Special Events
Galway Sea Festival, 31st May - 3rd June 2013
The first ever Galway Sea Festival will take place on the June Bank Holiday Weekend – from Friday 31st May to Monday 3rd June 2013. Celebrating Galway’s unique maritime history and culture, beautiful bay and wonderful waterways, this new festival aims to promote Galway as Ireland’s leading Maritime centre to local, national and international visitors alike. Visit http://www.galwayseafestival.com for full details.
Galway Midwinter Festival
What better way to start the new year than with a funfilled Irish Music Festival? This years festival, taking place on the 25th-27th January 2013, see’s Galway celebrate the music of the great composer Beethoven and his connection to Ireland and Galway with a three day midwinter festival at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway.
Galway Astronomy Festival (2nd February 2013)
Oscar Wilde reminds us that although we are all in the gutter, some of us are looking at the stars. The Galway Astronomy Festival, now in it’s 10th Year, has become one of the most popular events in Ireland of the Irish astronomical calendar.
Safety Direct Galway International Rally:
Safety Direct, a leading supplier of health and safety products based in Galway, has long been the sponsor of the Galway International Rally. The rally will be taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of February 2013. The rally has a notable place in Ireland’s road racing history, as it was the 1st round of the Irish Tarmac Championship which was first held in 1978. This years event promises to be another fantastic spectacle that cannot be missed.
Muscailt Arts Festival:
Arts festival hosted by NUI Galway, kicks off in early February. “Muscailt”, the Irish word for celebrate or to inspire, is the name chosen for the National University of Irelands highly anticipated Spring Arts Festival.
Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year.
Show the special person in your life just how much you care by whisking them away to enchanting Galway City this Valentine’s weekend.
Tedfest- Fr. Ted Festival
Taking Place from the 21st to the 24th of February, the festival is a celebration of the Life of comedian Dermot Morgan who played Father Ted in the highly successful sitcom “Father Ted”.
Corifin Trad- Festival:
February 25th 2013 to the 3rd of March 2013. Traditional Irish Music Festival held in Corofin, Co.Clare, approximately an hour from Galway City Centre. Traditional Irish Music at its best with various sessions in local pubs and a concert nightly in Teach Ceoil. Appearances from reknowned Irish Musicians also on the cards. There will be plenty of entertainment for all to enjoy with a range of activities available over the course of the weekend.
Head of River Rowing Regatta 2013:
March 9th 2013. The Head of River Rowing Regatta, organised by NUIGalways Boat Club and The Tribesmen, provides wonderful entertainment for all to enjoy.
St Patrick's Day in Galway
Celebrate the feast of St Patrick in Galway this year.
Stay on a two night break at the Harbour Hotel, in the heart of Galway City for only €139 per person including full Irish breakfast each morning.
Connemara International Marathon - April 2013
2013 is the 12th Connemara Marathon and a celebration night will be held in both Galway and Clifden. Comprising of a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and a 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon all taking place on 7th April 2013. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Buses leave from Galway Cathedral, that morning.
Galway Food Festival, 28th March - 1st April 2013
28th March- 1st April 2013. 2013 is the 2nd year of the Galway Food Festival and it is sure to build on the success of the 2012 event. A range of activities will be held for all to enjoy. The festival celebrates Galway as a good food destination, this festival promotes good food and good food outlets in Galway, as well as showcasing food producers based in Galway and in the West.
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
Taking place from the 5th to the 7th of April, Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops and outdoor entertainment for all to enjoy. Clifden is situated in the heart of Connemara, an hours drive from Galway City Centre.
Cuirt International Festival of Literature
Taking place in April with a date yet to be confirmed, Cuirt International Festival of literature is Irelands premier literary event. The festival annually brings approximately sixty authors of local, national and international repute to Galway for readings, workshops, discussions and book signings.
Connemara Mussel Festival 2013
Taking place from the 3rd-5th May 2013, The Connemara Mussel Festival is held each year on the glorious Renvyle Peninsula along North Connemara. This 3 day festival falls each year on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Fleadh na gCuach Festival
Taking place from the 3rd-6th May 2013, Fleadh na gCuach (The cuckoo festival) takes place each year in the fishing village of Kinvara, Co.Galway on the May Bank Holiday weekend. The festival always gets large gatherings of people who come from all over the country to participate with the festival.
Leenane Mountain Walking Festival 2013
Taking place from the 3rd-5th May 2013, The Leenane Mountain Walking Festival sees walkers of all kinds taking on a variety of walks including Mweelrea, the Twelve Bens and Ben Gorm.
An Tostal Salthill 2013
Taking place on the 5th of May 2013, An Tostal is a celebration of local currach racing traditions as well as the Galway hooker racing and much more. The Harbour Hotel is situated in the ideal location for visitors of the event as it is a 5 minute drive from Salthill and very accessible.
Connemara Adventure Challenge 2013
Taking place on the 11th May 2013, The Connemara Adventure Challenge is a race that takes the format of Gaelforce West with 3 disciplines: Trail/ Mountain running (walking and jogging also accepted!), kayaking and cycling. The event is run by Killary Adventure co. and will be based at the companys accomadation base K2 which sits on the shores of Killary Fjord in Connemara, Co. Galway.
