It’s back, and better than ever! GIAF 2025 promises to be the talk of the town this year with an exciting collection of talks, shows, concerts, exhibits and workshops all arriving in the middle of the month, for two weeks only.
We would normally give our annual roundup of what to check out closer to the event, but we’re already noticing some shows are sold out, so we want to ensure you have time to secure the hottest tickets in town.
For those unfamiliar with the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF), the event has been wowing audiences since 1978 and turns the City of Tribes into a festival town with over 200 shows across 25+ locations showcasing the best in music, visual arts and much more.
What’s On?
You’ll need to act fast to get your hands on these tickets. Gigs, especially, are selling out in advance. Here, we roundup the best of the rest.
Music
17 July – Bernard Butler
18 – Phil Taggart’s The Evolution of Disco
23 – Mary Coughlan | 40th Anniversary Greatest Hits
27 – Mari Samuelsen with the RTE Concert Orchestra
Theatre
11 – 27 July – Sabotage
15 – 19 – Dimanche
11 – 19 – Beckett sa Chreig: Guth na mBan
14 – 27 – Vernon God Little
Talks
15 July – Where are we now?
16 – 26 – Vinyl Hours
19 – Double Edged Sword
26 – Conspiracy Theories
Opera/Street Art/Circus
11 – 27 July – Sabotage
22 – 26 – The Genesis
16 – 27 – Silent Disco Walking Tours
18 – 19 – Microcosmos
Visual Arts/Dance/Comedy
14 – 27 July – Jan Cassidy and Arts Alive | Tactile Tunes
15 – 27 – President Michael D. Higgins
18 – Al Murray
14 – 27 – The Laughter Loft
This list is only a snapshot of all the events planned for the fortnight. Even in the lead up to GIAF, many acts and performances will be in preparation mode, polishing their performances ahead of the big event, so keep an eye out!
Many of these will sell out, so it is best to check the GIAF website in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you are arriving before the festival kicks off, or shortly thereafter, why not put your feet up and enjoy our award winning bus tours of some of the most remarkable sights on the western coast of Ireland!
