www.galwayskates.comSituated along the promenade overlooking Galway Bay the ice rink is located in the main hall at Leisureland.
11th January: Connacht Rugby
www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to Toulouse at The Sportsground in the Heineken Champions Cup on Saturday 11th January. Kick-off at 1.15pm.
TBC January:
Japanese Film Festival www.jff.ie The Japanese Film Festival is coming to the
Eye Cinema, Wellpark again. Featuring another diverse and packed programme of films, which includes work of the most acclaimed filmmakers from contemporary Japanese cinema, and covers a variety of themes, genres and topics.
17th – 19th January:
Music for Galway Midwinter Festival www.musicforgalway.ie Taking place at the
Town Hall Theatre Galway, this popular festival brings people together every year to enjoy great music in a welcoming and comfortable setting. Some programme highlights this year include pieces from Bach, Strauss, Brahms and more, as performed by some fantastic Irish musicians.
February: 2nd February:
Galway International Rally www.galwayrally.com This is the 49th year of the rally and it is the first major motorsport event annually in Ireland. The rally will take place over ten stages, following some of the best roads in the county with plenty of great viewing spots to follow the competitors.
TBC February:
St. Brigid’s Cross Making Workshop www.brigitsgarden.ieCelebrate the start of spring with a free Brigid’s Cross-making workshop at Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahill, Co. Galway. Rushes will be provided and you will be able to make your own traditional cross to take home. This cross is thought to keep evil, fire and hunger from the home in which it is displayed.
15th February:
Connacht Rugby www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to the Cardiff Blues at The Sportsground in the Guinness Pro14 on Saturday 15th February 2020. Kick-off at 19:35pm.
TBC February:
Éigse an Spidéil www.eigseanspideil.ieÉigse an Spidéil is an annual festival of traditional music, dance, sean-nós singing, art, and poetry which takes place in Spiddal, Co. Galway.
20th – 23rd February:
Ted Fest www.tedfest.org The Fr. Ted Festival is an annual celebration of the life of comedian Dermot Morgan and his 1990’s cult TV sitcom Father Ted created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews. The event sees large numbers of fans take to the islands, most dressed as characters from the show.
March: 1st – 17th March:
Seachtain na Gaeilge www.snag.ie This fortnight-long festival is a celebration of the Irish language, culture and heritage. It encapsulates the pride of the Irish language community and inspires further generations to immerse themselves in our native tongue.
TBC – March:
Muscailt MuscailtMùscailt, meaning to celebrate and inspire is the title of the celebrated spring arts festival hosted by the National University of Ireland, Galway. All but one event is free and offers a choice of music, sculpture and photography and theatre.
6th – 10th March:
Galway History Festival Galway History Festival is an annual festival covering all aspects of Galway’s rich history. A series of talks and lectures covering such issues as the War of Independence in Galway, food, activism, local history, and labour history will be held over the festival weekend.
7th March: Gaelforce Sky Run
www.gaelforceevents.com Featuring three separate courses. The mountain running event is on unmarked routes in the northern Maamturk mountains in wildest Connemara hills with special permission to access these magnificent trails. 22km route for experienced mountain runners plus with a shorter 12km event to appeal to runners new to mountain running.
14th – 17th March:
St. Patrick’s Day Festival2020 marks the 117th anniversary of the Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you can expect a wonderful spectacle of all things Irish. The iconic fountain in Eyre Square will even turn green as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Parade will start at 11.30 and finish at approximately 13.00. Following the parade, family-oriented entertainment is expected to be held at the plaza on Eyre Square including live music, a vintage carousel and amusements and children’s entertainment which will continue over the weekend.
20th March:
Connacht Rugby www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to the Scarlets at The Sportsground in the Guinness Pro14 on Friday 20th March 2020. Kick-off at 19:35pm.
30th March (TBC):
Spring Garden, Craft & Food Fair The Spring Garden Fair is the first event of the year at Claregalway Castle and the ideal chance for gardeners of all levels to visit Claregalway Castle and speak informally to the experts who will give advice and suggest the perfect plant choices for your garden.
April:
6th – 12th April: Cúirt International Festival of Literature
www.cuirt.ie The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The festival features an eclectic and exciting range of Irish and international writers in Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings in a variety of venues throughout the city.
9th – 13th April:
Galway Food Festival www.galwayfoodfestival.comThe Galway Food Festival will be held over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. This year’s festival theme is ‘Planting Seeds’ and will feature five days of open-air markets, food trails, family fun and much more. Celebrating the importance of sharing food together to promote a healthy community that starts in the home and creating an awareness of origin of our food. It is about planting the seeds of education and awareness, of economic growth and development, and getting back to our roots.
