Attending the Galway International Arts festival this July and need some help deciding what to check out? We’ve got you covered! Here’s some of our personal favourite, must-see spectacles that you don’t want to miss out on.
Theatre: Sabotage - NoFit State Circus
When: 11–27 July, 8pm
Matinees Saturdays 12, 19 and 26 July, 1pm and Sundays 13, 20 and 27 July, 1pm only. No shows Tuesday 15, Monday 21 July
Where: Nimmo’s Pier
Get Tickets Here
Boisterous, provocative and daring, NoFit State is redefining what a circus can be with their latest and greatest “Sabotage.” The troupe will take you on a rollercoaster ride of impressive stunts, stunning imagery, and sheer, outrageous talent. “Sabotage” will also be making history by performing in the festival's second Big Top, coming to the banks of the river Corrib.
Theatre: The Genesis - The Copenhagen Collective
When: 22–26 July, 7pm. Matinees Saturday 26 July, 2pm
Where: Black Box Theatre, Dyke Road
Get Tickets Here
In a new age of division and conflict, “The Genesis” takes a stand by highlighting the theme of strength in unity and the beauty of mutualism in a striking and atmospheric acrobatics show. From the various musical styles, to the enthralling visuals, to the sheer physicality of the performers, “The Genesis” is pushing the theatrical envelope. A love-letter to interdependence, the show brings together performers from all across the globe to showcase their talents and tell an important story.
Visual Arts: Conor Maloney and John Conneely
When: 14–27 July, 11am–6pm, Late Opening to 8pm Thursday–Saturday
Where: Festival Printworks Gallery, Market Street
Free entry to this event!
A thought provoking and illuminated installation showcases a 3D and reactive display that honours the now at-risk population of the beautiful Irish ash trees. The exhibit completely surrounds and immerses viewers into a glittering, yet poignant, environment, completed with generative music to add to the ambiance. There is no entry fee, so everyone is encouraged to come celebrate and honour the beauty of a piece of Ireland’s ecosystem that might not be around for much longer.
Theatre: Dimanche
When: 15–19 July, 8pm
Where:Town Hall Theatre, Courthouse Square
Get Tickets Here
In their small city home, a family is about to spend their Sunday together, but the walls are shaking, strong winds and torrential rain rage outside as the storm begins. Amidst this climatic chaos, the family attempts to maintain a normal life. Between dreamlike fiction and stark reality, Dimanche paints a quietly witty and tender portrait of humanity surprised by the uncontrollable forces of nature in this stunning visual show.
Music: Silent Disco Walking Tours
When: 16–27 July, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm, No shows 21 and 22 July
Where: Festival Garden, Eyre Square
Get Tickets Here
With the best hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and hilarious commentary to go with it, the silent disco walking tour allows you to enter your own little world of music and fun from within your noise-canceling headphones. Led by two energetic guides, the tour will take you on a colourful and cheery walk through the best bits of Galway, from Eyre Square to the Westend. Bring your funniest outfits and your best energy and you’ll be sure to have a blast!
Music: Traditional Music Showcases
When: Thursday 17 July, 1pm
Friday 18 July, 1pm
Saturday 19 July, 1pm
Thursday 24 July, 1pm
Friday 25 July, 1pm
Saturday 26 July, 1pm
Where: Monroe’s Live, Dominick Street
Get Tickets Here
If you’re a big fan of traditional Irish music and want something a little more classic to kick off your festival-going, the Traditional Music Showcases checks all the boxes. From the accordion, to the flute, to the traditional Irish fiddle, each musician is a master of their respective artistry and displays some of the best quality trad music out there. Many of the musicians are joining forces exclusively for this event, so it truly will be a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.
Talks: Autism and Talent
When: Saturday 19 July, 10.30am
Where: Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
Get Tickets Here
Special abilities and talents, such as photographic memories and the ability to do mental maths, are much more common in Autistic people rather than the neurotypical community, but why? This is the question that Professor Francesca Happé will explore in her meditative talk Autism and Talent. The contemplative and encouraging talk offers a deep-dive into the beauty of neurodiversity and how it can contribute positively to our everyday lives.
Opera: MARS
When: 25–27 July, 8pm
Where: Leisureland, Salthill
Get Tickets Here
What happens when four astronauts and an AI software share a cabin in a spacecraft en route to MARS? One of the coolest, most imaginative operas is born. The show features the Irish National Opera Orchestra and is tantalizing exploration into the themes of uncertain futures, colonisation, and even the rise of pronatalism. It is simply out of this world!
Photo: AI Higgins
Talks: The Man who saved an Irish rainforest
When: Saturday 26 July, 2pm
Where: Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
Get Tickets Here
On the Beara Peninsula in the west of Ireland, a rainforest is thriving. Eoghan Daltun, an author, sculptor, and conservator, talks about his passion for nature conservation and regenerative efforts through his story of preserving an Irish forest. Former Green Party Politician and fellow nature conservationist Saoirse McHugh, will join him on stage to talk about pressing topics such as rewilding and management of our national parks.
Spectacle & Street Art: Microcosmos
When: Friday 18 July, 9.30pm, Saturday 19 July, 6pm and 9.30pm
Where: Eyre Square, to Lower Fairhill Road via Shop Street and Bridge Street
Free entry to this event!
A paradox of epic proportions comes to life as 12-meter tall insects walk the streets of Galway’s City Centre. This dream-like spectacle will be made a reality by a miraculous team of stilt-walkers, acrobats, musicians, and technicians hailing from across the channel. Microcosmos will be a colorful and dazzling display that will be sure to capture your attention and not let it go.
All photos courtesy of Galway International Arts Festival
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