Attend all the best events in Galway at no cost to your pocket.. get ready for the This is Galway ultimate budget-friendly Galway Events Guide.
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.
Literature: Joseph O'Connor in conversation with Tomás Kenny
When: January 14th, from 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
Registration link here
Award-winning Irish author Joseph O’Connor will be at Kennys Bookshop on January 14th to join Tomás Kenny in conversation about his new book, The Ghosts of Rome. This event is ticketed but spaces are limited. About The Ghosts of Rome: February 1944. Six months since Nazi forces occupied Rome. Inside the beleaguered city, the Contessa Giovanna Landini is a member of the band of Escape Line activists known as ‘The Choir’. Their mission is to smuggle refugees to safety and help Allied soldiers, all under the nose of Gestapo boss Paul Hauptmann. During a ferocious morning air raid a mysterious parachutist lands in Rome and disappears into the backstreets. Is he an ally or an imposter? His fate will come to put the whole Escape Line at risk. Meanwhile, Hauptmann’s attention has landed on the Contessa. As his fascination grows, she is pulled into a dangerous game with him – one where the consequences could be lethal. A Signed and Numbered Kennys Limited Edition of the book will be available to buy on the night. The edition also contains an exclusive extra content not included in any other edition.
Open Evening: Galway Bay Hooker Sailing Club
When: January 14th, from 6.30pm
Where: Galway Bay Seafoods
Registration link here
Curious about Galway’s maritime heritage? Join us for an evening of discovery and community at the Galway Hooker Sailing Club! Meet the crew, explore the workspaces and view the iconic Galway Hooker fleet up close. Learn about the exciting activities planned for 2025, including sailing adventures, boat-building projects and training programmes. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, all are welcome to see what we’re about and get involved in preserving and celebrating this unique part of Galway’s culture.
Guided Tour: Museum Highlights
When: January 18th, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan 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! No booking required. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Talk: Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a hopeful future for all
When: January 23rd, from 1pm
Where: University of Galway
Registration link here
Come along and learn about Prof. Jennie Stephens’ new book which invites us to collectively reimagine the public good purpose of universities and explore how to better leverage the power and influence of higher education for transformative change. A presentation about the book will be followed by a discussion between the author and Dr. Nessa Cronin, Associate Professor at the Centre for Irish Studies. This seminar is open to the public, free and co-hosted and sponsored by University of Galway School of Geography, Ryan Institute and the Office for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Family: Creativity Workshop Responding to Objects
When: January 25th, from 2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
Registration link here
Join artist Vicky Smith to create subtle watercolour studies of the beautiful Joyce Claddagh Ring, the oldest known Claddagh Ring. We will view museum objects and create pencil drawings from direct observation. These drawings will inspire our watercolour studies. Using watercolour paint, gouache colours, pencil, fineliners and watercolour paper we will create two paintings. Enhance your observational skills and learn the beautiful art of watercolour techniques in this workshop.
Theatre: Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer
When: January 30th, from 1pm
Where: O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance
Registration link here
Arts in Action are delighted to partner with Moth & Butterfly Festival to bring you The Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer is inspired by a piece of masters research conducted by Daniel Serridge in August 2015. Having followed the Scottish independence referendum and 2015 General election Daniel was interested in the current political relationship between England and Scotland, in particular for the people living close to each other, close to the border. For a piece of field research he decided to try and walk along the exact line of the border between England and Scotland, from Gretna in the west to Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the east. Each evening, he would attempt to tell the old border folktale Thomas the Rhymer to instigate conversations about nationalism and unionism. During this walk he discovered a significant moment from his own life that was entwined with the narrative of Thomas, this became a solo performance. What appeared was a piece that dealt with notions of loss, grief and childish perceptions on the adult world.
