMG: Áine Gallagher presents For the Love of Milseáin at Town Hall Studio]
[H3] Áine Gallagher presents For the Love of Milseáin at Town Hall Studio

[H2] Áine Gallagher presents For the Love of Milseáin at Town Hall Studio
COMEDY, THEATRE
Mar 14, 2025

[IMG: Weekend Lineup in The Quays Galway]
[H3] Weekend Lineup in The Quays Galway

[H2] Weekend Lineup in The Quays Galway
MUSIC
Apr 10, 2026

[IMG: Town Hall Theatre & Galway Theatre Festival present Connemarvellous at the Town Hall Studio]
[H3] Town Hall Theatre & Galway Theatre Festival present Connemarvellous at the Town Hall Studio

[H2] Town Hall Theatre & Galway Theatre Festival present Connemarvellous at the Town Hall Studio
FESTIVAL, THEATRE
May 05, 2026

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[H2] Experience the best of Galway by night
[H3] Galway by night is alive with spectacular and diverse activities. The city is aglow with cultural events, night-time entertainment, and community.

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[H2] Enjoy the best of Galway

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What Are Cookies
Like many websites, the Herschel Sites use “cookies” to maintain a record of your visit. A cookie is a small text file that is transferred by a web server and stored on the hard drive of your computer or mobile device. It can only be read by the server that sent it to you. This information does not identify you personally. Cookies help us improve the Herschel Sites and optimize your experience.
We use cookies for a variety of reasons, including those detailed below. A number of the cookies we use only last for the duration of your browsing session and expire when you close your browser. Other cookies we use to remember you will last longer. Some cookies are set by us and others are set by third-parties who support or deliver services for us.
This Cookies Policy was last updated on January 5, 2018. All capitalized terms used in this Cookies Policy that are not defined have the meanings assigned to them in our Terms of Use.
We reserve the right to revise this Cookies Policy at any time by posting an updated version on the Herschel Sites, without further notice to you. BY USING THE THIS IS GALWAY SITE, YOU CONSENT TO OUR USE OF COOKIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS POLICY. Instructions for disabling cookies can be found at the end of this policy.
HOW WE USE COOKIES
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Some cookies are necessary for core website functionalities and to help with navigation. For example, they are used to remember your password so you can log into your account securely, and when you are logged into your account, cookies remember this while you are browsing so you don’t have to log in each time you visit a new page.  Required cookies are also used when you complete an order (to remember what is in your shopping cart between pages) or sign up for an account (when you input information on separate pages). These cookies are also important to verify your access to secure payment pages. Required cookies are typically removed or cleared when you log out; however, in some cases they may be stored to remember your site preferences.
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We use some cookies to improve the functionality of the Herschel Sites and customize how our website runs according to your preferences. In order to achieve this, we set cookies to make sure you have an optimal experience on the site.
For example, cookies may be used to remember if you are already registered for email subscriptions from Herschel Supply, to remember your preferences, such as your region, currency and favorite products, and to decide whether to show you Content that is only be available to certain users. Functional cookies also make sure that when you submit data through a form, such as on our contact pages, we will be able to remember your details for future correspondence.
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Advertising offsets the cost of running the Herschel Sites to allow us to continue developing the Content and provide products at the best price possible. They also make sure that Herschel Supply advertisements on other websites are tailored to your interests.
For more information on Google AdSense see the official Google advertising privacy policy: https://www.google.com/policies/technologies/ads/. To opt out of Google AdSense, you can manage your Google advertisement preferences here: http://www.google.com/ads/preferences.
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[H2] Piece Together Your IDEAL Getaway
Having found your favourite spots to see on your next visit to Galway, it’s time to put the wheels in motion. Share your discoveries with your friends and family, get booking and prepare for an incredibly memorable trip.

[H2] Enjoy? Share with your friends...