Inishbofin Half-Marathon 2013
Set on the idyllic island of Inishbofin, a great day out awaits you for the 8th annual Croi Inishboffin Half-Marathon. The event takes place on the 18th of May 2013 and all are welcome to attend and participate.
Burren Slow Food Festival 2013
Taking place on the 18th of May, The Burren Slow Food Festival will be held at the Pavillion Theatre, Lisdoonvarna & its grounds. The annual Burren Slow Food Festival gives visitors the opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, see cookery demonstrations from well known chefs and get a true taste of Co.Clare culture in the beautiful setting of the Burren.
Roundstone Bay 8K
Taking place on the 18th May 2013, The annual Roundstone Bay 8K Road Race will take place. Set in the stunning surrounds of Roundstone in the heart of Connemara, this race offers spectacular scenery and a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Tour de Conamara 2013
Taking place on the 25th May 2013, Tour de Conamara is the Irish leg of a new international cycling sportive held in Clifden, Connamara.
Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival 2013
The Festival takes place on Sunday, 26th of May 2013 amidst the stunning surroundings of one of Irelands hidden Castle treasures overlooking Europes largest privately owned lake, just outside Gort, Co.Galway. The race has a distance for all levels, first timers or elites.
Galway African Film Festival 2013
Taking place on the 25th-27th May, The Galway African Film Festival was set up in 2008 to showcase the very best in African cinema. The festival is as a result of ongoing collaberation between the Galway One World Centre, Galway Film Society and the Huston School of film & Digital Media.
Clifden Gardening Festival 2013
Taking place at the end of May on a date not yet confirmed, The Clifden Gardening Festival will include a series of illustrated talks and coach trips to local gardens.
Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure 2013
Taking place on the 1st of June, 2013, The Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure is a unique adventure in the heart of wild, rugged, Connemara. The event offers a wide range of unique events for people to enjoy and some fantastic scenery along the way.
Havana Cultura Festival 2013
Taking place from the 31st May- 2nd June 2013, the Havana Cultura Festival 2013 will be coming to Galway. This unique festival involves Cuban-inspired music, dance, street entertainment art and cultural event and offers a range of entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
Clifden Sky road 10K challenge 2013
Taking place on the 2nd June, 2013, The Clifden Sky Road 10K challenge takes place in Clifden on Sunday 2nd June. Participants can run for a charity of their choice and generous prizes are available.
Galway Sessions 2013
Traditional Irish Music sessions will be taking place in multiple venues in Galway and will offer a wide range of entertainment.
Galway Bike Festival 2013
Taking place from the 16th-24th June 2013, Galway Bike Week 2013 offers cycling events all over the county for all to enjoy and all to be a part of. People are encouraged to get involved.
Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog and Sheep Show 2013
Taking place in July on a date not yet confirmed, The 8th annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show will take place. This event has been very popular and successful to date and this years show promises to be build on previous successes with a range of events for all to enjoy.
Galway Film Fleadh 2013
The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film festival, is a six-day international event, held every July and welcomes a diversity of films from around the world. The Fleadh is very much a filmmaker’s festival and attracts directors, actors, cinematographers and artists of all generations and cultural backgrounds, who present their work before their peers. Galway Fringe Festival 2013
The Galway Fringe Festival is Taking place from 15th-28th July 2013.
Galway Arts Festival 2013
Taking place on the 15th-28th July 2013, The Galway Arts Festival is one of Europes most inventive, vibrant & colourful events. A truly international celebration of the performing and visual arts which takes place in Galway city annually each July.
Galway Garden Festival 2013
Galway Garden Festival is held in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle on the 6th and 7th of July. Details of the programme for the two days will be posted shortly.
Omey Dash Triathlon 2013
The Omey Dash 2013 is being held on Saturday, July 27th, starting at 3pm. This triathlon, in aid of Claddaghduff Community Hall, is open to all individuals or teams in any combination.
Galway Races 2013
Good craic, great horseracing and seven days of super socialising. The highlight of the Galway Summer Calendar, the Galway Races are the place to be and be seen. Experience the vibrant and electric atmosphere of the Galway Races 2013 from Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August 2013. http://www.harbour.ie/Galway-Races-2013
Connemara Pony Show 2013
Taking place from the 11th-18th of August 2013, The Connemara Pony Show is Irelands Premier Show for Connemara Ponies for breeders and owners from home and overseas. The annual Connemara Pony Festival will be held in Clifden, Co. Galway.
Streets of Galway 8k Road Race 2013 (August)
Galways most popular athletic event, the Streets of Galway 8k Road Race is in it’s 28th year. The event will take place in the streets of Galway City anhd on to Salthill on a date in August that is yet to be confirmed.
The Connemara 100 (11th-12th Aug 2013)
Connemara 100 mile endurance run with 30 hour limit takes place on the 11th and 12th of August 2013. This exhillerating race is taking place in Clifden, Connemara, situated around an hour from Galway City.