10th April:
Connacht Rugby www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to the Glasgow Warriors at The Sportsground in the Guinness Pro14 on Friday 10th April 2020. Kick-off at 19:35pm.
11th – 12th April:
Easter Egg Hunt at Brigit`s Garden www.brigitsgarden.ie Meet the Easter Bunny at Brigit’s Garden, enjoy games and crafts, and have fun exploring the Celtic Gardens. There are two types of hunt: A mini-hunt for the little ones around the four Celtic Gardens and a mighty-hunt for the older children around the nature trail. Everyone gets a prize and the activities run from 1pm to 4:30pm
13th April:
Westend Easter Festival www.galwaywestend.comOff the beaten track and a little further out of the centre of the city, its bohemian and eccentric character with friendly locals makes the Westend one of the most appealing places in Galway. The Westend Easter Festival brings together the award-winning businesses in the Westend area to showcase the best that the local producers and suppliers have to offer. Sample a taste of local restaurants, cafés, bars and more. Ravens Terrace will be closed off to traffic and there will be live music and face painting.
19th April:
Connemara International Marathon www.connemarathon.com This amazingly scenic race comprises of a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and a 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon. The course meanders past bogs, hills, lakes, and the Twelve Pin mountains rising up over the great expanse of Killary Lough, through the quiet village of Leenane, around the Maam Turk Mountains and all the way back up to Maam Cross.
25th April:
Connacht Rugby www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to Ulster Rugby at The Sportsground in the Guinness Pro14 on Saturday 25th April 2020. Kick-off at 19:35pm.
May: 1st- 4th May:
Connemara Mountain Walking Festival www.galwaymountainwalkingfestival.comThis festival has something for all levels from casual walks to the more experienced. Each day there is a choice of at least 3 walks from Strenuous to low level enjoying a unique combination of mountain and sea along the way. The 2020 the programme includes: Mweelrea, Derryclare, Ben Gorm, Glenawough, Maunmean & the Killary Fjord Famine Trail.
2nd – 11th May:
Galway Theatre Festival www.galwaytheatrefestival.com Galway Theatre Festival showcases up-and-coming theatre companies and artists from Galway and around Ireland and features 9 days of exciting theatre, circus, spectacle and storytelling.
6th – 10th May:
International Mayfly Festival The International Mayfly Festival in the village of Oughterard is an event for the all the family and is held over four days. Along with the main fishing events, the festival also includes art exhibitions, traditional Irish concerts, golf open days, Connemara walks, food foraging; along with lots of children’s activities.
9th May: Darkness into Light Walk
www.darknessintolight.ie Symbolically the walk represents the therapeutic counselling journey. It sparks conversation about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in all our lives. The entry fees raised around the world allow Pieta House and our international charity partners to continue to deliver our vital services. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world will get together to walk from the darkness of night into the light of morning to help us in the global fight against suicide and self-harm.
15th – 17th May (TBC): Galway Burlesque Festival
www.galwayburlesquefestival.com The International Galway Burlesque Festival is a celebration of the diverse, creative, seductive world of cabaret and burlesque, featuring top performers from across the globe, converging on the Creative Heart of Ireland.
16th May:
Connacht Rugby www.connachtrugby.ieConnacht Rugby play host to Edinburgh at The Sportsground in the Guinness Pro14 on Saturday 16th October 2020. Kick-off at 19:35pm.
16th May:
Night Rider Sportif www.gaelforceevents.com The Night Rider sportif takes place at night along the quiet roads of Connemara where no light-pollution from street lights exists. Starting just before sunset you will cycle into the darkness. Choose from 100km and 68km distances along this beautiful and rugged part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Not so much a race, it is more of a journey and the route is entirely on roads without cars.
17th – 24th May:
Biodiversity Week in Merlin Woods www.biodiversityweek.ie Friends of Merlin Woods will run a week of free events celebrating the Biodiversity of Merlin Park Woods Galway. Guided walks will be given explaining the different aspects of Merlin Woods interesting habitat and how wonderful it is to have this urban woodland on the doorsteps of the City of the Tribes.
30th – 31st May:
Fever Pitch www.feverpitch.ie Fever Pitch takes place in Galway Airport. Along with two stages packed with music there will also be a food village, comedy tent and silent disco. The event will run from 15.00 – 00.00 each day. Full bar facilities on site.