[H2]
Party Time Kids Show Galway Loughrea
Magic Show, Mini Disco, Kpop Rumi Tribute, Circus Skills, Puppets, Dancing, Games, Prizes, Free Raffle and more. Plus Adults Go Free
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[H2]
What To Do In Galway This Weekend
Wondering what’s on in Galway this weekend? Here are all the best things to do in The City of the Tribes over the next few days…
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[H2]
Erin Fornoff In We Are an Archipelago
In We Are an Archipelago, Erin Fornoff gathers voices like scattered islands, shaping them into a living map of connection, distance and belonging.
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[H2]
Grilling Me Softly: The Best Steaks in Galway
Led by talented chefs, and known for their welcoming atmospheres, these six restaurants offer the top steaks in Galway…
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[H2]
HERmetics – How Painters Think Exhibition Launch at Outset Gallery
HERmetics – How Painters Think is a group exhibition exploring the aesthetic nomadism of painting launching Friday 22nd.
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[H2]
Galway Pride Pub Quiz at Massimo’s
Pub Quiz Fundraiser at Massimo on 26th of May Great prizes & all proceeds support Galway Pride 2026.
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[H2] Galway Voices: Stories from the Edge
Introducing 'Galway Voices: Stories from the Edge', a youth-led digital storytelling project amplifying the voices of young people living and creating in Galway’s Westend, offering a contemporary lens on place, community and the city’s evolving night-time culture.
Read More →

HomeNews and Blog

[H2] GALWAY has so many stories to tell

Having found your favourite spots to see on your next visit to Galway, it’s time to put the wheels in motion. Share your discoveries with your friends and family, get booking and prepare for an incredibly memorable trip.

Food & DrinkGalway HistoryDiscoverInsider GuidesEventsCultureGood NewsLifestyleArtXplore LocalSleepFamilyFestivalsGalway StoriesShoppingCompetitionsSportHealth & FitnessMusicFilmRecipesChristmasStudentIrish LanguageBusinessOffersStoriesIrish DesignWhat's OnQuizNewsOutdoorsCharityReview

[H3]
Celebrating Irish AIDS Day in Galway on June 15th

May 18, 2026
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Find out how to get involved in Irish AIDS Day in Galway on June 15th…
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[H3]
What To Do In Galway This Weekend

May 18, 2026
(more…)
Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We’ve got you covered! From markets to tastings, workshops to wrestling, there really is something happening to suit everybody in Galway this weekend. Check out our ultimate guide to the best events happening in Galway this weekend and start planning your perfect getaway!
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[H3]
Grilling Me Softly: The Best Steaks in Galway

May 15, 2026
(more…)
When it comes to an unforgettable food experience in the West of Ireland, few dishes rival a perfectly cooked steak. Galway, with its vibrant culinary scene, is a haven for steak lovers. From dry-aged rib eyes seared to perfection to locally sourced fillets served with inventive takes on the classic peppercorn sauce, these are our picks for the best steaks in Galway.
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[H3]
Enjoy Authentic Tastes of Italy: Galway’s Best Italian Restaurants

May 15, 2026
(more…)
There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a night of authentic Italian food in Galway. From the aroma of freshly baked pizza to creamy pasta dishes and tasty antipasti, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Looking for the best Italian restaurants in Galway? We’ve rounded up top spots where you can enjoy all this deliciousness and more. Check it out right here…
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[H3]
Boogie Nights: The Top Dance Floors in Galway

May 14, 2026
(more…)
Discover the best dance floors in Galway with our ultimate guide to the city’s top nightlife hotspots. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away with friends or experience Galway’s vibrant club scene, these venues promise unforgettable nights in the City of Tribes. Check out our handpicked favourites below and get ready to let loose on the most exciting dance floors Galway has to offer!
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[H3]
Galway’s Best Galleries

May 14, 2026
(more…)
Galway is famous for many things with theatrical and visual arts being a prominent draw for tourists to the city and county. At the core of its buzzing art scene lies Galway’s many intimate galleries and exhibition spaces. These are the venues where both emerging talents and established artists, local and international, proudly showcase their work. Keep on reading below to discover where in Galway city and county you’ll discover Galway’s best art galleries…
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[H3]
The Best Galway Spots for Vegan & Vegetarian Goodness

May 14, 2026
(more…)
If there’s one thing Galway excels at, it’s catering to plant-based food lovers. From cosy cafés to vibrant restaurants, our lovely county is home to some of the best vegan and vegetarian eateries in Ireland. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious foodie, or just in the mood for a meat-free meal, these top vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafés in Galway are a must-visit.
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[H3]
The Best Ice Cream in Galway: Great Spots to Get an Ice Cream on a Sunny Day

