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.
Theatre: Is This Bathroom Haunted?
When: April 25th, at 8pm
Where: Town Hall Studio
Registration link here
This contemporary horror comedy unfolds in the women’s bathroom of one of Ireland’s oldest nightclubs. Where Dorothy, who possesses a unique blend of clairvoyance and mad-scientist tendencies meets a variety of ghosts. Each with their own compelling stories that range from heart-warming to disgusting, terrifying to hilarious. The play serves as a reflection on the experiences of women in Ireland, capturing the evolution of their lives since the inception of nightclubs. Through its mix of humour and horror, it explores themes of societal expectations, queer identity, consent, and female friendship. A post-show discussion will follow this rehearsed reading.
Music: Dose
When: April 25th, from midnight
Where: Róisín Dubh
Registration link here
This Friday night, don’t miss a special midnight show at the Róisín Dubh as Dublin-based four-piece Dose return to Galway to launch their brand new single, After This. It’s the band’s third release of 2024, and their most collaborative and affecting work to date — a brooding blend of dream pop, post-punk, shoegaze and synth-pop, shaped by fragmented WhatsApp voice notes and grounded in emotional rawness. Made up of Lizzie Fitzpatrick (Bitch Falcon), Lauren Heron (Merpire), Aoife Spratt, and Nicki Meehan, Dose are quickly carving out a sound that’s as textured and expansive as it is deeply personal. Lyrically, After This confronts the isolating aftermath of trauma, and how survivors are often failed by the very communities meant to protect them. With support on the night from Galway locals Swallow Sorrow, and free entry, this is a late-night show worth staying up for.
above: photo by Ro Mesones
Talk: What do Michael Davitt and Mahatma Ghandi have to do with Fast Fashion?
When: April 26th, from 10.30am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Fashion Revolution is the world’s largest fashion activism movement, campaigning for a fashion industry that values people and the planet over profit and growth. To mark Fashion Revolution 2025, Eimear Greaney (UpSew) will give a brief talk on Michael Davitt and Mahatma Gandhi, exploring how their lives were shaped by the garment industry and how they used non-violent resistance as a powerful tool for driving social change. This event is free of charge; however, advance booking is essential due to limited availability.
Embroidery Workshop: Tattoo your Tee - Fully booked
When: April 26th, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Do you have a phrase you would like to embroider on a tee-shirt or sweater? Join Eimear Greaney (UpSew) for a hands-on embroidery session, where you’ll learn the basics of chain stitch on a tee-shirt or sweater—perfect for easy removal if needed. It’s a fun and creative way to personalise or add flair to your clothes. All materials will be provided, including felt test pieces for those who prefer not to stitch directly onto their own clothing right away. This event is free of charge; however, advance booking is essential due to limited availability.
Fitness: Well-being Talk & 5K Run
When: April 26th, from 1pm
Where: Énergie Fitness Salthill
More information here
Join the new Énergie Fitness Salthill and Chris of GetBetterWithChris and GetBetterRunning for a special well-being talk, followed by an energising 5K run along the promenade. PLUS attendees will also enjoy pre sale promotions available on the day too!
Sewing Workshop: Sewing Meet-Up - Fully booked
When: April 26th, from 2.15pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Eimear Greaney (UpSew) for this relaxed sewing meet-up, where you’ll receive practical tips and guidance to support your sewing and upcycling journey. This event is free of charge; however, advance booking is essential due to limited availability.
Workshop: Creative Writing - Inspired by Objects
When: April 30th weekly until May 28th, from 11am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Galway City Museum houses a wealth of treasures, ranging from the medieval relic of St Ursula to the earliest known Claddagh ring, each of which has its own fascinating life story. This Bealtaine Festival, the Museum invites people to attend a writing workshop series led by award-winning poet and creative-writing facilitator Gerry Hanberry. Each week, Museum staff will share the story behind an object. Afterwards, Gerry Hanberry – in a friendly, relaxed and supportive atmosphere – will encourage participants to respond creatively to what they have encountered and will guide participants towards developing their responses in whatever format emerges, be it poetry, prose or reminiscence pieces inspired by the objects and their stories. Participants should be available to attend each of the five sessions.
