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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.
Shop: Galway Indoor Market
When: July 25th, from 11am
Where: Cornstore
More information here
Outset Design welcomes you back to the Cornstore 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.
Literature: Donal Ryan in conversation with Tómas Kenny - SOLD OUT
When: August 6th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Bestselling Irish author Donal Ryan will be at Kennys Bookshop on August 6th, joining Tomás Kenny in conversation about his new book, Where are the Kings. Tickets for this event are free but are limited, and you can book now. Donal Ryan is the author of The Spinning Heart, From a Low and Quiet Sea and Heart, be at Peace among others. His work has been published in over twenty languages to major critical acclaim. The Spinning Heart won the Guardian First Book Award, the EU Prize for Literature (Ireland), Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, and was voted ‘The Irish Book of the Decade’.
Heritage Week Talk: Digitising a Unique Heritage Collection
When: August 15th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Between the 1970s and the early 2000s, William Henry and the late John Monahan recorded approximately 180 historical and cultural lectures delivered to members of the Old Galway Society and Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. These unique heritage recordings feature many distinguished researchers, academics, and authors of local and national renown. Earlier this year, Galway City Museum secured funding through the Heritage Council’s Heritage Stewardship Fund to support the digitisation of the ‘William Henry and John Monahan Collection’. The project will involve the digitisation and professional mastering of the cassette recordings, together with the creation of a searchable bilingual catalogue. In addition to transferring the recordings to digital format, the audio will be cleaned and enhanced to ensure its long-term preservation and accessibility. Once completed, the collection will be made freely available to researchers and the wider public, bringing this rich archive to new audiences. Join Brendan McGowan, Education Officer, and local historian and author William Henry as they discuss the background to the collection, the digitisation project, and their hopes for the future of this important heritage resource.
Heritage Week Talk: Sean-nós song in Pennsylvania 1884-1935: the Rev. Daniel J. Murphy Manuscripts
When: August 15th, at 3pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
From 1884 to the 1920s, Rev. Daniel J. Murphy from Kilmacteige, Co. Sligo, and J.J. Lyons from Glennamaddy, Co. Galway, transcribed over 1,200 sean-nós songs from 450 Irish speakers in Philadelphia and the anthracite hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Preserving the pre-Famine memory of Ireland in a diasporic setting, this extraordinary collection of song manuscripts represents a monument to Irish heritage, to American heritage, and to the diasporic experience. It also presents a unique opportunity to map sean-nós song through time and space as never before. This year, with the support of the Heritage Council’s Heritage Stewardship Fund, Roinn na Gaeilge and University of Galway Library are digitising the Rev. Murphy Collection to make the fragile manuscripts more readily accessible from anywhere in the world. Hear project collaborator Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile, Research Fellow at Dublin City University, share the story of the collection and the plans for the future of this landmark Irish-language collection.
Heritage Week - Free Events
When: August 16th + 23rd, from 11am
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
As part of Heritage Week 2026 you can enjoy a selection of free walks in Brigit’s Garden which invites you to explore everything from nature restoration to bat walks, wildlife gardening to trees in Irish culture as well as family story-telling in the woods. All sessions are free but booking is required so secure your place at the event of your choice asap!
Art Workshop: The Galway Shawl for Parents and Toddlers
When: August 22nd, at 11am + 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a type of shawl, mainly manufactured in Paisley, Scotland, became so popular in the west of Ireland that it became known as the ‘Galway Shawl.’ Its distinctive floral pattern has its origins in the buta (flower) motif found on Kashmir shawls. Join visual artist and educator Bryony Hussey for a playful and imaginative workshop for ages 2-5 years old and their grown-ups. Working with print you will explore the history, patterns, and cultural connections of the Galway Shawl. As you discover how the buta motif journeyed from India through Scotland and into Ireland, Galway City Museum particularly welcome families who have a personal or cultural connection. Your presence and perspectives would enrich this shared exploration of art, pattern and belonging.
Literature: Sebastian Barry in conversation with Tómas Kenny
When: August 28th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Bestselling Irish author Sebastian Barry will be at Kennys Bookshop on August 28th, joining Tomás Kenny in conversation about The Newer World. About: An immersive and unforgettable novel of one man’s life in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Against this rapidly shifting landscape, Tennyson Bouguereau – freed man, devoted brother, nascent singer, conflicted soldier and wanted man – journeys to find meaning and belonging. From the relative safety of home in Tennessee with his sister Rosalee, he is offered the possibility of a whole new life in Nashville, until a surprising trip to Victorian England changes everything. Exquisitely rendered, and with a rich cast of characters, The Newer World is a lyrical, visceral novel about what it is to survive, and what might be lost along the way.
Film: Little Cinema & Galway City Film present 48 Hour Challenge
When: September 27th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
The Little Cinema & Galway City of Film present their 10th 48 Hour Challenge: an evening of 5-minute films, all made in Galway City and County, and all written, shot and edited within just 48 Hours! The 10 filmmaking teams involved must adhere to strict criteria in their films, which they only learn about at the start of the Challenge! All films will be introduced by their teams on stage! Tickets are FREE but limited & will be released in the lead-up to the event on thelittlecinema.com.
Book Signing: The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour
When: Novemer 8th, at 12pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Come and meet award-winning author and artist, Oliver Jeffers at Kennys for a book signing of his books, which will include his brand new children’s book A Day Off School and the new paperback edition of There’s a Ghost in This House. A free art print will be gifted with either of those two books bought on the day! Copies of A Day Off School and There’s a Ghost in This House will be available to buy at Kennys Bookshop on the day, along with many of his other books! If you require multiple tickets please ensure you book as a group so that each individual is registered and assigned a ticket. All are welcome!
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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