Experience the best events in Galway—completely free! Explore This is Galway's Ultimate Budget-Friendly Events Guide and never miss out on top happenings without spending a cent.
Please note: This article will be updated as events take place meaning that this article can be your go-to no matter the day of week or time of year.
Workshop: The New Ink Well
When: June 24th to 26th, at 6-7pm
Where: An Tobar Nua
More information here
Immerse yourself in the beauty of metaphor and symbolism at An Tobar Nua’s 3-day Creative Writing Workshop mini-series. There, you’ll be put back in touch with your sense of wonder, exercise your imagination, and learn to rewrite your narrative. Reclaim your right to humanity’s treasury of meaning, and let it change your life. All levels of writing experience are welcome, and beginners especially are encouraged! No charge, just bring yourself!
Music: Meža Ritms (Mezha Ritoms)
When: June 26th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Formed in 2024, Meža Ritms (Mezha Ritoms) take inspiration from psych acts new and old. Their sound is a hypnotic stew of fuzzed out riffs, a manipulation of high and low frequencies over off kilter drum patterns, creating a dense mind numbing experience that promises to send the venue into hop skip and jump. Their recently released single “Outside/Within” showcases this with beating drums and microtonal sounds followed by over the top, blown out fuzz guitar.
Dance: Encore Theatrical Arts Project
When: June 27th, from 7pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Encore Theatrical Arts Project (ETAP) is a renowned performing arts company. Founded in 1996 by award-winning performer, director and choreographer, Raynor van der Merwe; ETAP was created to provide advanced musical theatre dance students with the training, education, and performance opportunities to prepare them for successful professional careers in musical theatre. The performers coming to you, who range from age 13 to 18, have consistently surprised audiences with the high level of professionalism they bring to the stage. ETAP alumni have been seen performing on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall as Rockettes, in National * Touring Companies, as well as at Regional Theatres and on well-known Cruise Ships. The newest production, “Stepping Out” is a high-energy Broadway-style dance revue that brings the magic of musical theatre to the stage with dazzling choreography, stunning costumes, and an unforgettable soundtrack. This electrifying production celebrates the timeless allure of jazz and Tap dance, featuring a dynamic cast that delivers show-stopping performances from start to finish. Audiences will be transported through a spectacular journey of rhythm and movement, set to a mix of classic and contemporary musical favourites.
Demo: Living History - Traditional Wool-Spinning and Weaving in Ireland
When: June 28th, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Humans have been spinning fibre into yarn and weaving yarn into cloth not just for centuries but for millennia. The cloth was made into clothing, bedding, tents and other such items, which were essential for the survival and comfort of humans. Without spinning and weaving, their world would have been a cold and comfortless place. Join living-history weaver Seamus Kirwan as he discusses wool fibre and its various uses and demonstrates the Irish tradition of wool spinning and hand-weaving. Come along and try your hand at it, you’ll really enjoy this hands-on experience. This is a drop-in event. Booking is not required.
Music: Undercover Martians
When: July 4th, from midnight
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Undercover Martians are an indie rock band based in Galway. They are comprised of Dáithí McGloin as the frontman and guitarist, Michael McGloin on drums, Oisín McGloin on bass, and Killian Fox and Donnacha O’Dwyer, both on guitars. They have relentlessly gigged around Ireland for the past several years. Their Influences include The Strokes, Wallows, Arctic Monkeys, and The Academic. In 2022 they released their debut EP ‘Jigsaw’ which led to a sling of gigs across Ireland, including The Roisín Dubh (Galway), The Sound House (Dublin), and Fred Zeppelins (Cork). Their latest EP ‘I Don’t Want to Mention It’ (Produced by Dave Skelton) sees the band’s songwriting evolve to be more dynamic and heavy-hitting, whilst the lyricism delicately traverses the difficult phases of a romantic relationship. The band continues to perform across Ireland and is gearing up to release more music soon.