May 14, 2026
(more…)
Whether you’re a local looking to cool off or a visitor exploring the vibrant streets of Galway, finding the best ice cream in town is a must-do treat. From traditional gelato shops to quirky ice cream parlours serving up unique flavours, Galway offers a delicious variety of ice cream spots that will appeal to your sweet tooth. Here’s the inside scoop to the best places for ice cream in Galway, perfect for sunny days, family outings, or a refreshing treat after exploring the city.
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[H3]
Discover What’s on in Galway: Upcoming Galway Festivals and Events

May 11, 2026
(more…)
Looking for the best festivals in Galway? Dive into This is Galway’s ultimate events and festival calendar – your new go-to guide for everything happening in this vibrant city and beyond. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or you’re a local searching for something new to attend, you’ll find all the top festivals, events and community celebrations right here.
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[H3]
Howya! Emer Whelan (Artist)

May 11, 2026
(more…)
Did you know that Galway is home to a diverse array of fascinating characters? This vibrant city is full of unique personalities, and we’re giving you the chance to meet some of them. Join us as we say Howya! to some of Galway’s most creative figures. This month, we had the pleasure of chatting with Galway artist Emer Whelan about her stunning new collection and to hear about the places that inspire her art…
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This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

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Cookie Policy
Cookie Policy
What Are Cookies
Like many websites, the Herschel Sites use “cookies” to maintain a record of your visit. A cookie is a small text file that is transferred by a web server and stored on the hard drive of your computer or mobile device. It can only be read by the server that sent it to you. This information does not identify you personally. Cookies help us improve the Herschel Sites and optimize your experience.
We use cookies for a variety of reasons, including those detailed below. A number of the cookies we use only last for the duration of your browsing session and expire when you close your browser. Other cookies we use to remember you will last longer. Some cookies are set by us and others are set by third-parties who support or deliver services for us.
This Cookies Policy was last updated on January 5, 2018. All capitalized terms used in this Cookies Policy that are not defined have the meanings assigned to them in our Terms of Use.
We reserve the right to revise this Cookies Policy at any time by posting an updated version on the Herschel Sites, without further notice to you. BY USING THE THIS IS GALWAY SITE, YOU CONSENT TO OUR USE OF COOKIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS POLICY. Instructions for disabling cookies can be found at the end of this policy.
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Eat - This is Galway guide to restaurants, cafes & coffee shops.

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Galway International Arts Festival announce full 2026 programme

Art//Culture//Events//Festivals
[H1] Galway International Arts Festival announce full 2026 programme

