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 15 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/.
Family: An Fathach Leithleasach
When: December 2nd - 19th
Where: An Taibhdhearc
More information here
An Fathach Leithleasach is a magical story of a grumpy Giant who banishes children from his beautiful garden, turning his world upside down – will the grumpy giant ever open his heart and share his garden once again? Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, audiences young and old will be captivated by a world, brimming full of magical creatures, plants and trees, where children, a grumpy giant and a mischievous fairy sing and dance their way through this unworldly garden. Please see the link above for more.
Music: Airneánach | Nightbird - The Altered Hours
When: December 13th
Where: St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
More information here
Airneánach | Nightbird is a new series of performances taking place at Galway's oldest building, St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. This curated series of live performances unites sound and visuals to showcase the incredible talent of Galway and Ireland, honouring the building's deep history while placing it firmly within modern-day life. The final performance is taking place this month with The Altered Hours - a rock group based in Cork City. Their music explores vast psychedelic spaces, immediate post-punk tones, repetitive rhythms and propelling structures. The lyrics bind this wall of noise together, comfortably connecting the escapism of the abstract with the honesty of realism. This duality is played out in song and on stage by the lead singers Elaine Howley & Cathal MacGabhann alongside Patrick Cullen on bass guitar/effects, Nora Lewon on drums & Jack Horgan on guitar. Over the past few years, the 5-piece have been headlining tours in the UK & Europe, creating what some journalists have described as a ‘cult-like’ status. The years ahead are set to be as exciting & energetic as ever for The Altered Hours, with the group continuously carving out their own path in rock ‘n’ roll.
Sport: Connacht Rugby Home Games
When: December 13th & 27th
Where: Dexcom Stadium
More information here
Get ready for thrilling showdowns at Dexcom Stadium this December as Connacht Rugby go head-to-head with the Black Lion on the 13th as of round 2 of Challenge Cup, and up against Ulster Rugby on December 27th in United Rugby Championship Round 8. Come along to watch all the action in-person, to enjoy the highs and lows of the game with fellow fans, meet special guests, and soak up the excitement in a relaxed yet vibrant setting - making your match day truly unforgettable. Expect big hits, high tempo, and edge-of-your-seat action as both sides battle to climb the standings. Bring all the gang out for these games because you won’t want to miss them!
above: photo by Inpho Sports Photography
Nightlife: Rocky Horror Cabaret Show
When: December 15th
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Back for its 4th year in a row, the rocky horror cabaret show is an interactive cabaret experience produced by local company Púca Productions. For one night only the Róisín Dubh will be transformed into a hazy hall of 70’s nostalgia as local performers sing through songs from the cult classic and beyond while making sure no one in the room misses out on the fun! With a prize for Best Dressed on the night, they hope to see ye all there with bells on!
Fundraiser: Christmas Day Swim
When: December 25th
Where: Salthill
More information here
It’s been a long standing community-focused tradition for many across Ireland, so this year whether it’s your first time participating or your twentieth, join the crowds by Blackrock Diving Tower and brave the cold so others don’t have to. Be a part of the merriment on Christmas Day, help raise funds for a valuable cause and then go off to stuff your faces on all that Christmas dinner goodness. When you register you also will receive a free swim t-shirt and COPE pack. Registration is now available as an individual or as a team.
above: photo by Daniel O'Brien photography
Workshop: Pasta Making with Lia of Pastacrisciut
When: December 13th
Where: Mad Yolk Farm
More information here
Join Lia of Pastacrisciut for a hands-on pasta making workshop as you use organic semolina to craft together 3 pasta shapes from Southern Italy. And then, after all the hard work you’ll enjoy a typical Italian meal - courses from antipasto to dessert. It’s €60 per person, and your ticket includes the pasta lesson, take home your own pasta, and the traditional Italian dinner. To book DM on Instagram or call Lia at 083 4644170. If you can’t make this date, please note that there will be another class on January 31st.
Dining: 2025 Rewind Disco Brunch
When: December 31st
Where: HYDE Bar
More information here
Say goodbye to 2025 with the New Year’s Eve Throwback Disco Brunch, as HYDE Bar takes the year’s biggest hits and turns them into the ultimate send-off soundtrack. They’ve got the perfect party playlist to relive the year before the countdown begins. Enjoy a delicious main course brunch paired with two handcrafted cocktails while the DJ spins all the anthems that defined 2025. Raise a glass to the memories, dance to the hits, and send 2025 off in style!
Wellness: The Journey - Winter Solstice Shadow & Seed
When: December 21st
Where: Croi Nua
More information here
Join Giada of She Kneads for a transformative two-part shamanic journey circle to honour the turning of the year. This gathering invites you to courageously explore the Cave of Shadow -meeting and releasing what holds you back, before rising into the Upper World to plant seeds of intention for the year ahead. What to Expect; Shadow Work Journey - begin with grounding breathwork and drum-led guidance into the Cave of Shadow. Here, you’ll gently uncover limiting beliefs, old fears, and hidden aspects of self, offering them compassion and space for release. Upper World Visioning Journey - from deep stillness, ascend into the Upper World, a place of possibility and guidance. Here, you’ll plant seeds for your dreams, call in support from guides and ancestors, and set intentions for the coming year. All are welcome, no experience needed.
