If March and April are anything to go by, we should be in for a scorching summer!
Each year, as we retrieve the glow sticks, wash the muck off our wellies and hook out that obscure festival shirt we bought long ago, we look forward to a summer of fun with our annual reminder of what’s coming up in the city in the next couple of months.
Festivals, gigs, events and shows – some new, some old, but always entertaining. Whether visiting Galway, passing through, resident here or just eager to catch one of the many attractions on offer this year, we round up the best from the west from stage and screen.
Music
May/June
Headfest (Headford, Galway) – May 30th – June 1st
Éalú Le Grá Glamping Music Festival (Ballinderry Park, Galway) – May 30th – June 1st
Galway Folk Festival (Monroes, Dominick Street, Galway) – June 4th – 8th
Clifden Summer Music Festival (Clifden Showgrounds, Galway) – June 13th – 15th
Galway Uke Fest (The Latin Quarter, Galway) – June 19th – 22nd
July
Trad on the Prom (Leisureland Theatre, Salthill, Galway) – May – September (Tue, Thu, Sun)
South Galway Music Festival (Ballinderreen GAA Grounds, Galway) – July 11th – 13th
Art, Food & Crafts Festivals
More of a foodie? There’s no shortage of finger-lickin’, mouth waterin’ culinary options to choose from.
July
Cong Food Village Festival (Cong, Co. Mayo) – TBC
Galway Garden Festival (Claregalway Castle) – TBC
Galway Film Fleadh (Town Hall Theatre) – July 8th – 13th
Galway International Arts Festival (Black Box Theatre, Galway) – July 14th – 27th
Galway Fringe Festival (Galway Mechanics Institute, Galway) – July 14th – 27th
Sports & Outdoors
We’re a small island with big sporting aspirations (see Rory, Katie Taylor and our rugby superstars for inspiration). Our love of soccer, football, rugby, golf, camogie…it runs deep and from a young age, kids up and down the country will be emulating their heroes. We have a rich tradition of events around the summertime that has us die-hards coming out and getting active. Some of the best include:
June
Portumna Forest Marathon (Portumna, Galway) – June 7th
Croí Corrib Charity Cycle (Galway City) – June 8th
Gaelforce West (Leenane, Co. Galway) – June 14th
Tribesman Triathlon (Galway City) – June 15th
July
Galway Motor Club Autocross Grass Surface (Loughrea, Galway) – July 6th
Galway Aquathon Festival (Dangan Sportsground) – TBC
Féile na mBád (Inis Meáin) Regatta 2025 – July 5th – 6th
Roundstone Connemara, Pony, Dog & Sheep Show – July 13th
The weather can be a little temperamental so it is important to check these dates closer to the time. While this is just a selection, there’s plenty of other things you can do and see in Galway.
Those seeking a more relaxing escape than a triathlon or ocean swim, could do worse than check out our range of tours that showcase some of the jewels on the western edge of Ireland.
Choose from full or half day tours. Sit back, relax and we’ll take care of the rest!
