With summer on the horizon, Galway is entering its busiest season of the year and because there is just so much to do we are sharing our favourite ways to spend summer in Galway. Let's dive in!
Galway is a vibrant festival city with a countryside that is equally gorgeous and famous in its own right. From wild and beautiful Connemara landscapes, picturesque skylines and dramatic sea views, to a robust music and arts scene and ever-evolving cultural events calendar, Galway is the place to be this summer.
above: photo from Galway Folk Festival
1. Attend some Summer Festivals in Galway
Throughout the year, Galway hosts a colourful variety of festivals however in the summer months the city and county truly comes alive with exciting festival programmes, buzzing events, workshops and so much more. This summer is no exception and the diverse festival lineup includes loads of unique acts and performances that you certainly don’t want to miss. Be a part of all the action and save these dates;
29th - 31st May 2026: Headfest celebrates music, sport, arts, and community in North Galway. Expect live performances, workshops, and family-friendly events that highlight the best of Headford’s creative spirit.
30th & 31st May 2026: Salthill Fives - Galway’s legendary five-a-side football tournament returns! The Salthill Fives brings together top talent and local teams for a weekend of sport, food, and family-friendly entertainment along the Salthill seafront.
29th May - 1st June 2026: Éalú Le Grá - An immersive camping, music, and arts festival that celebrates creativity, connection, and self-expression. Éalú Le Grá (meaning, Escape with Love) combines music, workshops, and community experiences in a truly magical setting.
3rd - 7th June 2026: Galway Folk Festival unites music lovers for a celebration of folk traditions from Ireland and beyond. With over 50 acts performing across multiple venues, this event showcases both beloved legends and exciting emerging artists.
12th - 14th June 2026: Clifden Summer Music Festival - Enjoy three days of unforgettable live music in the heart of Connemara. The Clifden Summer Music Festival features top Irish acts and a wealth of incredible local performers.
above: photo from Galway Film Fleadh
18th - 21st June 2026: Galway Uke Festival - Get ready to strum, sing, and smile at the Galway Uke Festival. Three jam-packed days of concerts, workshops, and street performances celebrating the joyful ukulele.
28th June 2026: Corrandulla Agricultural Show - A classic family day out in the countryside! The Corrandulla Show features horse jumping, livestock displays, food markets, and funfair attractions that celebrate Galway’s rural traditions.
Dates for Galway Skate Fest 2026 tbc: Galway Skate Fest - Join the action at Galway Skate Fest, a celebration of skate culture featuring competitions, skate jams, lessons, and community events across the city.
7th - 12th July 2026: Galway Film Fleadh - Ireland’s premier film festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, screens a mix of international features, shorts, and documentaries, it’s a must for film lovers looking to discover fresh cinematic voices.
10th - 12th July 2026: South Galway Bay Music Festival - A three-night festival of live music, dance, and community fun. South Galway Bay Music Festival is perfect for families and fans of traditional Irish entertainment.
13th - 26th July 2026: Galway International Arts Festival - One of Europe’s leading multi-arts festivals, the Galway International Arts Festival or GIAF celebrates theatre, music, dance, circus, visual arts, and more over 14 extraordinary days. Expect world-class performances and spectacular citywide installations.
20th -29th July 2026: WTAF!? (Westend Theatre & Arts Festival) - One of Galway’s newest creative celebrations, WTAF!? the Westend Theatre & Arts Festival, is a riot of theatre, drag, visual art, and live music. Expect laughter, surprise, and a touch of mayhem in the heart of the Westend.
27th July - 2nd August 2026: Galway Race Week is one of Ireland’s biggest racing festivals, the Galway Race Week, combines thrilling horse racing, fashion, food, and entertainment over seven unforgettable days - from the iconic Galway Plate Day to Ladies Day and the Mad Hatter’s family finale.
above: photo from WTAF!? by Leo Seoigthe
2. Make a Break for the Towns and Villages of East Galway
When visiting Galway it can often be easy to overlook the incredible towns and villages that reside in East Galway County - we are here to change that! East Galway has an abundance of hidden gems, historic landmarks and friendly locals who together make this area of Galway an unmissable summer holiday destination. Just to give you a taste of all the things to do here we have put together a list of some of the key places you should check out for yourself this summer.
Athenry / Things to do in Athenry
Trip highlights; The Loft at North Gate (dining), Athenry Heritage Centre (discover), Dowling's Bar (drink), West of the River Gallery (visit).
Kinvara / Things to do in Kinvara
Trip highlights; SIAR (dining), Dunguaire Castle (discover), Connollys Kinvara (drink), Farmers Market (shop), Burren Nature Sanctuary (visit).
Gort / Things to do in Gort
Trip highlights; Coole Park (visit), Tal Vez Coffee (coffee), Nine and Fifty Swans (shop), Thoor Ballylee (discover), The Field Gastropub (drink).