June: 1st June:
Westend Summer Street Festival www.galwayswestend.com Galway’s Westend will host their neighbourhood Street Feast on Bank Holiday Monday. Officially beginning on 28th May the main event is on Bank Holiday Monday (weather permitting). The Street Feast brings together the much loved and award-winning businesses in the area as part of the Westend summer celebrations and the Street Feast will allow you to sample a taste of each business as you soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant community.
7th June:
Croí Lough Corrib Cycle www.croi.ieThis is the biggest charity cycle in the West of Ireland. This fun cycling sportive in support of Croí. Cyclists will have a choice of a 27.5 mile or a 75 mile route through the picturesque setting of Connemara. We will provide roadside assistance, support vehicles & plenty of refreshment stops along the way!
11th – 14th June:
Galway Sessions www.galwaysessions.com The Galway Sessions Festival celebrates Irish folk and traditional music and the music Irish emigrants brought with them across the world. Events take place throughout the city including the Town Hall Theatre and in a number of traditional pubs including the Crane Bar, The King’s Head, Tigh Choili’s, Taaffe’s Bar, The Quays, Tigh Neachtains and Monroe’s Tavern.
14th June:
Galway Rowing Regatta www.galwayrowingclub.ie This year’s Galway Regatta will take place at the NUIG grounds at Dangan. Galway’s oldest rowing regatta, this year it celebrates its 136th anniversary, and once again entries from all four provinces with many of the top rowing clubs in Ireland are expected to compete.
21st – 23rd June:
Wild West Uke Festival www.galwayukefest.com Enjoy a weekend of fantastic music on tiny guitars at the Wild West Uke Fest with great local artists and many others from further afield. This new three day festival includes musical workshops, street spectacles, and a variety of great gigs throughout The Latin Quarter of Galway City.
20th – 28th June:
Galway Bike Festival www.galwaycycling.org Now in its twelfth year, the Galway Bike Festival promotes cycling for everyone, supports a dynamic cycling culture in the city and county and aims to increase the number of cyclists in Galway. Galway Bike Festival is a celebration of all that is great about cycling – it’s good for your health, good for the city, and good for the environment. The festival includes the Westend Bike Buffet. Starting at 3pm from Ravens Terrace and finishing in Fr Burke Park at 6pm, the 2020 Bike Buffet will explore Galway on two wheels. For tickets see: www.roisindubh.net
July:3rd- 5th July:
Traphicnic Spiddal www.tradpicnic.com A community based festival in the beautiful Connemara village of An Spidéal, just 15km from Galway city. This festival is in its 9th year and offers of an array of performances from Irish and International musicians and artists. The festival is over 3 days and centres around An Ceardlann, the craft village and café with workshops and activity based entertainment along with live performances on the main stage each day from 14.30.
3rd- 5th July:
Galway International Food & Craft Fair www.galwayfoodandcraft.com Salthill Park is the venue once again, located in the seaside village of Salthill just a short trip from Galway city featuring top artisan food producers and craft breweries. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, sample local produce, stroll around the craft stalls and enjoy live music along with family friendly activities.
3rd July:
Dip at Dawn www.galwaysimon.ie The Dip at Dawn is expected to return again in 2020. Located at Ladies Beach, Salthill. The event will begin with short yoga session followed by a dip in the sea to raise awareness and funds for those facing homelessness in the city. All proceeds go directly to the Galway Simon Community.
4th – 5th July:
Garden Festival, Claregalway Castle www.claregalwaycastle.comThe 11th annual Galway Garden Festival is expected to take place on Saturday 04th and Sunday 05th July 2020 and promises to be a very special weekend. The two day festival will include nursery suppliers on hand to give advice on planting and gardening equipment. Live music from the Black Magic Band, Galway’s St. Patrick’s Brass Band as well as the Silvermoon Jazz and Dixie Band. A family friendly event with Knights in Armour fights, Circus productions, Ballet and children’s magician. A variety of food and drink is also available in the grounds. Ample free parking close by and a free bus service running regularly from Ceannt Station to Claregalway Castle. All profits from the entrance fee (€5.00 per adult) is donated to a selection of charities and good causes.
7th – 12th July:
Galway Film Festival
www.galwayfilmfleadh.com The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film festival, is a six-day international event, held every July and welcomes a diversity of films from around the world. Events and screenings take place at the Pálás cinema, Town Hall Theatre, IMC Galway and Eyre Square, Galway.
13th – 26th July:
Galway International Arts Festival www.giaf.ie The Galway International Arts Festival will be one of the major highlights of a year of events being held in the city as part of Galway’s designation as European Capital of Culture 2020. It will feature a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events from artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course Ireland and Galway.
