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.
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.
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.
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.
Launch: Patryk Gizicki – ‘Stay Forever More’ Exhibition as part of GIAF
When: June 12th, from 3pm
Where: Outset Gallery
More information here
Outset Gallery is delighted to present “Stay Forever More”, launching on July 12th at 3pm to 9pm for Galway International Arts Festival 2025. “Stay Forever More” is a semi-fictional, reflective photographic series by Patryk Gizicki exploring themes of home, belonging, and coming of age. Drawing on personal experience, the work reconstructs and confronts memories of Gizicki’s childhood and adolescence growing up in Castlebar, County Mayo. Through an installation of images that evoke feelings of transition and in-between states, “Stay Forever More” reflects on the complexities of settling in, identity, and belonging. His ongoing project, “Stay Forever More” is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland and Photo Museum Ireland. Recent exhibitions include Talents 2024 at Photo Museum Ireland, Ireland’s Eye at ISA Art Gallery, Jakarta, and the RHA 195th Annual Exhibition, where he received the 2025 Progressive Vision Curtin O’Donoghue Emerging Photographic Artist Award. The preview / launch event will also coincide with Outset Gallery’s 3rd Year Anniversary, marking the opening in July 2022. To celebrate the launch of the GIAF production & Outset’s anniversary, they will be having a full day of celebrations with Live Music from Blue Detroit & refreshments from generous sponsors All About Kombucha, Kinnegar, and Sheridan’s. Doors open at 3pm and all guests are invited to book a FREE ticket in advance of the opening. This exhibition will run until August 24th.
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: Claddagh Ring Tour
When: August 16th, 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 the 16th 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.
Heritage Week: The Statue of Padraic Ó Conaire
When: August 19th, 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 the 16th 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. Discover the story of Pádraic Ó Conaire, born in Galway in 1882, who became the leading Irish-language writer of his generation. Learn about the creation of his memorial statue by sculptor Albert Power, its unveiling in Eyre Square in 1935, and its journey to Galway City Museum. Damien will explore both the life of Ó Conaire and the fascinating history of this iconic Galway landmark. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: The Galway Shawl
When: August 20th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
To celebrate Heritage Week, Museum staff have prepared a special tour that begins with the origins of Galway – from Gaelic fort to Anglo-Norman town – and then focuses on an iconic object that reveals a story that has helped to shape the city’s unique character. Shawls were once a common item of women’s clothing. Draped around shoulders or head and wrapped about the body, they came in various shapes, sizes, patterns, and colours. Some shawls were worn purely for fashion, while others were worn to protect the wearer from the cold, wind, and rain. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, one type of shawl, which was made in Scotland, became so popular in the west of Ireland that it became known as the ‘Galway Shawl.’ Join them to learn more. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: The Great Mace of Galway
When: August 21st, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
To celebrate Heritage Week, Museum staff have prepared a special tour that begins with the origins of Galway – from Gaelic fort to Anglo-Norman town – and then focuses on an iconic object that reveals a story that has helped to shape the city’s unique character. Made around 1710 and presented to Galway by Mayor Edward Eyre, the Great Mace is a highly ornate piece of silverware, decorated with the insignia of England (rose), France (fleur-de-lis) Scotland (thistle) and Ireland (harp). It also bears the arms of Galway and of the British royal family. The Mace was in the possession of US newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, from the 1930s to the 1950s, but were returned to Galway in 1961. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: The Galway Hooker
When: August 22nd, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
To celebrate Heritage Week, Museum staff have prepared a special tour that begins with the origins of Galway – from Gaelic fort to Anglo-Norman town – and then focuses on an iconic object that reveals a story that has helped to shape the city’s unique character. Galway Hookers, with their distinctive black hulls and rust-red sails, are the traditional boat of Galway Bay. They were traditionally used for fishing and for transporting cargo – turf, seaweed, limestone, livestock, and general supplies – and people around the coasts of Galway and North Clare. The ‘fountain’ in Eyre Square represents the sails of a Galway Hooker. Join them to learn more. Tours begin at the Museum reception desk. Booking is required – please contact museum@galwaycity.ie or 091 532460.
Heritage Week: Wonderful Wildflowers – a guided walk
When: August 23rd, at 2pm
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
A lovely opportunity to enjoy a guided walk through the wonderful variety of wildflower meadows at Brigit’s Garden and appreciate their importance for biodiversity. Expert Dolores Keegan will help identify a wide range of wild plants and Jenny Beale of Brigit’s Garden will share tips on how to successfully grow both annual and perennial meadows. Ideal for anyone interested in growing wildflowers in their gardens or community spaces.
Heritage Week: Trees in Irish culture and mythology – a guided walk
When: August 24th, at 11am
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
Join nature guide Carol Barrett for an interactive walk through the woodlands at Brigit’s Garden to learn about our native trees and shrubs and their importance in Ireland’s culture and mythology. Carol will also discuss Ogham script, where each letter is related to a tree, and address the importance of nature in the Brehon laws. Everyone will have the opportunity to make a wooden Ogham pendant to take home. Suitable for adults and interested teens.
Heritage Week: Family nature-based storytelling workshop in the woods
When: August 24th, at 2pm
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
Join storyteller and forest school leader Carol Barrett in the woods at Brigit’s Garden for an interactive storytelling workshop that will bring Irish nature-based myths and legends alive for children. Be prepared to get involved, dress up and have lots of fun! There will be costumes, masks and materials to get creative with and help act out the stories and legends. The workshop will be held under a large outdoor shelter which provides a dry, weatherproof space amongst the native trees. Suitable for adults with children aged 4+, but younger ones also welcome.
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 Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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