Free Events in Galway
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Free Events in Galway

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.

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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. For Galway’s full events calendar, visit thisisgalway.ie.

Lecture: solar observations at Brú na Bóinne: passage tomb alignment, art and architecture

When: February 26th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold their lunchtime lecture series every Thursday in the Education Room at Galway City Museum from 1pm until 1.50pm. There is no booking required for these lectures but please note seating is limited so early arrival advised. This Thursday we have ‘solar observations at Brú na Bóinne: passage tomb alignment, art and architecture’ with Joe Fenwick.

Music: MDR

When: February 26th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
MDR is an indie band from Cork, Ireland, formed by a group of five students at University College Cork (UCC). They are known for their distinctive sound, which blends guitar-driven indie and alternative rock, exploring themes of isolation, vulnerability, and belonging in their music. Their debut single, “Sleeptalk,” showcases their unique style and has already gained attention in the Irish indie scene. The band’s music aims to connect with listeners through emotional honesty and dynamic arrangements, reflecting their shared experiences and friendship.

Music: The Glare

When: February 27th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Galway’s own The Glare are back and louder than ever. Hailing from the heart of the city, this four-piece indie rock band have been carving out a name around the town and are set to play songs from their second EP “Kind Regards”.

Workshop: Repair Café

When: February 28th & March 21st, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Need some help with clothing repairs? Come along to the Repair Cafe and their skilled volunteers will be on hand to help you mend. At the Repair Cafe you can pick up new skills, swap tips, and meet others in a relaxed environment. Repair Cafes are volunteer‑led and community‑centred, the aim is to build resilience by keeping items in use and skill sharing. Whether you’d like a hand with a repair or simply want to sit and stitch, you are welcome to join us. The event is free of charge but there are limited spaces available, so booking is essential.

Shop: Galway Indoor Market

When: February 28th, March 21st, April 25th, May 23rd, June 20th, from 11am
Where: Cornstore
More information here
Outset Design welcomes you back to the Cornstore this Spring / Summer for a diverse range of stalls that showcase the best of Vintage, Retro, Secondhand & Hand Made from Independent Businesses and Creative Individuals from Galway & beyond with live music from local musicians. Expect to discover new and retro vinyl, clothing, jewellery, furniture, crafts, originals art & botany. This is the perfect opportunity to select handcrafted & unique pieces from independent creatives, ideal for gifting loved ones too.

Illustrated Talk: Old Galway in Photographs

When: March 3rd, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. The story of photography began in 1839, and by the 1870s this new medium had reached Galway. From that point on, the town and county were captured through the lens, offering a fascinating a window into late-Victorian life in the West. Join Prof. John Breslin, avid collector of historical photographs and curator of the acclaimed Old Ireland in Colour book series, as he presents a rich selection of Galway images from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries from his and other collections. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.

Literature: Mary Costello in Conversation with Sarah Kenny

When: March 3rd, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Bestselling Irish author Mary Costello will be at Kennys Bookshop, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation about her new book A Beautiful Loan. A Beautiful Loan tells the story of a 1985 Dublin, where nineteen-year-old Anna Hughes is in thrall to Peter Gallagher, an older, worldly man. Anna is new to the city, introverted and naïve, and Peter’s experience, wide circle of friends and thirst for adventure captivate her. Her obsessive longing for him leads to marriage and, eventually, a crushing betrayal. As Anna’s life becomes less predictable, she uncovers deeper layers of herself. Her journey gives an intimate portrait of a woman embracing herself as she is, and claiming the life she yearns for. Signed copies will be available on the night.

Lecture: ‘Exploring community stewardship through place-based learning – a case study from the Burren’

When: March 5th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold their lunchtime lecture series every Thursday in the Education Room at Galway City Museum from 1pm until 1.50pm. There is no booking required for these lectures but please note seating is limited so early arrival advised. This Thursday we have ‘Exploring community stewardship through place-based learning – a case study from the Burren’ with Dr Áine Bird.

Literature: Bressie in Conversation with Edel Coffey

When: March 5th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Musician, broadcaster and award-winning writer Niall Breslin, ‘Bressie’, will be at Kennys Bookshop on March 5th, joining Edel Coffey for an evening of music and conversation celebrating his new book, The Place That Has Never Been Wounded. All are welcome to this very special in conversation event – drinks will be served on arrival and Bressie will also be playing a couple of songs! Tickets for this event are free but are limited, and you can book at the link above.

Music: Citrus Drive

When: March 6th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Citrus Drive stormed onto the Galway music scene in 2024 with their massive drums, ripping guitars and all that stuff. After 3 years together, the band play their final show in the Róisín Dubh to coincide with the release of their eponymous 10-track debut album. With the OG line-up back to finish as they began, Citrus Drive have to be seen to be believed; one last time.