13th – 26th July: Galway Fringe Festival
www.galwayfringe.ie Running in parallel with the Galway International Arts Festival the Galway Fringe Festival is a multi-disciplinary, open-access arts festival that provides a platform for local emerging artist to showcase their work alongside more established artist. Across 18 venues the festival encompasses Theatre, Visual Arts, Literature, Poetry, Traditional Arts, Dance, Comedy, Children’s events, Cabaret, Circus and Street Spectacle.
19th July:
Teddy bear’s picnic, St. Brigit’s Garden www.brigitsgarden.ie The magical Teddy Bears’ Picnic is expected to take place at Brigit’s Garden on Sunday July 19th 2020 starting at 12.30pm – 4.30pm. Children and their families are welcome to bring along their favourite Teddy and join us for a day of fun-filled activities to include musical stories, Teddy Bear Arts and Crafts, Paw print Treasure Hunt, Teddy Bear Hospital and a Teddy Bear Disco.
20th July:
Galway Aquathon www.triathlonireland.com The Galway Aquathon Festival involves a swim in the River Corrib followed by a running race through the grounds of Dangan. Participants can choose either a 1km or 2km river swim followed by a 5km run around the beautiful grounds of NUIG of Dangan Sportsground. Registration is via Triathlon Ireland (www.triathlonireland.com), with race pack collection on the day at the Corrib Village slip. For more info on taking part visit The Aquathon Festival Facebook page or email galwayaquathon@gmail.com.
27th July – 2nd August:
Galway Race Festival www.galwayraces.com Ireland’s biggest and most famous racing festival is held in Galway during the last week of July every year and involves seven days of unrivalled action. Some 250,000 people attend the Galway Races throughout the week, and the town has a real buzz at night. There are 49 races available in the 2020 with total prize money on offer is in excess of €2 million.
August:2nd August:
Autumn Seasonal Walk www.brigitsgarden.ieAs summer fullness shifts into the harvest season we will enjoy the seasonal abundance of herbs, flowers and fruits in the Celtic Gardens. We will also explore some Lughnasa traditions and pick some wild herbs, seeds and fruits in the hedgerows and woodland. Engaging and enjoyable, suitable for adults and young people over 12. Refreshments included.
8th August:
Streets of Galway www.runireland.comGalway’s most popular athletic event, the Streets of Galway 8k Road Race event will take place in mid-August 2020 at 7pm and include more than 3,000 entrants. It starts on Fr Griffin Road, winds its way through the city’s streets, follows a course out around Salthill, before taking in the delights of the prom on the way to the finish in The Claddagh at South Park.
10th – 16th August:
Galway Pride Festival www.galwaypride.com The annual Galway Pride Festival takes place every August throughout Galway City. The aim is to encourage involvement from the wider community, and to highlight the great variety of people that make Galway such a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit.
15th – 23rd August:
Galway Heritage Week www.heritageweek.ie Galway’s rich heritage is set to be celebrated in a range of events across the city and county as part of National Heritage Week. Over 100 different events are planned from Ballinasloe to Inishbofin and will take in everything from genealogy workshops to talks on the history of the Connemara pony, to medieval tours to seashore safaris.
16th August:
Elves & Fairies Day www.brigitsgarden.ieThe Fairy Queen and Elf King are on their way to Brigit’s Garden and are inviting all fairies and elves, to join them for a magical day of fairy fun. The festivities start at 12.30pm until 4.30pm and all are encouraged to come in their favourite fairy or elf costume for an enchanting day in the Gardens. Activities include meeting the Fairy Queen and Elf King, Tug-O-War, the Elf Hunt, a visit to the Fairy Garden, Arts & Crafts including create your own Fairy Door, Wand & Crown Making, Storytelling and the Elf & Fairy Ball.
23rd August:
Galway Summer Rally www.galwayrally.comGalway Summer Rally takes on some of the classic Galway International Rally stages and provides challenges for all the crews involved, covering 120km of stages and 170km of road mileage with more than 125 entries taking part. Rally headquarters are based in Gort in the Lady Gregory Hotel.
September:
6th – 8th: Wild West Uke Festival
(Galway’s West End) TBC
12th – 13th September: Galway Tattoo Show
www.galwaytattooshow.ie 2020 is the 4th Annual & International Galway Tattoo Show and will bring together some of the best Irish and international tattoo artists in the world. It is a celebration of tattoo art, and will feature entertainment, live music, a stunning art gallery, a free tattoo cinema, photo booth, market stalls and traders on show to keep you entertained.