Workshop: Brigit's Cross-Making
When: February 2nd, at 2pm and 3pm
Where: Brigit's Garden
Registration link here
Brigit’s Garden are pleased to offer two free workshops to celebrate Brigit and the coming of spring. Come and make a Brigit’s cross or a Brídeog (Brigit doll) out of rushes to take home. The two workshops will be the same – choose whichever time suits you – 2pm & 3pm. All materials will be supplied. All are welcome and no booking is required. Donations to Brigit’s Garden will be welcomed on the day.
Workshop & Demo: Living History - Butter & Buttermaking
When: February 4th, from 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
Registration link here
Butter has long been an important feature of the Irish diet. One hundred pounds of butter was discovered in a bog in Co. Offaly in 2013, which was estimated to be around 5,000 years old – a Guinness record! Join culinary historian Anna O’Donnell as she discusses butter and butter-making traditions, while demonstrating the process. As was the custom, those in the room will be expected to give a hand to the churn to ward off bad luck, but they will be rewarded with the incomparable taste of freshly made butter.
Music: Skinner
When: February 6th, from midnight
Where: Róisín Dubh
Registration link here
Skinner is a DIY slouch rock musician based in Dublin who writes, records and produces songs about growing up and overcoming a dirt-flecked 21st century existence. The DNA of no wave and post-punk acts like The B52s, James Chance and the Contortions and ESG through to alt-rock touchstones Pixies and Morphine combined with a talent for grunge-nodding self-production and pockets of elevated instrumentation is oozing from Skinner’s music.
Shop: Galway Record & CD Fair
When: February 8th, from 11am
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
The Irish Record Fair will be returning to Sally Longs Rock Bar on Saturday, Feb 8th with new stock for their first Galway Record Fair of the year. Professional traders and collectors offer a wide selection of music from across the genres on vinyl and cd. You can find bargains and ultra rare items, sell or exchange your records and CDs, add to, or “recycle” your collection.
Shop: Valentine's Market
When: February 9th, from 9am
Where: Súil Eile Space
More information here
Looking to find something cute for your significant other this Valentine’s Day? Look no further then Galway Gnó's special Valentine’s Market, which they will be hosting at Súil Eile Space on Sunday 9th February.
Guided Tour: Museum Highlights
When: March 15th, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan 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! No booking required. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Career: Jobs Expo Galway
When: March 1st, from 10am
Where: The Galmont
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 Galmont Hotel & Spa on the 1st of March, 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.
Guided Tour: The Claddagh - A Triumph of Unconscious Beauty
When: Febraury 22nd, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The Claddagh village, which lends its name to the famous ring, developed on the western shore of the mouth of the River Corrib, outside the walls of medieval Galway. This village of small, thatched houses occupied by Irish-speaking fishermen and their families, and headed by an elected mayor or king, played an important role in the maritime culture of Galway. Join Damien Donnellan for a free guided tour of the exhibition and learn about the history of this former fishing village. No booking required. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Illustrated Talk: Grace O’Malley – the woman behind the legend at Galway City Museum
When: March 22nd, from 2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
Registration link here
Born on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo, Grace O’Malley (Gráinne ‘Mhaol’ Uí Mháille, c. 1530–1603) was a woman before her time. One contemporary commentator noted of the strong and confident noblewoman and fearless sea captain, who controlled the seas of Connacht: ‘Grany O’Maly thinketh herself to be no small lady’. About 1546, she married Domhnall ‘An Chogaidh’ O’Flaherty of Bunowen Castle, Ballynahinch in Connemara, thus uniting two prominent Gaelic families of the West, and one of her sons from this marriage (Murrough-ne-Maor O’Flaherty) was buried in the Franciscan Abbey in Galway in 1626. Join Anne Chambers as she discusses the life and times of Grace O’Malley with special reference to her many connections with Galway. Chambers is the author of the definitive, international bestselling book, Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530-1603, which the Sunday Tribune hailed as ‘a historical reality which is equally if not more compelling than the legend.’
Guided Tour: Museum Tour for Families
When: March 29th, from 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join Damien Donnellan 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. No booking required. The tour starts at the Museum reception desk. Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Feature photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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