Film: Bastille Day Screening: Green Tide (Les Algues vertes)
When: July 9th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
As part of the Bastille Day celebrations in Ireland, Galway City Museum is delighted to present a special French Film Programme in Galway. All screenings are free! No Booking required. First come first seated. ‘Green Tide (Les Algues vertes)’ by Pierre Jolivet. Brittany, France. Following the recent deaths of locals on Breton beaches, a reporter comes to investigate the mystery surrounding algae that may be a cause of these tragic events. As evidence is being covered up and threats to her research mount up, she realizes that some politicians with close ties to prominent local corporations are working to stop her from uncovering the shocking truth.
Film: Bastille Day Screening: Out of Season (Hors-Saison)
When: July 10th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
As part of the Bastille Day celebrations in Ireland, Galway City Museum is delighted to present a special French Film Programme in Galway. All screenings are free! No Booking required. First come first seated. ‘Out of season (Hors-Saison)’by Stéphane Brizé. Mathieu lives in Paris, Alice in a small seaside resort in Western France. He is a famous actor, about to turn fifty. She is a piano teacher in her forties. They were in love fifteen years ago, then separated. Time has passed. They each went their ways and slowly healed. When Mathieu goes try to overcome his melancholia in a thermal spa, he stumbles upon Alice.
Guided Tour: Keepers of the Gael
When: June 12th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan for a free guided tour of the exhibition which explores Gaelic society and culture in Ireland through the lens of the learned families who served Gaelic and English lords in Ireland between 1200 and 1600 AD. As hereditary keepers of the arts, learned families of historians, lawyers, physicians, poets and musicians framed the outlook of Gaelic people. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Booking required, please contact Galway City Museum at museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Show & Tell: Life and Conflict in Gaelic Ireland
When: June 12th, from 11am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The Keepers of the Gael at Galway City Museum explores Gaelic society and culture in Ireland between 1200 and 1600, a period of struggle and conflict, bookended by the Anglo-Norman invasion and the Tudor conquest. Join Dave Swift of Claíomh (‘sword’ in the Irish language) Living History for this special display of the weapons, armour, clothing, and equipment of the Gaelic Irish of the type used in their struggle to maintain control of their ancestral lands and way of life. Dave will show and demonstrate the material culture of the period, share stories, and welcome any questions. No booking required – just drop into the Museum anytime between 11am and 2pm.
Gallery Talk: Tower Houses
When: June 12th, at 3pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
It has been estimated that around 3,000 tower houses were built by Gaelic and Anglo-Irish lords between 1400 and 1650. Recently, the Museum revealed a detailed diorama based on the Kilclooney tower house, near Milltown, Co. Galway. The Kilclooney tower house was built around 1500 AD by the Ó hUiginn family, renowned poets of the time. The model features a cross-sectional view of the tower house, offering fascinating insights into what life may have looked like inside. Join Dave Swift of Claíomh (‘sword’ in the Irish language) Living History for a brief introduction to tower houses. Suitable for adults and young people aged 12+
Guided Tour: LEGO Treasure Hunt
When: June 19th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Galway City Museum commissioned LEGO® brick artist, Jessica Farrell, to create twelve tiny models, using LEGO® bricks and minifigures, to depict scenes from Galway’s past and present. These mini models, which feature Pádraic Ó Conaire, Grace O’Malley and Turlough O’Connor, to name a few, are strategically placed throughout the Museum. Join Damien Donnellan to find these models and learn more about the history that inspired these Lego creations. Booking required, please contact Galway City Museum at museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Literature: Lou Robbie Event
When: July 21st, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Register here
Professional chef Lou Robbie, known to many as @littleloucooks from social media, will be at Kennys Bookshop on July 21st to celebrate launch of her debut cookbook Make & Freeze. With over one million followers, Lou shares recipes online that are designed to provide followers with easy, quick and tasty dishes to nourish the whole family. Her debut cookbook Make & Freeze features 100 of Lou’s most popular tried and tested recipes. All are welcome to this launch event which will feature a book signing by Lou, speeches and refreshments, including some finger food that Lou will bring along based on some recipes from the book!