Ado Lyons - May 07, 2026
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Celebrating across the city and county, Galway International Arts Festival 2026 has announced one of its most ambitious programmes to date, featuring theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, street spectacle and talks over 14 exciting days and nights. Find out more here...
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Carnation, a breath-taking circus spectacular from NoFit State, unleashes dazzling skill and heart-stopping moments, with live music and incredible imagery [from the team behind the sold-out Festival sensation Sabotage at GIAF 25]; a new opera, Testament from Tarik O’Regan, Colm Tóibín and Irish National Opera; one of Australia’s most electrifying choreographers Stephanie Lake with Colossus; monumental and intimate sculpture, including newly commissioned work, from Sean Henry; Druid’s new take on Dion Boucicault’s The Shaughraun, directed by the Tony Award-winning Garry Hynes; a giant whale and ship wandering the streets of Galway City; a stellar music line-up including the Patti Smith Quartet, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, James, The Flaming Lips, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison Live at the Heineken® Big Top; artists Dolores Lyne, Jackie Nickerson and Ireland at Venice; musicians Lloyd Cole, Badly Drawn Boy, Sprints, Puerto Candelaria, Sexy Tadhg, The Metropolitan Flute Orchestra and Tolü Makay; and First Thought Talks featuring Bel Trew, Fintan O’Toole, Ben Brantley, Lara Marlowe and a host of speakers, are amongst just some of the highlights of this year’s programme.
Galway International Arts Festival Chief Executive John Crumlish said; "This year’s Festival is a celebration of great ideas, creativity and talent. It’s about the very best of who we are, and we hope people will join us in celebrating that in what promises to be a great two weeks in July."
Artistic Director Paul Fahy said; "Galway International Arts Festival 2026 brings together an extraordinary range of theatre, dance, circus, music, visual art and ideas across the city and county. In a programme shaped by ambition, curiosity and collaboration, artists from Ireland and around the world present work that is bold, imaginative and alive to the moment. We invite audiences to experience Galway as a place of discovery, encounter and shared imagination over two unforgettable weeks in July."
THEATRE, OPERA, CIRCUS & DANCE
NoFit State return to Galway with the electrifying Carnation, a thrilling new circus spectacular of daring aerial work, live music and cinematic imagery, in their fully-seated NoFit State Big Top at Nimmo’s Pier, following their sold-out GIAF 2025 smash-hit Sabotage. Other international highlights include the Irish premiere of Stephanie Lake’s Colossus, where 50 dancers move as one in this monumental, hypnotic and visually stunning production; and direct from a five-month New York run following sold-out seasons across the globe, Pony Cam’s Burnout Paradise is a high-octane theatrical phenomenon combining endurance, comedy and performance in a breathless race against time.
Druid presents a landmark new production of Dion Boucicault’s The Shaughraun, directed by Garry Hynes, bringing together a stellar ensemble cast in a sweeping tale of identity, land and resistance.
New Irish work features prominently with several exciting world premiere productions including; Fishamble with Eva O’Connor’s For Dolores, which bursts onto the stage with energy, risk and a darkly comic heart, in a GIAF co-production; Testament, a major new chamber opera from Irish National Opera with music by Tarik O’Regan and a libretto by Colm Tóibín based on his acclaimed novella The Testament of Mary; while Brú Theatre’s Pádraicín sees Galway become a moving stage in an immersive promenade performance inspired by Pádraic Ó Conaire.
The Festival continues its commitment to bold and immersive forms with Enda Walsh and Paul Fahy’s Dressing Room, a new installation in the acclaimed Rooms series; Unqualified Design Studio’s Without Sin, a contemporary confessional for the modern sinner, is an installation for an audience of just two; while Darkfield’s Flight invites audiences to step inside a 40ft shipping container transformed into a realistic Airbus A320 economy cabin.
Dance and interdisciplinary work span intimate and large-scale encounters - from New Zealand come Trick of the Light’s The Bookbinder offering a spellbinding theatrical experience blending puppetry, storytelling and live action, and Chloe Loftus Dance’s striking and beautiful outdoor aerial duet The Air Between Us; to Ireland’s John Scott with Human Geography, a powerful community-led project with Galway’s migrant communities. Elsewhere, Decadent presents Jim Cartwright’s Two in the intimate setting of O’Connor’s Pub in Salthill; while a new Irish-language musical SAOIRSE at An Taibhdhearc by Shauna Carrick brings fresh energy and voice to the stage.
[IMG: Theatre at GIAF 26]
MUSIC
The Heineken® Big Top returns to Fisheries Field with a standout programme of international and Irish artists including the Patti Smith Quartet, Sophie Ellis-Bextor with special guest Kate Nash, James, The Saw Doctors, and The Flaming Lips with special guests Mercury Rev who will all bring unforgettable live performances to the Festival. In a special double bill Emeli Sandé and James Morrison share the stage, while Irish acts Bell X1, Block Rockin Beats and Cian Ducrot complete a vibrant Heineken® Big Top line-up.
