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.
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 Activity: Beach & Dunes Biodiversity Walk
When: August 15th, at 1pm
Where: Grattan Beach
More information here
Join Galway City Museum, University of Galway, and Galway Atlantaquaria on Grattan Beach, Salthill for the ‘Heritage At Risk’ Beach & Dunes Biodiversity walk. Join staff from Galway City Museum at Grattan Beach for a guided exploration of this unique coastal environment. Learn about the importance of the dunes, how they protect our coastline, and how we can help preserve them. Along the way, discover the fascinating plants and wildlife that inhabit the beach and dune ecosystem. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Heritage Week, the risk or threats to our cultural heritage, and how we can all become protectors and guardians of Grattan Beach which is over (160) one hundred and sixty years old.
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!
Heritage Week - Discover the Living Heritage of 45 & 47 Dominick Street
When: August 20th, at 1pm
Where: Galway Arts Centre
More information here
As part of Heritage Week, Galway Arts Centre is delighted to celebrate the remarkable Georgian architecture of our home at 47 Dominick Street Lower, alongside its neighbour No. 45, Áras na nGael, with a special guided talk and tour. Established in 1982, Galway Arts Centre has been based at 47 Dominick Street since 1988, when the historic former Persse House became the organisation’s permanent home. Together with Áras na nGael at No. 45, these neighbouring buildings are not only fine examples of Galway Georgian architecture, but living places of culture, creativity and community that continue to shape the city’s cultural life. Join 7L Architects and Galway City Council’s Architectural Conservation Officer for a guided tour exploring the history, architecture and stories of Nos. 45 and 47 Dominick Street Lower. The tour will also include an outline of the proposed roof conservation works, funded through the Historic Structures Fund, and how these important buildings will be cared for into the future.
Music: Lynn Thizzy
When: August 21st, at 9.30pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome the incredible Lynn Thizzy, Irelands Ultimate Thin Lizzy Tribute Band as they take to their stage this coming August 21st. From “The Boys Are Back in Town” to “Jailbreak,” every note will transport you back to the height of rock’s golden era. With Philo-esque vocals, signature Lizzy guitar solos, and that unmistakable bass groove, this band does justice to Thin Lizzy’s legendary sound and stage presence. This is a free gig so be sure to get here early!
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.
Music: Lunchtime Concert with Contempo
When: September 1st, at 1.10pm
Where: St Nicholas Collegaite Church
More information here
Join St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church for a free lunchtime concert as they host ConTempo for their monthly lunchtime concert. In partnership with MusicConnects.
Literature: Paul Howard in Conversation
When: September 2nd, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Bestselling Irish writer Paul Howard will be at Kennys Bookshop on September 2nd, to talk about about his new satire A Nation Once Again. Paul Howard is a journalist, author and comedy writer best known as the creator of the No 1 bestselling Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series. He has won a record four Irish Book Awards and is a former Irish Sports Journalist of the Year and Irish Newspaper Columnist of the Year. Copies of A Nation Once Again are available to pre-order here. Copies will also be available to buy at the event.
Outdoors: Autumn Nature Day
When: September 13th, from 8.30am
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
Join Brigit’s Garden for another day of their popular free nature walks, workshops and family events, this time with an autumnal slant. Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Gardens while learning how to save seeds, hearing wonderful stories about our native trees, or relaxing into a session of nature mindfulness. For families, enjoy engaging storytelling in the woods and/or fun nature-based crafts and games. Each session lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours and all walks and workshops will be interactive and led by expert guides. Come for one or make a day of it and enjoy the Café too!
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.
Literature: Louise Kennedy in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: September 26th, at 3pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Award-winning Irish author Louise Kennedy will be at Kennys Bookshop on September 26th, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation about Stations, her new novel. Stations is a devastating story of love and friendship, and a tender portrait of the choices we blithely make when we are young, unaware that the consequences will reverberate throughout our lives. Signed copies of the book will be available on the night.
Book Signing: The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour - SOLD OUT
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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