Oranmore / Things to do in Oranmore
Trip highlights; Cornerstone (coffee), Porterhouse (drink), Golf at The Hawthorn (activities), Maldron Hotel Oranmore (accommodation), Renville Park (visit), Basilico (family-dining).
Loughrea / Things to-do in Loughrea
Trip highlights; Lough Rea Hotel & Spa (accommodation), The Village Inn (dining), Slieve Aughty Centre (activities), Woodville Walled Gardens (discover), Turoe Pet Farm (family-friendly).
Portumna / Things to-do in Portumna
Trip highlights; Portumna Castle & Gardens (visit), Farmers Market (shop), Irish Workhouse Centre (discover), Podumna Glamping Village (accommodation).
Ahascragh / Trip highlights; Ahascragh Distillery (visit), The Old Mill Shop & Café (food & shop).
Ballinasloe / Trip highlights; An Táin Bar (drink), Shearwater Hotel (stay + spa), Woodlawn House (discover).
above: photo by Sonder Visuals via Ireland's Content Pool
3. Tour each of the Aran Islands
A summer of island-hopping anyone? Located off the Galway coastline, the Aran Islands can help you fulfil your summer island holiday dreams. Each isle is home to a fantastic array of historic landmarks and are all beautiful in their own right, so let’s talk about them.
Inis Oírr: The smallest of the Aran Islands and the one that is closest to the mainland. Inis Oírr is characterised by its distinctive charm, white sandy beaches and home to the eye-catching Plassey Wreck. There’s plenty for you to discover on this little island off the West Coast and some highlights include; Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne, Tigh Ned, O’Brien’s Castle and The Lighthouse.
Inis Meáin: As the name as Gaeilge implies is the middle island of the three. A maze of winding roads, rocky hillside and bountiful native wildflowers, it’s little wonder to all that visit that Inis Meáin is considered one of the ultimate getaway destinations. Some of the island’s highlights include; Inis Meáin Knitting Company, Synge’s Chair and Synge’s Cottage.
Inis Mór: Regarded as one of the major Irish tourist destinations, Inis Mór is the largest of the 3 Aran Islands and is home to a number of fascinating landmarks and must see attractions. Some of the highlights include; Thomas Fahy Pony Tours, Dún Aonghasa, The Wormhole, Tí Joe Wattys Bar & Restaurant and Aran Island Camping & Glamping.
Thankfully, getting to the Aran Islands is easy thanks to the award-winning ferry experience of Aran Island Ferries. Providing year-round travel from Rossaveel to all three of the islands. However, from April-September, they provide daily access to Inis Mór, departing from Galway City Docks. You can either choose the day trip option or opt to spend the night on the island at one of their accommodation providers. Once your island explorations have come to an end your return journey with Aran Island Ferries will introduce you to the Cliffs of Moher from another level. From aboard the ferry, take in the scale of the cliff’s magnificent beauty and keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to snap shots as you might also catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals and basking sharks along the route.
above: photo courtesy Ireland's Content Pool
4. Climb to the top of Galway’s highest Summit
This summer in Galway we want you to feel like you’re on top of the world and one way you can definitely reach the same euphoric heights is by climbing to Galway’s highest point at the top of Benbaun. The tallest mountain in the Twelve Bens range, its hiking trail is rated difficult so it's certainly not for everyone but the views from the top are incredibly rewarding. The path can be hard to follow so it’s best to bring a map and a hiking buddy if you are considering giving it a go. We recommend building your fitness up to take on this peak by trying out the various other trails of Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill first. This National Park is magnificent and exploring its various walking trails will give you the chance to see some of its beautiful flora and fauna up close. With trails suitable for all levels of fitness, Connemara National Park and visitor centre is a fabulous place to spend a day in West Galway. For more information on Connemara National Park, hit the link here.
5. Admire Sea Views all along the Wild Atlantic Way
A road trip out along Galway’s coastline is a treat for all senses! Starting in South Galway in the picturesque Kinvara we recommend heading from here, towards the city and Salthill before continuing your trip out to Spiddal, Furbo and Barna. (Don’t forget to stop and get your picture taken by the Wild Atlantic Way signs as you go!) From here, head further west to Inverin and Rossaveel, before entering into the gorgeous surroundings of Clifden, Letterfrack and Renvyle, as a bonus we recommend visiting the stunning and often overlooked Inishbofin island as a way to wrap up your Wild Atlantic experience. Must-see spots en route: Dunguaire Castle, Blackrock Diving Tower, Padraicins and Furbo beach, Spiddal Craft Village, POTA, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and Killary Fjord. And, because you have all summer long, be sure to stop and stay in different locations along the route in order to get the full Wild Atlantic Way experience in Galway. If you would like to find guides to each of these areas individual be sure to tap HERE to discover everything these towns and villages have to offer.
For more on all that Galway has to offer and to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in Galway, hit the link HERE and don’t miss out on any of the magic.
above: photo courtesy Ireland's Content Pool
Main photo courtesy of Ireland's Content Pool
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