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. For Galway’s full events calendar, visit thisisgalway.ie.
Talk: Can technology save us? The Digital Twin of the Ocean and AI in ecological monitoring
When: June 5th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Could artificial intelligence improve the way we monitor Galway Bay? Join us for an interactive talk at Galway City Museum with Yvonne Wiese and Marco Francescangeli from the Marine Institute. They will explore advanced ecological monitoring, the SmartBay Observatory, and the Digi4Eco project (funded by Horizon Europe). The event is FREE of charge, but seats are limited. Please email Museum@GalwayCity.ie to make a booking and call the Museum on (091) 532460 for further details.
Artist Talk with HERmetics & Meadhbh McNutt
When: June 6th, at 12.30pm
Where: Outset Gallery
More information here
Join Outset Gallery for an artist talk, in conversation with Meadhbh McNutt, as part of the exhibition HERmetics: How Painters Think. This informal discussion brings together exhibiting artists Sinéad Aldridge, Mary Theresa Keown, and Patricia Doherty in conversation with Meadhbh McNutt, writer of the exhibition text. Together, they will discuss their individual practices, creative processes, and approaches to contemporary painting. The conversation will offer insight into the ideas, materials, and methods that inform the works presented in the exhibition, while also exploring broader themes surrounding abstraction, experimentation, and studio practice. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists about the development of their work and engage in an open discussion on contemporary painting today. The talk will conclude with an audience Q&A.
Dance: Céilí Afro Dabke Ukraine - World Music Dance Céilí
When: June 6th, at 7.30pm
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Get ready to move! This vibrant world céilí celebrates the music and dance traditions from around the world including West African dance, Palestinian Dabke, Ukrainian dance, as well as the traditional Irish céilí dances – all to live music. Featuring a line-up of world-class musicians and dancers, this uplifting event invites everyone — seasoned dancers and complete beginners alike — onto the dancefloor. No experience needed and all ages are welcome — each dance style is taught as you go. Energised by live music, pulsating rhythms and the thrill of learning new cultural dance forms, this unique and joyous event will have you moving, smiling, sweating and wanting more. Come with friends, family or on your own — Céilí Afro Dabke Ukraine is an invitation to gather, meet new people, celebrate the richness of world cultures and dance.
Music: Harry Kelly
When: June 10th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Harry Kelly is an artist from Limerick making music that blends hip-hop, electronic influences and live performance. Drawing from rap, dance music and indie sounds, his work moves between introspective writing, energetic production and club-inspired rhythms. Alongside releasing music independently, Harry also works across film and visual media, often bringing a cinematic feel into his live shows. His performances combine rapping, DJing and live instrumentation, creating sets that shift between atmospheric moments and heavier high-energy sections. For this show at Róisín Dubh, Harry Kelly will perform a mix of original tracks, live elements and DJ-driven transitions in a set designed specifically for the space.
Game: HOWYA. Don't be a stranger. Play a game of stories
When: June 16th, at 7pm
Where: The Soul Garden, Massimo
More information here
Experience meaningful conversations and deep connections with strangers while playing ‘Where Should We Begin’ a card game by Esther Perel, organised by Irish Socksciety in collaboration with Massimo. This event aims to create a safe and joyful environment for those who love to chat, share stories, and are willing to really open up. There may be laughs, banter, tears and contemplation. All raw, truthful, and so human. Gaeilgeoirs make sure to join too!
Music: Roo Elizabeth
When: June 19th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Roo Elizabeth is an Irish alternative indie artist bridging rock and pop through distinctive songwriting rooted in love, anxiety, freedom and modern Irish identity. Her Debut EP Pale Dog-Violet spotlights her signature ethereal vocals, playful pull between intimacy and chaos and unique storytelling ability. The first release of Pale Dog-Violet, Hail Mary has been featured on StarFish Magazine with radio play and live performances on Midlands103. Her last single “Crazy” debuted on national radio with releases featured on Nialler9, GoldenPlec, and Genuine Irish. Described by audiences as melodic and versatile, Roo Elizabeth’s live shows balance raw guitar-driven energy with storytelling and a layered performance. With Sulk Hogan on support.
Shop: Galway Indoor Market
When: 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.
Talk: Mapping Ireland’s Seabed Habitats and Shipwrecks
When: June 20th, 12-2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
A fun family event where you can meet real-life scientists from SmartBay! Discover what’s happening beneath the waves and learn about sea life, cool technology, and ocean secrets in Galway Bay. Got questions? Their friendly team will be there to chat and share exciting stories about exploring the ocean! SmartBay is Ireland’s National observation and validation facility for the marine and ocean energy sector. Short talks at 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Free drop-in event. No booking required.
Nature: Midsummer Nature Day
When: June 21st, from 11am
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 local wildlife – from butterflies and wildflowers to trees and herbs – to enjoy time in nature, and pick up tips about how to support biodiversity in your own garden or land. There will also be a relaxing forest bathing (nature mindfulness) session. Come for one walk or make a day of it! The Garden Café will be open for lunch as well as coffee, tea and treats. The walks are for adults, apart from the family afternoon. There is no charge, but online registration is required.
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.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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