Across the city GIAF’s live music programme features performances from The Wellermen, Gwenno, David Kitt, Lloyd Cole and Sprints, alongside a diverse range of Irish and international artists at the Róisín Dubh. At Monroe’s Live, highlights include Badly Drawn Boy, Lucy Rose, Tolü Makay and Sexy Tadhg in addition to many others, alongside the ever-popular Traditional Music Showcases. St. Nicholas’ Church plays host to Paige Dashner and The Metropolitan Flute Orchestra, and Galway’s ConTempo Quartet with Séosamh and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta.
VISUAL ARTS
Highlights of the Galway International Arts Festival 2026 visual arts programme include Presence, a major exhibition by sculptor Sean Henry, internationally renowned for his quietly monumental figures that transform the everyday into something uncanny and deeply human. The exhibition is installed at the Festival Gallery and outdoors at Eyre Square and Middle Arch, Claddagh. Assembly, Ireland at Venice – Ireland’s hugely acclaimed Pavilion from the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture, is presented at the O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway.
Other major exhibitions include Jackie Nickerson’s Stateside a layered photographic portrait of contemporary America; Lorraine Tuck’s Limbo, exploring histories of loss and remembrance through stark landscapes; and Dolores Lyne’s Rebel Kin: To the Letter, which draws on Civil War correspondence to create an intimate reflection on personal and political memory, all at the Printworks Gallery.
At Interface, Lough Inagh in Connemara is Aleana Egan’s A Maritime Child, which responds to the site’s past as a former salmon hatchery, while Gertrude Degenhardt’s Ómós at the Kenny Gallery celebrates the late artist’s distinctive graphic work. Elsewhere, exhibitions include James Wellwood at Engage Art Studios and a 40th anniversary show from Artspace Studios.
New work by Luke Reidy at the Outset Gallery, Sioban Piercy at Thoor Ballylee, and Tadhg Ó Cuirrín at 126 Artist-Run Gallery further reflect the Festival’s commitment to contemporary practice rooted in place, experimentation and lived experience.
[IMG: Visual Arts at GIAF 26]
FIRST THOUGHT TALKS
The First Thought Talks series, presented with the University of Galway, brings leading voices together to explore creativity and the defining issues of our time. Guests will include journalists and broadcasters Bel Trew, Fintan O’Toole, Dearbhail McDonald, Lara Marlowe, Marion McKeone, Adrian Weckler, Sally Hayden and Catriona Crowe, the First Thought curator; artists, writers and directors Garry Hynes, Sean Henry, Martina Evans, Theo Dorgan, Andrew O’Hagan and Paula Meehan, academics Sadhbh O’Neill, Roger Derham and Catriona Clear, author and critic Ben Brantley, amongst a host of others. Topics will include recent wars in the Ukraine, Gaza and the Middle East; Irish neutrality; Trump’s presidency and America in 2026; where we are with AI; Ireland in the 1920s and 1970s; creative theatrical partnerships; a love of song; climate change and retrofitting our homes.
STREET SPECTACLE
Galway International Arts Festival’s free Street Art Programme brings the city alive each year and this summer sees the incredible Compagnie PPP roam the city’s medieval streets with a fantastic spectacle based on Moby Dick featuring a giant whale and ship in The Whale Street; while Guru Dudu bring their ever-popular Silent Disco Walking Tours to town.
FESTIVAL GARDEN
The Festival Garden returns to Eyre Square, bringing the heart of the Festival to the centre of the city. A favourite gathering spot for artists and audiences alike, it’s the perfect place to meet, pause and soak up the atmosphere between events. This year the Garden is also host to two Festival shows, Flight and Without Sin, and is the starting point for Brú’s Pádraicín and Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours.
COMEDY
Comedy returns with The Laughter Loft at The King’s Head, featuring a line-up of leading Irish comedians, including Emma Doran, Foil Arms and Hog, Chris Kent and Enya Martin.

The Festival also continues to move forward on its journey to be ever more sustainable and accessible, to continue to be a platform for debate, an opportunity for voices from across communities to tell their stories and share their experiences and to encourage everyone to be part of the artistic celebrations.
Fáilte Ireland Head of Festivals and Events, Ciara Sugrue said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support the Galway International Arts Festival. Festivals and events like this create memorable cultural experiences that encourage visitors from Ireland and overseas to discover all that we have to offer across the country. Our investment in the Galway International Arts Festival strengthens  Galway’s appeal as a must-visit destination within the region, while generating meaningful economic opportunities for local businesses and contributing to the sustainable growth of tourism in the Galway region.”
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and Education Partner University of Galway.
BOOKING
Booking opens 10am Friday 8 May at www.giaf.ie
Or in person from Wednesday 24th of June at the Festival Box Office, Woodquay Court, Woodquay, Galway
Keep updated and find out more by following Galway International Arts Festival on social media.
Instagram @GalwayIntArts
X @GalwayIntArts
Facebook @GalwayInternationalArtsFest

Published on 2026-05-07 10:38:55

Updated on 2026-05-07 12:59:35

Tagged:
Arts, Culture, Festival, Galway, Galway international arts festival, GIAF, MABFG

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