Gaelforce West and Get Out There Adventure Festival 2013
Starting on the 18th of August 2013, Gaelforce West is the largest one day adventure race of it’s kind. It is a multi-sport adventure race involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking.
Roundstone Summer Festival 2013
Taking place around mid August on a date not yet confirmed, Roundstone Summer Festival is a weekend where people can come and sample the beauty of the village of Roundstone and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants. Roundstone is located in the heart of Connemara, around an hour and 15 minutes from Galway City.
Cruinniu na mBad Festival 2013
Taking place from the 16th - 18th of August, Up to 100 unique Irish boat’s, the Galway Hookers, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniu na mBad (gathering of the boats) festival in Kinvara, Co.Galway.
Galway Heritage Week 2013
In mid to late August on dates not yet confirmed, Galways rich heritage is set to be celebrated in a range of events across the city and county as part of National Heritage Week.
Galway Races Autumn Meeting
The 2nd meeting of the Calendar year, The Galway Races Autumn Meeting is a three day event that takes place mid September annually. Although not as well reknowned as the Summer meeting which brings 250,000 visitors to Galway each year, the Autumn meeting still has plenty to offer and well worth the visit.
Clarenbridge Oyster Festival 2013
Taking place on the 13th-15th September 2013, the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival offers great food, great Guinness, great music and entertainment all in a marquee on the banks of the Claren River which flows through Clarenbridge on the edge of Galway Bay.
Galway Americana Festival 2013
The Galway Americana Festival 2013 is taking place this year in September on a date not yet confirmed. The title of this years festival is “Go Wild in The West” which involves a series of gigs and sessions in the most happening parts of Galway town.
Clifden Arts Week 2013
Taking place from the 19th to the 29th of September, The Clifden Arts Festival is the longest running community arts festival in Ireland. Clifden community Arts week is now in it’s 36th year and yet again promises to have something to excite everyone in this years programme.
Galway Culture Night 2013
Taking place on the 20th of September 2013, The Galway Culture Night is now in it’s eighth year and provides free access to museums, galleries, theatres and public buildings. This gives locals and visitors a fantastic chance to learn more about the local culture and history that you may not normally make time for. Everyone is encouraged to take part to make this years event its best yet.
Galway International Oyster Festival 2013
Taking place on the 27th-29th September 2013, the picturesque town of Galway hosts the Galway International Oyster Festival, one of the biggest events in Irelands social calendar. There are a vast array of activities planned for this years Festival such as live entertainment, gourmet food, fine wine and of course Oysters and Guinness are enjoyed by some 10,000 people with guests and luminaries from all over the world.
Burren Peaks Walking Festival 2013
Taking place from the 27th-29th September, The Burren Peaks Walking Festival gives visitors a real taste of the Burren and offers guided hill and lowland walks varying in distance and grade catering for all walkers with some spectacular scenery along the way.
Ballinasloe International October Fair and Festival 2013
This 172nd Ballinasloe International Fair and Festival is a nine day extraveganza of all things equestrian with entertainment and great family fun taking place in early October.
Guinness Live in Galways Latin Quarter 2013
Guinness live in Galways Latin Quarter will be taking place on the 26th of September 2013. Now in its 3rd year, Guinness Live in the Latin Quarter will be a four day music festival featuring an extensive line-up of national and local acts.
Galway Jazz Festival 2013
The Galway Jazz Festival will take place in early October, 2013. Now in its ninth year, The festival plans on expanding on the successes of the previous eight years with a number of shows in place at a variety of different venues. The Harbour Hotel is situated in an ideal location for visitors as it a 3 minute walk to Galway City Centre.
Barboró International Arts Festival for Children
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children takes place in Galway City from the 14th-20th October. The sestival is Ireland’s premier international arts festival for children and families. It runs in Galway city and county in mid October annually, featuring theatre, dance, literature, music, puppetry workshops and visual art for all ages. Galway Races October Bank Holiday Meeting
Taking Place on ther 27th & 28th October 2013, The October Bank Holiday Galway Racing Festival is a two -day meeting with a mixture of flat and national hunt racing. This race meeting, which is getting more popular year on year, offers great racing, entertainment, excitement and great value for money. So if you fancy some great racing and an exciting day out, then this is the place to be.
Spirit of Voice Fesitival 2013
The Spirit of Voice Festival will return to Galway this November on a date not yet confirmed. The Line up for the 2012 Spirit of Voice festival presented a varied and diverse selection of music acts and spoken word artists. Last year’s event took place at the newly refurbished venue of An Taibhdhearc, Middle Street Galway from the 9th until 11th November.
Tulca Festival Of Visual Arts 2013
Taking place in November on a date yet to be confirmed, The Tulca Festival of Visual Arts is an annual festival taking place in Galway each year. The festival is the final arts festival of the calendar year and it features dynamic and exciting work from national and international art practitioners.
Galway Science and Technology Festival Exhibition
Taking place in November on a date not yet confirmed, the Galway Science and Technology Festival is an exhibition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to bridge the gaps between students and industry by showcasing local schools, companies, third level institutes and government bodies.
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