There are few places we would rather be this summer than the west coast of Ireland. Great beaches, cool restaurants, amazing sights. The craic is mighty! To top it all off, there’s a boatload of festivals, gigs, events and shows that’ll work hard to grab your attention in the next couple of months.
The joke about telling the Irish summer season apart from cooler seasons (the rain is warmer) isn’t lost on us.
It is true that we Irish are a sun-starved bunch. At the first hint of a streak of good weather, we’ll be dressed down to our skimpies and slatherin’ on the sunscreen. Throw in a decent spell of weather and a gig or two, and well…we’re in our happy place.
Sun’s out, fun’s in.
Whether you’re visiting Galway, already live here, or just travelling through, there’s plenty to get your teeth into on the music and festival front.
Music
June
Headfest (Headford, Galway) – May 31st – June 2nd
Éalú Le Grá Glamping Music Festival (Cregg Castle, Galway) – May 31st – June 3rd
Galway Folk Festival (Monroes, Dominick Street, Galway) – June 5th – 9th
Clifden Summer Music Festival (Clifden Showgrounds, Galway) – June 14th – 16th
Galway Uke Fest (The Latin Quarter, Galway) – June 21st – 23rd
July
Trad on the Prom (Leisureland Theatre, Salthill, Galway) – May – September (Tue, Thu, Sun)
Traidphicnic (Spiddal, Co. Galway) – TBC
South Galway Music Festival (Ballinderreen GAA Grounds, Galway) – July 26th – 28th
Art, Food & Crafts Festivals
Music not your thing? Never fear, festivals are here! No shortage of options for the foodies and crafters out there.
June
Lasta National Arts Festival (Town Hall Theatre, Galway) – June 1st – 2nd
Medieval Summer Fête (St. Nicholas’ Church) – June 8th (TBC)
Bia Lover – Festival of Food (Athenry, Galway) – June 15th – 16th (TBC)
July
Westside Community Arts Festival (Westside Resource Centre, Galway) – TBC
LiveStock Music and Arts Festival (Aughrim, Galway) – July 6th – 7th
Cong Food Village Festival (Cong, Co. Mayo) – TBC
Galway Garden Festival (Claregalway Castle) – July 6th – 7th
Galway Film Fleadh (Town Hall Theatre) – July 9th – 14th
Umbrella Le Cheile Artisan’s Market (Galway Rowing Club, Galway) – July 22nd
Galway International Arts Festival (Black Box Theatre, Galway) – July 15th – 28th
Galway Fringe Festival (Galway Mechanics Institute, Galway) – July 15th – 28th
Sports & Outdoors
Local communities in and around Galway thrive on our national sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling, but Galway is also home to Galway United soccer team and Connacht Rugby. Why not catch game or if adventure sports, hiking and outdoor activities is of interest, then you will be spolit for choice this summer.
June
Portumna Forest Marathon (Portumna, Galway) – June 8th
Croí Corrib Charity Cycle (Galway City) – June 9th
Gaelforce West (Leenane, Co. Galway) – June 15th
Tribesman Triathlon (Galway City) – June 16th
Clifden Summer Music Festival (Clifden Showgrounds, Galway) – June 14th – 16th
Galway Uke Fest (The Latin Quarter, Galway) – June 21st – 23rd
July
Happy Hiking – Hill Skills Day (Pás Mám Éan Car Park, Derryvealawauma, Galway) – July 13th
Galway Bay Swim (Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill, Galway) – July 20th
Galway Races (Galway Racecourse Ballybrit, Galway) – Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August
Galway comes alive in late June. Fair warning, events can pack out very quickly, unless bookings are made in advance.
Speaking of which, if you plan to be in the city and are looking for an escape (or change of scenery), check out our range of tours designed to make your trip as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Many of Ireland’s most famous landmarks (as well as some off the beaten track) can be experienced through our full or half day tours. We bring the fun, if you bring the sun!
