GALWAY events: Upcoming festivals in Ireland’s county Galway

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Galway (city and county) from 20 March to 1 May 2026, showcasing a rich mix of literary, traditional music, theatre, arts, comedy, and outdoor sporting events across Galway City, Connemara, and the islands. This period captures post-St. Patrick’s Day energy with cultural depth along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Major Festivals

Galway Gr√° Festival (19-22 March, main events from 20 March): A celebration of love in all forms-inspired by Nora Barnacle-held in Galway City’s Latin Quarter. It features storytelling, live music, walking tours, comedy, food, theatre, poetry, and a matchmaking service for a romantic, community-focused vibe.
Clifden Traditional Music Festival (9-12 April): A lively weekend in Clifden, Connemara, now in its 16th year, dedicated to Irish traditional music, song, and sean-n√≥s dance. Highlights include youth sessions, concerts, workshops, pub session trails, busking competitions, a 5K run/walk, and street entertainment.
C√∫irt International Festival of Literature (21-26 April): One of Europe’s oldest and most respected literary festivals (41st edition), transforming Galway City with readings, workshops, discussions, book launches, and performances. The 2026 theme “Finding the Words” explores how literature helps articulate personal and global experiences, featuring acclaimed Irish and international authors.
Galway Theatre Festival (starts 1 May; main run 30 April – 9 May, with kick-off events within the period): A dynamic showcase of independent theatre, circus, dance, puppetry, spectacle, and storytelling across city venues, highlighting emerging Irish talent and innovative performances.

Arts & Cultural Events

Generous ways Exhibition (running through 26 April): A group exhibition at Galway Arts Centre, curated from the IMMA collection, exploring the physical and symbolic weight of stone through contemporary art.
SYNAESTHESIA (10 April): An immersive Irish-language theatre experience at Nuns Island Theatre, blending live music, painting, and interactive projections for a multisensory performance.
Exposition Mirka Voisin (17 April): A temporary art exhibition at The Secret Garden featuring unique objects and works by the artist.

Music & Entertainment

Metal Night at The Cellar (20 March): A heavy metal showcase at The Cellar featuring bands Their Last Stop, Black Shuck, Skellig, and Bullhead.
Aoife Dunne: Good Grief (21 March): The debut comedy show from rising Irish star Aoife Dunne at Black Box Theatre, following her sold-out tour.
The Galway Record Fair (26 April): A free-entry event for vinyl and CD collectors at Sally Longs Rock Bar, with buying, selling, and trading across all genres.

Outdoor & Sports

Spring Garden Festival (29 March): A seasonal gardening fair at Claregalway Castle, featuring displays, expert talks, and live music by the ConTempo Quartet.
Inis O√≠rr Wild Atlantic Island Run (18 April): A scenic running event on Inis O√≠rr (Aran Islands) in Galway Bay, combining fitness with stunning coastal views.
Connemara International Marathon (19 April): A hugely popular scenic road race through Connemara’s wilderness, offering full marathon, half marathon, and ultra (39.3 miles) distances, attracting thousands of runners

Annual & recurring festivals

County Galway is a cultural powerhouse, hosting some of Ireland’s most famous international events alongside deeply traditional festivals in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

Múscraí Folk Festival (January): A winter gathering in the city and surrounding areas featuring traditional folk sessions and storytelling.
TedFest (February): A quirky, fan-led celebration of the sitcom Father Ted held on Inis Mór (Aran Islands), featuring “Lovely Girls” competitions and priest-themed sports.
Galway Food Festival (March/April): A multi-day Easter celebration of the region’s gastronomy featuring open-air markets, food trails, and celebrity chef demos.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature (April): One of Europe’s premier literary events, bringing world-class poets, novelists, and journalists to Galway City for readings and debates.
Galway Early Music Festival (May): A celebration of medieval, renaissance, and baroque music performed in historic venues across the city.
Connemara Mussel Festival (May): Held in Tullycross, this festival celebrates the local Killary mussels with professional cookery demonstrations and family activities.
Galway Theatre Festival (May): A showcase of independent and experimental theatre, featuring new works by local and national performers.
Galway Session (June): A week-long celebration of traditional Irish music taking over the city’s pubs and streets.
Galway International Arts Festival (July): Ireland’s leading arts festival, featuring a massive program of giant street spectacles, international music acts at the “Big Top,” and world-class theatre.
Galway Races (July/August): A world-famous seven-day horse racing festival at Ballybrit, renowned for its high-stakes racing and the glamorous “Ladies’ Day.”
Omey Races (August): A unique “beach racing” event held on the sands of Omey Island at low tide, featuring local ponies and horses.
Clifden Arts Festival (September): The longest-running community arts festival in Ireland, bringing high-quality literature, music, and visual arts to the capital of Connemara.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (September): One of the world’s most prestigious food festivals, featuring the World Oyster Opening Championship and plenty of Guinness and seafood.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children (October): A dedicated arts week for young audiences featuring world-class theatre, dance, and creative workshops.
Galway Comedy Festival (October): A week of laughter featuring top Irish and international stand-up comedians in venues across the city.
Spirit of Samhain (October/November): A celebration of the ancient Celtic new year featuring fire parades, storytelling, and traditional “Puca” folklore.