Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) returns for its 48th edition from 14-27 July 2025, presenting a diverse programme of theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, and talks across Galway city and county. Led by Artistic Director Paul Fahy and Chief Executive John Crumlish, the festival, supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Heineken, and University of Galway, will feature over 500 artists in more than 200 events. Tickets are available via www.giaf.ie or the Festival Box Office at Eyre Square (+353 91 509 700).
Founded in 1978 by the University College Galway Arts Society and the Galway Arts Group, the festival began as a modest week-long event, initially called “Galway Arts Society’s Week of Craic,” with a €1,000 budget from the Arts Council. Key founders included Ollie Jennings, who played a pivotal role in its early vision, and Bill Whelan, later renowned for composing Riverdance. The festival aimed to showcase local talent and enrich Galway’s cultural scene, evolving over decades into one of Europe’s notable arts festivals.
Renamed the Galway International Arts Festival in 2014 to reflect its global scope, it has grown to attract over 400,000 visitors annually, as recorded in 2024. The festival has co-produced works like Enda Walsh’s Rooms series, which toured to London, New York, and Sydney, and introduced initiatives like the First Thought Talks discussion platform.
The 2025 festival, running for two weeks, features a broad programme across multiple venues, including the Heineken Big Top at Fisheries Field, Town Hall Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Festival Gallery. Highlights include:
- Music: The Heineken Big Top hosts Irish folk trio Amble (16 July), Sophie Ellis-Bextor with Natasha Bedingfield (17 July), Block Rockin Beats (18 July), The Mary Wallopers (19 July), Kingfishr (20 July), Picture This (21-22 July, with the second show added due to demand), and Mogwai (24 July). The Festival Club at The Galmont Hotel offers nightly performances, and the Galway Hooker Secret Sessions (18-26 July) feature free music events. A Traditional Music Showcase at Monroe’s Live (17-26 July) highlights Irish artists.
- Theatre: Druid Theatre marks its 50th anniversary with a double bill of J.M. Synge’s Riders to the Sea and Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Town Hall Theatre. The Cave, a black comedy by Kevin Barry, directed by Catriona McLaughlin and starring Tommy Tiernan, runs at Town Hall Theatre with an ISL-interpreted performance on 24 July at 2pm. Scorched Earth by Luke Murphy, a crime-drama dance piece, shows at Black Box Theatre with a captioned performance on 17 July at 7pm. Oh … by Mikel Murfi, performed underwater at Galway Atlantaquaria, is a GIAF co-production.
- Circus and Dance: Sabotage by NoFit State, a circus production with live music, runs at the NoFit State Big Top at Nimmo’s Pier (11-27 July). The Genesis by Copenhagen Collective, featuring 17 acrobats, is at Black Box Theatre (22-26 July). Dimanche by Focus and Chaliwaté offers visual storytelling at Town Hall Theatre.
- Visual Arts: Burning Down the House by David Mach, a site-specific installation, is at the Festival Gallery with a touch tour on 17 July at 10am. What Lies Beneath the Rubble by Eman Mohammed addresses Palestinian family survival, and exhibitions by Erin Lawlor and Richard Long focus on ecology and cultural memory. The Festival Printworks Gallery hosts a free installation on Irish ash trees (14-27 July, 11am-6pm, extended to 8pm Thursday-Saturday).
- Talks and Literature: First Thought Talks include Eoghan Daltun and Saoirse McHugh discussing conservation at Bailey Allen Hall (26 July, 2pm). Additional talks cover climate and cultural themes.
- Street Spectacles: Microcosmos by Planet Vapeur features a giant mechanical insect, and Six by Flip Fabrique performs in Eyre Square. A silent disco walking tour (16-27 July) explores Galway’s streets.
- Family Events: Story of a Day – Scéal Lae at The Cube, University of Galway (19 July, 3:30pm), offers music and storytelling with ISL and relaxed performances.
Venues include Fisheries Field, Nimmo’s Pier, Eyre Square, and University of Galway, with accessibility features like ISL interpretation, captioned performances, touch tours, and sensory backpacks. Most venues are wheelchair-accessible, though some partner locations have limitations; details are at www.giaf.ie. Tickets range from €10-€40, with free events like the Festival Garden’s pop-up performances. No camping is offered, but accommodations like The Connacht Hotel are nearby. Visitors should use public transport due to limited parking, arriving 10 minutes early for events. Cash is advised for smaller vendors, with updates on the festival app or social media.
The festival encourages sustainable travel via Irish Rail or buses to Galway’s Ceannt Station. The GIAF Box Office at Eyre Square opens 25 June for in-person bookings. The festival’s economic impact supports local businesses. The Galway International Arts Festival 2025 offers a structured celebration of global and Irish creativity.