Talk: John Connolly in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: May 1st, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Registration link here
Bestselling Irish author John Connolly will be at Kennys Bookshop on May 1st, when he will be joined by Sarah Kenny in conversation about his new novel, The Children of Eve. John Connolly is author of the Charlie Parker mysteries, The Book of Lost Things, and The Land of Lost Things, among others. Many of his novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers, and he has sold more than 8 million copies in English language alone. He was the first non-American writer to win the US Shamus Award and the first Irish writer to win an Edgar Award. John writes regularly for newspapers and magazines and hosts a radio show on RTÉ. He divides his time between Dublin and Portland, Maine. The Children of Eve is the latest instalment in the Charlie Parker mystery series and will be published on April 28th. Signed copies will be available in Kennys on the night. This event is ticketed but spaces are limited, so secure yours today.
Music: The Notions
When: May 8th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Formed in 2023, Donegal born band ‘The Notions’ have made a name for themselves amongst the Donegal music scene, bringing their old school rock and roll sound with a new school twist anywhere they go with their loud energy! Comprising of Mason Gillen on Vocals, Bobby Sweeney on Guitar, Finlay Thomson on bass and Mark Lowry Connolly on drums, The Notions always bring their very best to every performance with their rock and roll attitude that is sure to get anyone up on their feet! The young band are set to release their highly anticipated debut single ‘Fallen Angel’ on the 9th of May after 2 years of performing on multiple stages and making a number of festival and radio appearances across the North of Ireland. The boys are now celebrating this release by bringing their passion filled show down the country for their Galway debut in the famous Róisín Dubh.
Musical: An Ghaeltacht
When: May 9th, from 12pm
Where: An Taibhdhearc
Registration link here
Is ceoldráma nua é An Ghaeltacht bunaithe i nGaeltacht Chonamara, díreach nuair a thosaíonn an t-ionradh bliantúil déagóirí. Buailimid le Saoirse, Róisín agus Aoife agus iad ag streachailt lena gcuid díritheoirí gruaige, a gcéad póga, agus teagmháil le muintir na háite – gan trácht ar an dua atá acu iad féin a chur in iúl – i dteanga ar bith! An Ghaeltacht is a brand-new Irish musical, set in the Connemara Gaeltacht, just as the annual teenage invasion gets underway. We meet Saoirse, Róisín and Aoife as they wrestle with their hair straighteners, first kisses and encounters with the locals all whilst struggling to express themselves – in any language! Is obair idir lámha atá sa taispeántas seo mar chuid d’Fhéile Amharclannaíochta na Gaillimhe/This is a work-in-progress sharing as part of the Galway Theatre Festival.
above: photo by Julia Dunin.
Talk: Marita Conlon-McKenna in Conversation with Gráinne O'Brien
When: May 15th, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Registration link here
2025 sees the 35th anniversary of the publication of Marita Conlon McKenna’s classic Under the Hawthorn Tree, and the author will be coming to Kennys on May 15th for an in conversation event to celebrate the new publication of her Children of The Famine Trilogy of novels (Under the Hawthorn Tree, Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home) in one volume for the very first time! This Kennys Exclusive Signed Limited Edition of Children of the Famine Trilogy is available for pre-order here. Copies will be available to buy at the event. She will be joined in conversation by Gráinne O’Brien, bookseller at Kennys Bookshop, the author of A Limerick Fairytale and Solo, and the founder of Rontu Literary service.
