If you’re planning on taking a trip to Ireland in 2025, Galway is a city that should be top of your bucket list.
A vibrant arts scene, eclectic bars and nightlife – the city is a living, breathing testament to Irish culture and history. Not to mention the fact that we’re all great craic!
Dublin, Belfast and Cork might be more populated, but bigger doesn’t mean better. There’s so much contained in Galway and the surrounding areas that it still maintains its charm while giving plenty of options for tourists and locals. Plus, it makes for a much easier place to get around – the city can be covered on foot quite easily. Win!
So, if you’re using these cold and dark evenings to plot an Irish escape next year and flirting with booking dates, let Galway Tour Company do the heavy lifting and chart what’s happening each month. Sport, music, culture, food or entertainment, there’s sure to be something to interest you.
March
All focus is on the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, swinging into a town near you, mid-month. Other notable mentions include Tedfest – the annual Fr. Ted Festival, the world’s largest Irish language festival Seachtain na Gaeilge, and Galway Fest Kayaking Festival – one of Europe’s largest kayaking events.
April
More outdoorsy events take place with the sun making an appearance. The Galway Cycle, Connemara International Marathon and the Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run are must-do events for the sporty – the latter annual race (5K or 10K) taking place on the smallest of the Aran Islands (N.B. check out our Aran Islands tours!). The Clifden Trad Music Festival celebrates the best of Irish music and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event.
May
Things really heat up in May with a feast of festivals – Inishbofin Arts, Bealtaine, Galway Theatre, A Taste of May Food Festival. More active visitors to the city may be interested in the Inishbofin Walking Festival or the Tour de Conamara cycle.
June
Want more festivals? We got more festivals! Trad on the Prom, Galway Early Music Festival, Galway Folk Festival, Galway Uke Fest, Clifden Summer Fest. Seeking something more lively? Gaelforce West is the largest one day adventure race of its kind in the world.
July
Foodies can check out Cong Food Village Festival. All eyes are on the arts scene for July, however, with the Galway Film Fleadh, Fringe Festival, International Arts Festival and South Galway Music Festival.
August
The Galway Races is Ireland’s biggest and most famous racing festival taking place end July/start August. Family fun can be had with the Ballygar Carnival. Other mentions include Galway Walking Marathon, the Connemara 100 mile endurance run, Heritage Week and Galway Pride Festival.
September
The Shorelines Arts, Cleggan Fringe and Clifden Arts festivals are all expected to take place in September. Galway Culture Night will return and for food enthusiasts, check out the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.
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So, to answer the question, ‘when is the best time to visit Galway?’ The short answer is, it depends what you’re interested in!
Whatever that may be, now is the perfect time to consider your holiday destinations in 2025. Some of the event dates listed are changeable owing to the seasons, but even if you find yourself in the city with a free day or afternoon, there are tours aplenty to see more of the gems trailed along the Wild Atlantic Way.
You can check out our range of tours here. Pssst! Don’t forget our special offers page!