Music: 3 Part Harmonies
When: December 21st
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
KaRoSal are a Galway based, three-part harmony trio who sing both acapella and with guitar accompaniment, covering a mix of bluegrass, gospel, contemporary and folk songs. KaRoSal’s name is derived from their own names: Kara Donohoe, Róna O’Riordan and Sarah Toomey. Their repertoire includes three-part harmony arrangements of bluegrass and gospel songs such as, “Didn’t leave nobody but the baby,” “I’ll fly away” and the gospel song “Hush, somebody’s calling my name.” Other well-known covers include Crossby Stills and Nash’s “Helplessly Hoping,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Gold dust woman” and “Landslide” and Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on fire.” KaRoSal performed a lunch-time Christmas concert in the Galway City Museum in 2024, and they’re back again this year for another phenomenal lunchtime performance.
Music: Phil Coulter Tranquility by Candlelight
When: December 4th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
The release in 1983 of the album Classic Tranquility was a milestone in Irish music and in the career of its creator Phil Coulter. Over the following years, with the steady release of others in the same vein, the country seemed to fall in love with the soothing piano sounds of Tranquility. It became a phenomenon, leading to millions of record sales and sold-out international tours. Music fans were charmed by the fresh arrangements of timeless melodies, Irish classics, and inspirational favourites. Now, more than 40 years since its arrival, Tranquility makes a return to the Galway stage, in a new and updated production, reflecting contemporary trends. Audiences will be guaranteed an evening of familiar and best loved melodies in a magical setting, surrounded by the glow of candlelight.
Music: Siúcra
When: December 19th
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Róisín Dubh are delighted to welcome back Siúcra after their short break, as they return to the stage to celebrate the release of their sophomore EP Thirst. Having first turned heads with their breakout performances across the West, Siúcra have built a loyal following through their powerful live shows and collaborative spirit within the local scene. Joining them on the night is a hand-picked line-up of some of Ireland’s most exciting emerging artists. Ursidae brings fighter-pilot rock from Cork-raised, Galway-based frontman Dónal Tuipéar, heartfelt, atmospheric indie with sharp edges and soaring melodies. Sabbages, a Doom-Trad collective from Dublin, arrives on a wave of attention following the release of their debut single “Samhain,” a daring blend of folk roots and heavy experimentation. Sulk Hogan, Galway’s own folk hero, delivers introspective yet vibrant songwriting that’s earned widespread acclaim after a string of standout performances this year. Rounding out the bill are The Kates, a dynamic five-piece from Cork who have had a remarkable 2025, fresh from the Clonakilty Guitar Festival and newly announced for Other Voices. Each act brings their own distinct energy, reflecting the depth and diversity of Ireland’s thriving independent scene, a fitting backdrop for Siúcra’s return and the unveiling of Thirst.
Pantomime: Jack and the Beanstack
When: From December 29th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Renmore Pantomime Society will return to the Town Hall Theatre for their 45th production with Jack and the Beanstalk. Directed by the award-winning twins, Brian and Seán Power, choreographed by the dynamic Declan J. Gardiner and a new script by Darren Shine, audiences are promised adventure, fun, and festive cheer for all ages. Fairyland is under threat from a fearsome Giant! Join Jack, his mother Mrs. Wiggles and their friends Little Boy Blue and Mary Mary as they hatch a daring plan to save their world. With lots of sparkle from Fairy Flowers, and mischief from Milky Moo the cow there will be plenty of magic, music and laughter.
Special Occasion: Winter Solstice Celebration
When: December 19th
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
You are all warmly invited to take some time out in the run up to Christmas and visit Brigit’s Garden for a gentle and restorative evening of seasonal ritual, candle-lighting and meditation. The evening will echo the rhythm of nature as we slow down and take time to reflect, and to focus our light on positive intentions for ourselves and for the world. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated in Ireland for thousands of years, from the people who built Newgrange to the present day. At this special time of year we honour the turn of the seasons, the creative gifts of the dark and the beginning of the return of the light. There will be time to share creativity & inspiration, so please feel free to bring a poem, story or song if you wish, and there will be a Christmas cuppa and social time after the celebration.
Theatre: Knocknacarra’s KATS Supper Theatre
When: December 9-11th
Where: Galway Bay Hotel
More information here
This December Knocknacarra’s KATS are presenting Carrie McWethy’s Don’t Blame Me, I’m Just The Playwright and Michael J. Ginnelly’s Wake In The West at the Galway Bay Hotel. Its two hilarious comedies in one sitting across three nights means much-loved local theatre company KATS is bringing back its annual supper theatre performance. Don’t Blame Me, I’m Just The Playwright is a side-splitting comedy about the troubles which arise when trying to stage a play. ‘Wake In The West’, by the late Mayo writer, Michael J. Ginnelly, was first staged by KATS in 2016 and is being revived as a tribute to Ginnelly, who was a great friend of the society. In this show, Tom Healy’s dying wish to be cremated and have his ashes scattered at sea causes uproar and chaos, causing the wake to become a riot of laughter and misunderstandings, but also heart.
Music: Christmas by Candlelight with Triskel Ensemble
When: December 14th
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
One of Galway's favourite sopranos, Helen Hancock, and her string quartet, The Triskel Ensemble, are coming to The Mick Lally Theatre this December to perform a Christmas programme full of nostalgia. The evening will feature songs from The Sound of Music, Les Mis and Evita and movie themes including ET. A touch of Corelli, Messiah and Mozart will soothe your soul in the candlelit atmosphere alongside favourites like Walking in the Air, O Holy Night and Christmas carols.
Main photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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