Workshop: Reimagining Waste in a Circular Economy

When: March 7th, at 10am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Galway City Museum in collaboration with Our Story bring you ‘Reimagining Waste for a Circular Economy’, one of a series of free workshops offered at the Museum over the next couple of months. This is an invitation to transform climate anxiety into a joyful and healing reconnection with nature, inspiring action as we co-create a sustainable future for people and the planet. Overview: In a world dominated by a linear “take, make, dispose” model, waste is often seen as the end of a product’s life. This workshop challenges that idea by reimagining waste as a beginning. Participants are introduced to the principles of the circular economy through hands-on upcycling, helping them understand how waste can be transformed into valuable resources. Participants will learn about key circular strategies like reuse, repair, and upcycling; reflect on their own habits of disposal and value; and then transform discarded objects into something functional or meaningful. Participants will leave with a new object, a new mindset, and a commitment to change their relationship with waste.

Workshop: Explore Your Shores

When: March 7th, at 12pm
Where: Grattan Beach
More information here
Explore your shores with Galway Atlantaquaria and Galway City Museum, as part of An Tír Faoi Thonn – The Land Beneath the Waves outreach programme! Together, you will explore the rockpools, observe the wonderful creatures living along our shores, and share local stories. Join them at Grattan Beach, Salthill on Saturday 7th March, 12:00 – 1:30pm and be prepared to have fun! Bring your wellies or strong boots & dress for the weather. The event is free of charge, but advance booking is required. Please email Museum@GalwayCity.ie to make a booking and call the Museum on (091) 532460 for further details. Please do not participate if unwell, the rockpools are a challenging walk, with slippery seaweeds, uneven and loose surfaces.

Bilingual Readings: Scóthscealta le Pádraic Ó Conaire

When: March 7th, at 2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026, join actor, writer, and storyteller Diarmuid de Faoite for a selection of bilingual readings from the finest work of Pádraic Ó Conaire. Moving seamlessly between Irish and English, de Faoite’s animated readings will bring Ó Conaire’s work vividly to life, showcasing the distinctive genius of one of Ireland’s most important modern writers. Born in Galway in 1882, Pádraic Ó Conaire began writing in Irish while working as a civil servant in London, having joined the Gaelic League. Over the next quarter-century, he became a master of the short story and a leading light of the Gaelic Revival. Following his untimely death, in 1928, a memorial statue was unveiled in Eyre Square – today housed in Galway City Museum. Diarmuid de Faoite has translated Ó Conaire’s Seacht mBua an Éirí Amach (Seven Virtues of the Rising, 2016) and Scothscéalta (Best Stories, 2024) and edited a volume of his Irish-language works, Rogha Scéalta (2008). He is the recipient of both The Stewart Parker Trust Award and Duais Aitheantais an Oireachtais for his acclaimed one-man play, ‘Pádraic Ó Conaire’.

Launch: The Opacas - Cheaper Than Therapy

When: March 7th, at 9pm
Where: Pádraicíns
More information here
After a dramatic few months, The Opacas are back where they belong - on stage. On Saturday 7th March at 9pm, the band return live at Pádraicíns, Furbo to officially launch their brand-new CD, Cheaper Than Therapy. The launch was originally planned for last September, but a storm forced the cancellation. Soon after, one of the band members underwent a medical procedure that didn’t go to plan. For a time, it genuinely looked as though The Opacas might never perform together again. Now fully recovered and re-energised, the band are delighted to be back doing what they love — delivering sharp, melodic retro rock with their trademark style and humour. Cheaper Than Therapy was recorded in the legendary Abbey Road Studios — yes, the very same studio made famous by The Beatles. The album captures The Opacas’ rich harmonies, driving guitars and classic songwriting, blending 60s-inspired pop sensibility with contemporary edge. The March 7th show promises a night of new material, fan favourites, and a celebration of resilience, friendship and music. It’s more than a gig — it’s a comeback. Come early, bring friends, and help The Opacas mark a fresh chapter.

Lecture: ‘Peadar O’Donnell: ‘The high priest of communism’ or ‘a good practical Catholic’

When: March 12th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold their lunchtime lecture series every Thursday in the Education Room at Galway City Museum from 1pm until 1.50pm. There is no booking required for these lectures but please note seating is limited so early arrival advised. This Thursday we have ‘Peadar O’Donnell: ‘The high priest of communism’ or ‘a good practical Catholic’ with Teresa Dunne.

Music: Martina and The Moons

When: March 12th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Martina and the Moons is an all-female four-piece band based in Dublin. Recently signed to Rubarb Music (Ruadhri Cushnan, Camden Studios), they have supported the UK band Porridge Radio in Whelans Mainroom, as well as Thumper’ in a sold-out Workmans Mainroom. In addition, they played Mainstage at Whelan’s Ones to Watch in January, and they have been named by Hotpress Magazine as one of the Hot For ’25 acts. The band consists of Martina Moon (vocals, songwriting), Sarah Morgan (guitar), Ruby Levins (bass), and Zahira Ellis (drums). Their influences vary from the singer songwriters of the 60s and 70s such as Paul Simon or Carole King, to the BritPop and rock bands of the 90s, such as Elastica, Catatonia, Blur. With lyrics about alienation and yearning for connection, they have been described by Strephen Byrne (Golden Plec) as ‘the latest example of Irish ladies delivering the goods’.