14th – 15th September:
Galway Races Autumn Meeting www.galwayraces.comTwo days of exhilarating racing with heart-stopping finishes, complimented by great entertainment and eye-catching fashion. Located in Ballybrit on the outskirts of Galway City east.
18th September:
Galway Culture Night www.culturenight.ie This national event is now in its 14th year providing free access to museums, galleries, theatres and public buildings from 5pm until 11pm offering tours, exhibitions, readings, performances and films. Drama and poetry, music and dance, workshops and lectures, all free of charge.
19th – 20th September:
Burren Peaks Walking Festival www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com Organised by The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club with a choice of Grade A, B & C guided walks on both Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy walking in this wonderfully rich limestone pavement with its unique geology and diverse habitats that have an abundance of interesting features and surprising landforms. This festival takes walkers into the heart of the Burren.
25th – 27th September:
Galway International Oyster Festival www.galwayoysterfestival.com The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is a four day event held each year at Nimmo’s Pier. It is the world’s longest running Oyster Festival. Over the three days, the festival hosts the World Oyster Opening Championship, a Mardi Gras Party with Champagne, Guinness and Oyster reception, an afternoon Marquee Reception (with more Guinness and Oysters) and the grand finale, the Gala Ball. A Seafood Trail is a new addition to the festival which includes a selection of Galway’s best restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients & seafood
October:1st – 4th October:
Galway Jazz Festival www.galwayjazzfest.ie A 3 day festival of leading local, national and international jazz artists in a wide range of venues, in Galway City. Annually, the aim is to foster jazz as a contemporary art form in the West. The Galway Jazz Festival runs from Friday to Sunday over the first weekend in October, and features musicians from 14 countries, playing more than 50 events, across 20 different venues in the city.
3rd October: Run Galway Bay
www.rungalwaybay.com The Galway Bay Half Marathon & 10K race includes a half marathon (13.1 miles) and also a 10k run/walk in aid of Cancer Care West along a fast, flat, fun and scenic route. The race route is looped and takes in the beautiful coastline of Galway Bay from The Claddagh to Salthill, Blackrock and back with the finish line beside the event tent in The Claddagh.
12th – 18th October:
Barboró International Arts Festival www.baboro.ie Ireland’s premier international arts festival for children and families runs in Galway city and county in mid-October, featuring Theatre, Dance, Literature, Music, Puppetry, Workshops and Visual Art for all ages. Special treats are also in store for everyone with beautiful exhibitions, readings and workshops. Now in its 24th year, Baboró is Ireland’s flagship international arts festival devoted exclusively to children and families.
19th – 20th October:
Food on the Edge www.foodontheedge.ie Food on the Edge is a two day symposium for chefs & food enthusiasts from all around the world. It is a coming together of chefs to listen, talk, debate and network over two days in Galway. Open to the public. The event involves 15-minute talks from the leading lights of the food industry with panel discussions, masterclasses and networking activity.
20th – 26th October:
Vodafone Comedy Carnival www.vodafonecomedycarnival.com The Vodafone Comedy Carnival will present a line-up leading Irish and international comics, improv, theatre, mime, table quizzes, photography, hip hop, and much more. Ireland’s largest comedy festival will feature more than 100 acts, performing in 75 shows, across 18 venues, including at the now iconic Spiegeltent, located in the Eyre Square Comedy Village.
24th – 26th October:
Galway Races Autumn Meeting www.galwayraces.comThe October Racing Festival takes place in Galway over the bank holiday weekend in October. So if you fancy some great racing and great fun, then this is the place to be. There will be great racing, free car parking, free entry for children under 14, free race card draw each day, big screen, Tote, On course bookmakers, bar and restaurant facilities.
24th – 26th October:
Galway Aboo Halloween Festival www.macnas.com Each Halloween something spooktacular takes places in Galway’s Latin Quarter. The Galway Aboo Halloween Festival, is Ireland’s biggest Halloween Festival with many events planned for the weekend with high-spirits guaranteed. The highlight of the festival is the fiendishly creative Macnas Halloween Parade that will wind its way through Galway city centre on the Sunday starting at 17.30 from the University campus. Spectators are encouraged to dress up too in their spookiest attire!
24th October:
Salthill Zombie RaceOn Saturday of the October Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend, a crowd of terrifying zombies will once again be released onto the Salthill Prom. Their mission, to capture every human (big or small) who dares to take on the challenge of “The Village Salthill Zombie Chase” and prevent them from making it to the Safety Zone of Salthill Park! The Zombie Chase is in aid of the National Support and Awareness Charity ACT for Meningitis.
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