Galway City Event Guide

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The sun is shining and the city is hopping!

Galway city may be small, but the craic is absolutely mighty! The city is loaded with an abundance of festivals from celebrating oysters to ukeleles and everything in between. There is never a dull moment, no matter the time of year. It can be hard to keep up with all the various events and activities going on in the city at any given time.

So that’s why here at The Dean Galway, we’ve made it our duty to do our research so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a music fanatic or a die hard GAA fan, we’ve curated this list and have everyone covered!  We seek to keep you updated on all things happening in the city, to ensure you get the most out of your trip to this beautiful city.

We want you to have the best trip you possibly can and so we want you to feel to reach out to our team to help you schedule anything in the city during your stay with us!

 

Music

Galway has long held the title of being Ireland’s cultural heart and so it’s no surprise that it has such a rich music scene. Soaked in history, it has a particularly strong traditional music presence, with an array of iconic pubs constantly flowing with people playing, singing and dancing along to trad sessions.

Róisín Dubh is a much-loved venue of musicians and concert goers alike. This space is so diverse, hosting a mix of intimate gigs to crazy raves and great comedy nights. Róisín Dubh is an intimate venue that welcomes all people with open arms. An event here is not to be missed during your trip to Galway!

Leisureland (the clue is in the name!) is the perfect spot for a show. Home to the famous Trad on The Prom festival, the theatre hosts all sorts from exhibitions to concerts to comedy nights. Located along the stunning Salthill promenade, be sure to have a stroll along the beach and enjoy a pint at one of the many seaside bars before catching a fab show during your stay.

An Irish crowd is like no other, so make sure to keep an eye out for your favourite artists on the list of acts below.

  • Feb 21: Kerbdog – Roisin Dubh
  • Mar 07: Darren Kiely – Leisureland
  • Mar 20: Buzzcocks – Roisin Dubh
  • Mar 26: Flyte – Roisin Dubh
  • Mar 29: Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band – Roisin Dubh
  • Apr 04: Swiftogeddon – The Taylor-Themed Club Night – Roisin Dubh
  • Apr 05: The Tumbling Paddies – Leisure Land
  • Apr 25: Peat & Diesel – Roisin Dubh
  • May 10: Luke Combs – Roisin Dubh
  • Jul 14-27: Festival Big Top (Picture This, Amble, The Mary Wallopers)
  • Aug 23: Father John Misty – Leisureland 

 

Sport

Not only does Ireland have a strong presence in international sports and has produced many of the top stars of rugby, rowing, boxing, golfing and soccer, it also has its own range of GAA sports. The GAA is made up of 7 different games that bring the people of Ireland closer together. The four primary GAA sports that are not to be missed are Gaelic Football, Ladie’s Football, Hurling and Camogie.

They are all extremely exciting, intense and fast. In fact, hurling is the most fast paced field sport in the world and Galway has produced many a great hurler! Pearse stadium is a great place to catch a game, only minutes from the Salthill Promenade. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Galway!

  • Feb 23: Galway V Donegal – Allianz Football League Roinn 1 Round 4 – Pearse Stadium
  • Mar 23: Galway V Kerry – Allianz Football League Roinn 1 Round 7 – Pearse Stadium

 

Culture

If there’s one thing Galway’s not shy of, it’s a festival. Really living up to its name as the city of culture and the art, the people of Galway celebrate and share their love and appreciation for the arts by showcasing local and international talents through their festivals. Celebrating the written word, the visual and the spoken word, nobody is left behind.

Galway also has a fab food scene and showcases this in Taste of Galway. And of course The Oyster and Seafood Festival is a must with the city being so close to the sea, all the produce is the freshest of fresh!

The Galway Christmas markets are simply gorgeous with the whole city turning into a Winter Wonderland filled with endless stalls of handmade crafts made with care and love.

  • Apr 08-13: Cúirt International Festival of Literature – Galway City
  • May 02-10: Galway Theatre Festival – Galway City
  • May: Blas na Bealtaine / A Taste of Galway – Galway City & County
  • Jun 19-22: Galway Uke Festival – Galway City
  • Jul 08-13: Galway Film Fleadh – Galway City
  • Aug 10-16: Galway Pride Week – Galway City
  • Sep 26-28: Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival (TBC)
  • Oct 21-27: Galway Comedy Festival – Galway City
  • Nov 08-New Year: Galway Christmas Market – Eyre Square

 

Galway has something on for everyone this year! If you’re looking for more information about events in Galway 2025 or need help making arrangements for your stay, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at The Dean Hotel in Galway or Book Direct for exclusive rates and offers.
Don’t forget about Sophie’s, which is always here to ensure everyone is well fed before partaking in any of these fab events. Come for dinner before the show or for a cocktail on our beautiful Rooftop Terrace. Be sure to book ahead and reserve your table here.