Galway is bursting with exciting events every month! To help you make the most of what’s happening, we’ve put together a must-read guide featuring the top 10 events you won’t want to miss this month. From festivals to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone—so dive in and start planning your next great experience in Galway!
Please note; Below is just a snippet of everything Galway has to offer event-wise in the month ahead. If you would like a full and inclusive look at everything Galway has going on, please check out our website at; https://thisisgalway.ie/events/.
Festival: Cúirt International Festival of Literature
When: April 8th to 13th
Where: Venues around Galway City
More information is available here
Featuring an array of some of the most exciting Irish and international writers at work today, the 40th Cúirt International Festival of Literature will take place in Galway from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th April. Spanning over 50 events, the programme includes poetry, fiction, memoir, non-fiction, masterclasses & workshops, exhibitions, and family events. This year’s edition of Cúirt Festival will centre the theme of celebration, showcasing a range of stellar writing talent, alongside a special programme of commemorative events, such as interactive archival projects and the revival of the Cúirt Annual Lecture. A lineup of leading Irish and international writers will be present at this year’s festival, as it will include a double billing of Booker Prize winners, with Anne Enright and Roddy Doyle taking centre stage. Once again, Galway City will welcome writers from across the globe, as the programme promises leading literary voices from both Ireland and beyond. The full programme is available now via the link above and tickets are on sale now.
above: photo of Anne Enright, by Emilijia Jefremova
Festival: N.I.C.E. Film Festival
When: April 4th to 6th
Where: Eye Cinema
More information is available here
Organised by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture, the 4th edition of the N.I.C.E. Italian Film Festival will run from March 27th to April 6th right across Ireland, with the Galway leg of the festival taking place from April 4th to 6th. This year’s festival will once again feature films by some of Italy’s best contemporary directors. This year’s selection is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal. In Galway, 'Diamanti' (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges. Margherita Vicario's directorial debut, 'Gloria!', is set in the late 18th-century female institution of Sant'Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the era's conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern. The festival team are also excited to bring to Ireland for the first time Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, 'Parthenope', a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of the young girl, Parthenope. Click the link above to view the full programme and book your seats in advance of the phenomenal film festival.
Festival: Clifden Trad Music Festival
When: April 24th to 27th
Where: Clifden Town
More information is available here
The Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops and outdoor entertainment. As always at the Trad Fest, public events are free and everyone is invited to come along and experience what should be a great weekend of music, song and dance–there is something to suit everyone! Clifden will once again play host to some of the country’s finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers and these performers will play sessions in venues throughout the town as part of Clifden Trad Fest’s Session Trail. Tap the link above to check out this year’s full programme.
above: scenes from Clifden Festival
Quiz: Harry Potter & The Trivia Night with WOMP Events
When: April 9th, doors at 7pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
Tickets are available here
Due to popular demand, WOMP Events will return to Róisín Dubh on Wednesday 9th April to magically transform it into The Leaky Cauldron, and to test your knowledge on all things Hogwarts. Will you prove yourself to be a quizard or a muggle? If you attended either of the Harry Potter Trivia Nights in Róisín Dubh in December 2024 or January 2025, fear not: the content of this quiz will be totally different. Trivia, photo & anagram questions will be drawn from all Harry Potter movies (as well as the literary works), and there will prizes for the top three teams – plus spot prizes for the Best Dressed Wizard. Don’t miss it!
Talk: Gráinne O’Brien in conversation with Donal Ryan
When: April 4th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Tickets (free) are available here
The launch of Gráinne O’Brien’s YA novel Solo will be at Kennys Bookshop on Friday April 4th, when she will be interviewed by Donal Ryan. This event is ticketed but spaces are limited, and tickets are free. Gráinne O’Brien is a bookseller at Kennys Bookshop, the author of the children’s book A Limerick Fairytale, and the founder of Rontu Literary service, an agency dedicated to supporting writers of fiction for children as they seek publication. Written in verse, Solo is her debut novel. This is guaranteed to be a fantastic night so secure your tickets today at the link above.
Crafts: Spring Wreath Workshop
When: April 19th, at 12pm
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
Tickets are available here
Using natural foliage from the garden and hedgerows, come together at Slieve Aughty Centre this April 19th to create a spring wreath. You’ll be guided through each step by their experienced in-house florist, Lisa, who will ensure you take home a gorgeous piece to adorn your door all season and beyond. With Lisa’s expertise, you’ll leave with a wreath that’s not only stunning but also durable—something that will bring joy and beauty to your home all season long.
above: Spring wreath workshop at Slieve Aughty Centre
Celebration: Nelly’s First Birthday
When: April 12th, from 12pm
Where: Nelly
More information is available here
This April, the fashion and lifestyle store Nelly are celebrating their 1st birthday with a day-long party. There will be prosecco, treats and more for those joining them on the day. There will also be a fashion show with the stylish Catwalk Model Agency from 1-3pm, and an on-street party, with more information on this to follow. Come along and help the wonderful team at Nelly celebrate this special occasion. We’ll see you there!
Family: Easter Egg Hunt
When: April 19th to 21st, from 12pm
Where: Brigit’s Garden
Tickets are available here
Celebrate Easter and enjoy a great family day out with the popular Easter Egg Hunt at Brigit’s Garden on Easter Weekend. Younger children can take part in a Mini Hunt around the Celtic Gardens while older children can enjoy the longer Mighty Hunt around the Gardens and Sun Trail. Follow the egg clues, solve the Easter-themed puzzle and go to the Marquee to get your reward! Every child receives little chocolate eggs as a prize. The Mini and Mighty Hunts are available throughout the day and can be done at your own pace. Across the weekend there are other family-friendly events such as meeting the Easter bunny, visiting the arts and crafts arena to make some Easter decorations to take home, Lego building, tossing the beanbag and enjoying other fun games in the Marquee.
above: A family effort. The Easter Egg Hunt at Brigit's Garden
Entertainment: Service Industry ‘Carnival Games’
When: April 6th, from 3pm
Where: The Skeff
Tickets (free) are available here
Do you work in the service industry, in a bar, restaurant or hotel? The Skeff Bar & Kitchen are launching their first Service Industry Carnival Games on Sunday 6th April and it’s just for you! Hosted by the legendary DJ Baldy Mick, you will get to take part in some fun carnival games and win some great prizes, enjoy an exclusive cocktail menu, free finger food and chances to win exclusive Skeff and Jameson merch! Tickets are free and include a free welcome drink courtesy of event partner Jameson, so book yours now and have some fun!!
Comedy: DirtBirds New Show ‘Girls World Tour’
When: April 19th, doors at 7.30pm
Where: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Tickets are available here
Ireland’s Queens of Comedy are back in Galway with their brand new show “Girls World Tour”. After their last sell out tour, which received standing ovations across Ireland and the UK, DirtBirds are bringing their highly relatable and spot on observational comedy back to the stage. Taking place at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa this April 19th, this hilarious new show combines a mix of stand-up and sketches, while exploring the fascinating female mind. Come along to DirtBirds’ new show and make it girl’s night out (or if you’re really clever a girls weekend away). Go on.. you deserve it!
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Published on Updated on