Music: :Panic :Over
When: July 31st, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
:Panic :Over are the latest recipients of the BPI’s Music Export Growth Scheme funding. They were handpicked by the BPI to represent Northern Ireland at the UK National Day at World EXPO2025 in Osaka, Japan. Recently signed to Warner Music Group, the indie rockers celebrated their appearance at Expo with the release of their new single “Actor”. This summer they embark on their first tour outside of the UK. Fans of Rugby, Football, and Love Island already familiar with :Panic :Over’s tunes, are still struggling to get their instantly infectious hooks out of their heads.
Guided Tour: Galway City Museum Highlights
When: August 2nd, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan, Education and Exhibitions Assistant, for a free guided tour to learn about the fascinating stories behind some of the objects on display, including the oldest known Claddagh Ring, a medieval physician’s cup and more! The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Booking required, please contact Galway City Museum at museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Guided Tour: Galway City Museum for Families
When: August 9th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan, Education and Exhibitions Assistant, for a free guided tour to learn about the origins of Galway and to hear fascinating stories behind some of the objects on display, including the oldest known Claddagh Ring and the statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Booking required, please contact Galway City Museum at museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: Sword and Mace Tour
When: August 20th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan for a series of object-focused tours this Heritage Week 2025. Each day from Tuesday 19th August to Friday 22nd August, Damien will highlight a different object from the museum’s exhibitions, sharing its unique story and exploring its broader historical context. Step into Galway’s civic history with a closer look at the city’s 17th and 18th – century Sword and Mace – symbols of municipal authority and among the finest in Ireland. Originally swords and maces were used as weapons, but they came to be used as symbols of authority and jurisdiction. Damien will trace their origins and their use as emblems of power, and their role in official ceremonies by Galway’s mayors and dignitaries. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: Physician's Cup Tour
When: August 21st, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan for a series of object-focused tours this Heritage Week 2025. Each day from Tuesday 19th August to Friday 22nd August, Damien will highlight a different object from the museum’s exhibitions, sharing its unique story and exploring its broader historical context. Experience the traditions of elite Gaelic society through the story of the O’Tully physician’s cup, a four-handled drinking vessel known as a ‘mether’. Damien will discuss the role of feasting in Gaelic culture and share insights into the practice of Irish medicine, highlighting this remarkable object from the Keepers of the Gael exhibition. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: Claddagh Ring Tour
When: August 22nd, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan for the last in a series of object-focused tours for Heritage Week 2025. Each day from Tuesday 19th August to Friday 22nd August, Damien highlighted a different object from the museum’s exhibitions, sharing its unique story and exploring its broader historical context. Uncover the origins of the oldest known Claddagh ring, crafted around 1700 by Galway goldsmith Richard Joyce. Hear the captivating tale of Joyce’s capture by Barbary pirates and his time in North Africa and discover how the Claddagh ring became a symbol of Galway’s heritage. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Music: Nature TV
When: October 2nd, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Door-to-door heartbreak salesmen Nature TV peddle an elixir of escapism and adventure. Sorrow and despondency. Contemplative nostalgia and tender melancholy. Hailing from Brighton it’s a canvasing technique they employ around the British Isles. Geographically out of phase with the main character energy of London, Guy Bangham (guitar, vocals), Josh Eriskin (bass) and James Hunt (lead guitar, backing vocals) write sadboi yacht rock, layered with all the buried trauma of a Wes Anderson plot. Playing in the Róisín Dubh, Galway on October 2nd, support on the night will be The Works.
Music: Kling Klang
When: December 4th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Kling Klang are an artrock synthesizer band influenced by krautrock / noise / experimental / stoner music such as Neu!, Black Sabbath, Suicide, Trans Am and TwinKranes. The band are currently touring in support of their upcoming release on Wrong Speed Records, and the repress of their critically acclaimed debut LP “The Esthetik Of Destruction”. The current lineup features Joe McLaughlin, George McFall and Ricky White alongside Jon Hamilton from Part Chimp.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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