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.
Talk: Gráinne O'Brien in Conversation with Donal Ryan
When: April 4th, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Registration link 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. All are welcome! 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. She will in conversation with Donal Ryan, the award winning, bestselling Irish author of The Spinning Heart, Heart, be at Peace and The Queen of Dirt Island among others. His work has been published in over twenty languages to major critical acclaim.
Launch & Tasting: Killoury's Irish Whiskey Launch
When: April 4th, from 7.30pm
Where: Garavan's Bar
Registration link here
Join Garavan’s Bar at the first-ever Killoury’s Irish Whiskey tasting, enjoy live music, great craic, and exclusive launch night offers! What’s in store for the night? Complimentary whiskey tasting with your free ticket, exclusive discounts only available at the launch, live music and the story behind Killoury’s Irish Whiskey – discover what makes it unique! Raise a glass, enjoy the craic, and be one of the first to taste this special whiskey!
Fun: Service Industry Carnival Games
When: April 6th, from 3pm
Where: The Skeff
More information here
Do you work in the service industry, in a bar, restaurant or hotel? The Skeff know how hard you work all week, so now its your turn to relax and have some fun. The Skeff Bar & Kitchen are launching their first Service Industry Carnival Games afternoon on Sunday 6th April from 3pm-6pm 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! Limited tickets are free and include a free welcome drink courtesy of event partner, Jameson, so book yours now and let’s have some fun!!
Lecture: Lady Dorothy Lowry-Corry (1885–1967) – ‘an indefatigable field-worker’
When: April 10th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Every Thursday lunchtime from 27 February to 10 April 2025, the University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold its lunchtime lecture series in the Education Room at Galway City Museum. This Thursday is ‘Lady Dorothy Lowry-Corry (1885-1967) – ‘An indefatigable field-worker’ with Dr Kieran O’Conor. For more information, please contact the event organiser, Joe Fenwick, by email: joe.fenwick@universityofgalway.ie.
Music: Fangclub
When: April 10th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Hailing from Dublin Ireland, Fangclub continue to utilise their DIY ethos that has proven so pivotal in the band’s career so far. Playing at Galway's Róisín Dubh this April 10th. Their debut self-titled album, which was stated by The Irish Times as “one of the best hard rock albums of the year” was released in 2017 and charted at #5 in the official Irish album chart. Fangclub released their fuzz ladened sophomore album ‘Vulture Culture’ in 2019 to a wealth of praise. The album took Fangclub to new heights while securing shows alongside both Metallica at Slane Castle, The Smashing Pumpkins across Europe and sold out headline shows in Dublin and London as part of their ‘Vulture Culture’ album release tour. Irish alt rockers, Fangclub, have made a welcomed return after unveiling their brand-new single, ‘Attention’. The release of ‘Attention’ sees Fangclub share their first piece of new music since their critically acclaimed album ‘Vulture Culture’ (released in 2019).
Launch: Outset Gallery's Volume 2 Exhibition
When: April 11th, from 6pm
Where: Outset Gallery
More information here
Outset Gallery is delighted to announce the opening of Volume 2, their next exhibition in 2025, focused on abstract and mixed media approaches to painting from some of Ireland’s & UK’s leading visual artists. The opening night of this stellar show will take place on Friday, 11th April with music from resident DJ Mitch Presents & refreshments from sponsors Kinnegar & Woozza Dining Volume 2 brings together eight painters whose work explores the power and versatility of abstraction. The exhibition features a diverse range of approaches, from bold geometric structures to fluid, expressive compositions. Each artist offers a unique interpretation of abstract painting, engaging with themes of emotion, space, and materiality to push the boundaries of the medium.
Neurodivergent Workshop: Building with LEGO® Bricks
When: April 12th, at 11.30am & 1.30pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join brick artist Jessica Farrell for a LEGO® brick family workshop at Galway City Museum at 11.30am or 1.30pm on April 12th. The workshop, which is specially for families with neurodivergent children aged 7+, is a fun, collaborative and creative learning experience that uses LEGO® bricks to construct and create as a family. Each family group can contain up to four people but must have a minimum of at least one adult and one child (aged 7+). This is important, as one of the aims of the workshop is to encourage families to build together as a shared experience. Being mindful of sensory issues (e.g. noise levels), a maximum of 20 people can be facilitated per workshop (5 tables of 4). Groups will participate in three LEGO® brick activities, each around 20 minutes in duration. These exercises will encourage creativity and imagination, building skills and communication. Along the way, families experience the joys, challenges, and rewards of playing together. All LEGO® bricks for the workshop are provided. Registered and identifiable assistance dogs are welcome.
Family Workshop: Building with LEGO® Bricks
When: April 12th, at 3pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join brick artist Jessica Farrell for a LEGO DUPLO® brick family workshop at Galway City Museum. The workshop, which is specially for families with younger children, is a fun, collaborative and creative learning experience that uses LEGO DUPLO® bricks to construct and create as a family. These building bricks are large, bright, colourful and easy-to-handle, meaning that very young children can safely learn through play. Each family group can contain up to four people but must have a minimum of at least one adult and one child (aged 2–4 years). This is important, as one of the aims of the workshop is to encourage families to build together as a shared experience. Families will participate in DUPLO® brick activities that encourage creativity, imagination and communication, whilst experiencing the joy of playing together. All LEGO DUPLO® bricks for the workshop are provided.
Music: Canned Pineapple
When: April 17th, from midnight
Where: Róisín Dubh
Registration link here
Brighton quintet Canned Pineapple announce upcoming EP ‘Big Break’ (Spring 2025). Playing in Galway’s Róisín Dubh on April 17th. Fronted by Irish vocalist Seán Drury alongside Guitarists Oakley Gardiner and Gabe Rice, and drummer Charlie Pringle, Canned Pineapple continue to build on the feverish hype surrounding the band following a flying 2024: making their international festival debut at New Colossus Festival in New York City, playing multiple packed out shows at The Great Escape, and gaining widespread acclaim from the likes of So Young, Dork, Clash, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X (X-Posure). Named as 'ones to watch' in 2025 by Hot Press Magazine, a Canned Pineapple gig is not to be missed!
Theatre: Is This Bathroom Haunted?
When: April 25th, from 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
Strange Brew presents DOSE & special guests. Dose brings together the formidable talents of Lizzie Fitzpatrick (Bitch Falcon), bassist Lauren Heron (Merpire), synth player Aoife Spratt, and drummer Nicki Meehan. Their sound is a bold fusion of dream pop, post-punk, grunge, shoegaze, and synth-pop, drawing on influences from DIIV, Cocteau Twins, Beach House, and Slowdive. The band’s debut single “Cuckoo” dropped in September 2024, to popular acclaim and secured a spot as 2FM The Alternative’s Track of the Week. The GOO described the track as “a fuzzy pitch shifting cross between shoegaze, coldwave with some post punk thrown in. Sung by The Roches and mixed by Eno.”—and predicted big things for Dose in 2025.
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
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.
Sewing Workshop: Sewing Meet-Up
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.
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: 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.
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: 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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