Volunteering is a fantastic and an incredibly fulfilling experience. Whether you’re helping a local charity, or spending your free time volunteering for a local festival, stepping up and showing up for those around you nurtures the soul! We put together a list of charities and groups in Galway that are always looking for passionate and bright members of the community to help out! Discover where to go volunteering in Galway right here...
Get up and give back with these Galway volunteering opportunities! For more information on all of the amazing opportunities for volunteering in Galway, head over to the Volunteer Galway website for a full and all inclusive guide to volunteering within Ireland and more specifically Galway! Tap here to discover more volunteering opportunities.
Claddagh Watch Patrol
The Claddagh Watch Patrol is a local organisation that is dedicated to nightly watches of the waterways of Galway city. They work to ensure the safety of the community. Their main mission is to carry out regular group patrols along Galway’s waterways. Since their establishment, their presence has already helped to avoid many accidents and fatalities on the waterways. Their aim is to caution people about the dangers of the water, encourage people to move away from it, and to help those who appear to be distressed, disoriented, or suicidal near the water. Through their work, they continue to make Galway a safer and more beautiful place to both live and work.
If you are interested in volunteering for Claddagh Watch Patrol discover what's involved and volunteer requirements here.
above: photo courtesy of Claddagh Watch Patrol
COPE Galway
COPE Galway works to aid and support the most vulnerable people within our community. Their support services include homeless service, domestic abuse service, and senior support. They are made up of a dedicated staff and volunteers who work to advocate for those in our community who need it most. They provide family and transitional housing services for members of the community who are unhoused. For victims of domestic violence they promote awareness and proper training, and outreach programs. Their senior support services encourage fostering a community as well as catering programs. COPE does this and so much more.
If you are interested in volunteering for COPE Galway discover what roles they have available here.
above: photo courtesy of COPE Galway
MADRA
MADRA encourages you to, ‘lend a paw’ and volunteer for Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption charity. MADRA is a Galway charity that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehouses abused and neglected dogs. Using their resources to protect and rehabilitate dogs is an incredible and rewarding experience for the people at MADRA, and they are always looking for more people to help. Blue Tag Volunteers clean kennels, walk and socialise dogs, and sort donations. All incredibly vital duties to make sure the organisation runs smoothly and the dogs receive puppy loving care!
If you are interested in volunteering for MADRA discover the opportunities, registration form and how you can lend a paw here.
above: photo courtesy of MADRA
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
If you are passionate about literature and story telling, volunteer this year with the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. This is a festival that strives to bring writers and readers together to share stories and champion the importance of writing. The team is looking for enthusiastic people to assist with a myriad of tasks ranging from stewarding, marketing and assisting festival attendees with any queries. Each year Cúirt recruits a large number of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers for their annual festival which takes place April each year. Volunteers are an important part of the Cúirt team and help to deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences and festival participants alike.
If you are interested in volunteering for Cúirt discover the opportunities and its registration form here.
above: Illustration by Charlot Kristensen for Cúirt 2023
Galway International Arts Festival
Volunteers play a huge role in the success of Galway International Arts Festival. For 14 days every year they help bring extraordinary experiences to the city, its people and its visitors. The beloved GIAF is set to return this year and we cannot wait to see what this year has in store. If you’re passionate about the arts and the festival, you have the opportunity to volunteer and support this unforgettable experience. You will be in an environment where you can learn new skills, make new friends and immerse yourself in the arts. Volunteering with Galway International Arts Festival also includes some exciting perks so be sure to check it out!
If you are interested in volunteering for GIAF discover what's involved and volunteer requirements here.
above: photo courtesy of Galway International Arts Festival
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
While the year round Baboró team is small and mighty, this October festival would not exist without an entire community of enthusiastic and dedicated people who join us each autumn and grow their team tenfold. They rely on passionate volunteers and seasonal staff to help us bring quality arts and creative experiences to the youth of Galway every year. The entire team is dedicated to providing children with a safe and inspiring space for them to learn and grow! It’s an incredible festival that encourages kids to express themselves and their curiosity about the world around them. Volunteering for the festival is an incredible opportunity to get more involved in the community.
If you are interested in volunteering for Baboró discover what's involved and volunteer requirements here.
above: photo courtesy of Baboró International Arts Festival For Children
Galway Film Fleadh
The Galway Film Fleadh is an incredible festival celebrating film from all around the world. A cultural institution since 1989, this is a dedicated group of people working together to bring the magic of film to our community. Each year, they put a call out for volunteers to come support and help put on the festival. Volunteering at the Galway Film Fleadh is a great way to meet people from around the world who share a passion for film. You will also have the fantastic opportunity to see how a film festival operates from behind the scenes and brush shoulders with famous actors, directors and filmmakers.
If you are interested in volunteering for Galway Film Fleadh discover what's involved and the roles here.
If you are interested in volunteering for Generation Fleadh discover what's involved and the roles here.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Film Fleadh
Galway United F.C.
The incredible team at Galway United F.C. promotes a passion for the game, and the community that surrounds it. If you also have a passion for the game they have one simple question for you: ‘Why not get involved in the running of your football club?’ because they have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that are available! From media coordinators to programme contributors and so much in between, this is an incredible way to get involved with Galway’s community. The volunteering roles available are varied and many people continue to use their time volunteering with the club to gain valuable work experience.
If you are interested in volunteering for Galway United F.C. discover what's involved and the roles here.
above: photo courtesy of Galway United FC
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
TULCA is a multi-venue, artist-centered festival of contemporary art that works with Irish curators to present innovative exhibitions that provoke and energise audiences into the world of the visual arts. Every year their amazing volunteers form a core part of entire TULCA team. Participating in the TULCA Volunteer Programme gives participants first-hand working experience of the time, energy and ambition that goes into the production and running of a contemporary visual art festival. TULCA always seeks to provide an enriching, educational, and uplifting time for all of volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering for TULCA discover what's involved and the roles here.
Feature photo courtesy of Galway International Arts Festival
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