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.
Guided Tour: Galway City Museum Highlights
When: June 14th, 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.
Literature: Wordsmith - How to write for young people
When: June 14th, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Register here
Come and hear award-winning authors Patricia Forde, Dave Rudden and Alex Dawson discuss writing for young people at Kennys Bookshop. They will join Tomás Kenny in conversation, and all are welcome! If you’ve ever considered writing for young people, this is the event for you. Hear these authors’ horror stories, bring your burning questions and hear them discuss writing for young people – from their inspirations to redrafting to navigating that submission process. Tickets for this event are free. If you have any questions on this event or would like to be notified of other events at Kennys Bookshop, please email martha@kennys.ie.
Wellness: Yoga in the Park
When: June 15th & 22nd, at 10am
Where: Fr Burke Park
More information here
Prepare to Unwind Back West with Yoga in the Park, starting June 1st and running for the next four Sundays.... and best of all it's free!! Yoga in the Park will take place in Fr Burke Park (weather dependent*), from 10-11am followed by a social coffee in one of the neighbourhood's lovely local cafés. All levels of yoga welcome. The yoga session is going to be free and hosted by the wonderful Katy Harrison. Katy is a yoga teacher from Galway who believes in the transformative power of yoga to connect us with our true selves. She blends poetry, music and the mystical elements of Celtic mythology together with the physical and mental aspects of yoga. Her purpose is to guide students towards a deeper understanding of themselves in their own journey of self-discovery, to unlock the hidden potential within, through the practice of yoga. *There's a WhatsApp group for weather updates, in case there's a change of location. Message 085 123 7056 if you would like to be added.
Guided Tour: Galway City Museum Tour for Families
When: June 21st, 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.
Workshop: Battle Jacket Workshop
When: June 22nd, at 2pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are hosting a fantastic fun crafting workshop with artist Brigid Mulligan. ‘Pimp up your Battle Jacket’ will allow you to print your own patch and sow it into your battle jacket (or Des Harrington the master machinist on the singer will sow it on for you). On the day they will be blasting a few tunes, having a few pints and of course plenty of craic! Don’t forget to bring your jacket and any old denim that could be a patch. All materials will be supplied to create your own patch!
Nature: Midsummer Nature Day
When: June 22nd, from 1am
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
Enjoy a midsummer day of free biodiversity walks around Brigit’s Garden with expert guides. A great opportunity to learn more about our vibrant local wildlife, from butterflies and wildflowers to trees and herbs. Enjoy some relaxed and inspiring time in nature and pick up tips about how to support biodiversity in your own garden or land. Come for one walk or make a day of it with morning and afternoon sessions, with the option of the evening bat walk. Hit the link above to see the day's schedule and register your place.
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.
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!
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.
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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