Music: Lazarus Brother

When: March 13th, from 9pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Lazarus Brother are back in Sally Longs this Friday the 13th with a full new set of originals. It’s free entry. Get ready for 3 hours of epic old school rock and metal to kick off your weekend and get to Sally Longs to support your underground scene. Joining them on the night are Westport legends and dark epic metal band Hounds of Dusk and local stoner rock titans The Hungry Buzzards.

Music: Traditional Music Performance

When: March 14th, at 12.30pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Hailing from the Claddagh in Galway city, All Ireland Champions Maureen and Brendan Browne are a sibling powerhouse duo on fiddle, vocals and button accordion. Holding a long history of performance both on national and international stages, Maureen and Brendan are both founding members of the award winning Irish Traditional music band BackWest. The Browne siblings released their debut album in 2017 entitled ‘The Long Walk’ and the following year, they released their second album entitled ‘Heritage Hall’. Produced by Maureen and Brendan, their albums portray a vast repertoire which celebrates the best essence of Irish traditional music and song. Their performances are vibrant, energetic and yet foster the organic nature of their home tradition and heritage. It is without question that they leave their audiences with the warmth of wanting more. Maureen and Brendan will be performing various repertoire of old Irish traditional tunes and songs in the Galway City Museum on 14th March. Renditions of well-known songs such as Galway Bay, The Galway Shawl and the Old Claddagh Ring will feature in their programme of performance.

Lecture: New perspectives on Sligo abbey

When: March 19th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold their lunchtime lecture series every Thursday in the Education Room at Galway City Museum from 1pm until 1.50pm. There is no booking required for these lectures but please note seating is limited so early arrival advised. This Thursday we have ‘New perspectives on Sligo abbey’ with Dr Kieran O’Connor.

Music: The Galway Ukers

When: March 25th, at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
The Galway Ukers have lit up the streets of Galway and filled screens with their feel good chaos, they now bring that same spark to the Róisín Dubh with a high energy show built for singing, laughing and getting properly stuck in. With The Dogz Bol Ukes on support. Opening Galway’s premier ukulele festival, GalwayUkeFest.com, they tore through everything from Bronski Beat to The Beatles. Born from the phenomenally successful Galway Ukulele Group meetups the Ukers are the performance wing of a community that has been making music together for nearly a decade. This 12 piece powerhouse has carried their blend of harmonies, humour and high energy ukulele to stages across Ireland, including festival slots at Electric Picnic and gigs alongside legends like The Waterboys. With millions of feel good vibes and more than a few million views, The Galway Ukers have become the joyous heartbeat of a movement that keeps growing across Ireland.

Lecture: Engaging with the past: archaeological excavations at Rathgurreen ringfort, Co. Galway

When: March 26th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies will hold their lunchtime lecture series every Thursday in the Education Room at Galway City Museum from 1pm until 1.50pm. There is no booking required for these lectures but please note seating is limited so early arrival advised. This Thursday we have ‘Engaging with the past: archaeological excavations at Rathgurreen ringfort, Co. Galway’ with Dr Michelle Comber.

Music: The Nilz EP Launch

When: March 27th, from 9pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
The Nilz are in Sally Longs this Friday March 27th for the launch of their new 5-track EP ‘Ambivert’. Joining them on the night is their pals Kicked in the Teeth from the UK, the class act Numbskull Narrative and of course (how could you miss them) 50 Foot Woman. This is a free gig so be sure to get here early!

Literature: Patrick Radden Keefe in Conversation with Tomás Kenny - NOW SOLD OUT

When: May 4th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Acclaimed writer Patrick Radden Keefe will be at Kennys Bookshop on May 4th, joining Tomás Kenny in conversation about his new book London Falling. About London Falling: In 2019, teenager Zac Brettler mysteriously fell to his death from a luxury apartment balcony into the Thames. As his grieving parents began to investigate his final days, they were shocked to learn that he’d been leading a double life, in which he was posing as the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. This unsolved case is at the heart of London Falling – at once a family tragedy, a psychological portrait of a young fabulist, and an indictment of the greed for extreme wealth that has transformed one of the world’s great cities: London. Hiding in the shadows of its great architecture and imperial history are the malignant, mercenary forces that have come to influence us all – whether we realise it or not.

Music: Croíthe

When: May 19th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Strange Brew presents Croíthe and special guests for a fun and fabulous midnight show at Róisín Dubh. Croíthe (KREE‑HA) are a Dublin-based post-punk/shoegaze band making waves with their dark, emotive sound. Their debut EP, A Brief Respite, hit #1 on Ireland’s Best-Selling Charts and #11 on the Independent Charts, earning praise from BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq. After a busy 2025 touring the UK and Europe, 2026 promises to be a big year, with headline shows and further touring cementing their status as one of Dublin’s most exciting new acts.

Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang

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