Art: Celebrate National Drawing Day
When: May 17th, from 10am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Galway City Museum for National Drawing Day 2025, a nationwide celebration of drawing and creativity led by the National Gallery of Ireland. This special day invites visitors of all ages and abilities to explore their creative side. Be inspired by our exhibitions, the stories they tell, and the stunning views from our galleries—then pick up a pencil and bring your ideas to life at one of our many sketching stations throughout the Museum. Thanks to continued support from Creative Ireland and Galway City Council, they are delighted to provide free materials and welcoming spaces for both seasoned sketchers and first-time doodlers. You’ll also find lightweight folding artist’s stools available at the front desk for your comfort as you explore and create. Participants are invited to find inspiration throughout the Museum—whether it’s one of the eight captivating galleries, the sweeping views of the Claddagh and Galway Bay from the top floor landing, or one of the twelve new LEGO® brick models created by brick artist Jessica Farrell, each depicting scenes from Galway’s past and present. Choose your muse—an object, a landscape, a LEGO® scene—and draw it your way!
Music: Adam Nolan & Cal Pacino
When: May 23rd, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
2 Rappers, 1 awesome night! Kilkenny rapper and jazz musician Adam Nolan and Waterford artist Cal Pacino will be performing at Róisín Dubh from midnight to 2am. A DJ set features songs by each artist and also some saxophone and guitar playing. A great night ahead! It's free entry so don't miss it!!
Music: WineMom
When: May 23rd, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Dublin’s Indie-Rock darlings, WineMom, are cementing their place at the vanguard of the Irish music scene. With their fiery front-woman Rosanna lighting the way, they spent their first year taking to some of the biggest stages across Ireland and the UK, which included supporting iconic artists such as Kingfishr, Jane’s Addiction and Deacon Blue, and a surprise performance at Electric Picnic. After the burgeoning success of their debut year WineMom are ready to take over and bring their self-styled brand of ‘nostalgia rock’ to the world.
above: photo by Digital Deo
Career: Jobs Expo Galway
When: May 24th, from 10am
Where: Clayton Hotel Galway
Registration link here
If you’re eager for new career opportunities in 2025 you’ll be happy to hear that Jobs Expo Galway will be returning to the Clayton Hotel Ballybrit on the 24th of May, 2025. It will be an day for recruitment, networking, career coaching and live seminars at the West’s largest careers fair. Meet employers face-to-face and hand in your CV between 10am and 4pm. Reserve your spot for FREE today! In addition to the line-up of exhibitors and guest speakers, Jobs Expo will also feature the Career Clinic. Here professional career coaches will offer free career guidance, CV evaluations and interview tips. Jobs Expo is the leading jobs and careers event in Ireland and is free-of-charge to the public. Jobs Expo is run by Careers Unlimited, an online and events company, and sponsored by Recruit.ie.
Music: WhistleBlast’s Composition Programme 2025 ‘Strong Together’
When: May 26th, from 6pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
Registration link here
Finale performance of WhistleBlast’s Composition Programme 2025 ‘Strong Together’ featuring nationwide schools and performing groups in an inclusive performance of original live music! Students from Tralee, Galway and Mayo will perform their own composed works in a concert that will also feature That’s Life, Galway and WhistleBlast Quartet. Suitable for everybody.
Talk: Elaine Feeney in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: May 27th, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Registration link here
Award-winning Galway writer Elaine Feeney will be at Kennys Bookshop on May 27th, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation to celebrate the launch of her latest novel, Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way. Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way is a story of love and resilience, rich with history and drama, and the legacies of violence and redemption. As the secrets of the past are revealed, Claire must confront whether she can escape her history to make a future for herself – and whether finding yourself means facing yourself too. Signed copies of the book will be available to buy on the night.
Music: Left for Dead
When: May 31st, from 8pm
Where: Sally Longs Bar
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome Left for Dead to Sally Long’s this coming May as part of their European Tour, along with Deadbeats MO and Infidel. This is a free gig so be sure to get here early!
Shop: The Galway Record & CD Fair
When: June 7th, from 11am
Where: Sally Longs Bar
More information here
The Irish Record Fair will be returning to Sally Longs Rock Bar on Saturday, June 7th with new stock for their Galway Record Fair. Professional traders and collectors offering a wide selection of music from across the genres on vinyl and cd. You can find amazing bargains and ultra rare items, sell or exchange your records and cds, add to, or “recycle” your collection.
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.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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