Galway's event calendar is absolutely bursting with events and festivals all year long! So, to help you make the most of what’s going on, we’ve put together a must-read guide featuring the top 17 events you won’t want to miss this month. From family-friendly events to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone - so dive in and start planning your next great Galway experience right here..
Below is just a snippet of everything Galway has to offer event-wise in the month ahead. If you would like a full list of all the wonderful events Galway has on, please check out our website at; https://thisisgalway.ie/events/.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
When: April 21st - 26th
Where: Venues across Galway City
More information here
This year’s Cúirt International Festival of Literature promises its usual exciting presentations of the very best in contemporary literature. With this year’s theme, Finding the Words, all festival-goers are invited to celebrate literature and the ways in which writers shape the way we see the world, fuel our imaginations, provide clarity, and broaden our minds. With a huge number of both Irish and International writers featured in the festival programme, Cúirt 2026 presents a diverse and varied lineup of events including the Cúirt lecture, child-friendly events, poetry readings, the launch of ROPES, in-person conversation panels, writing workshops and so much more.
Ireland vs Italy Women's Six Nations
When: April 18th, kick-off at 5.40pm
Where: Dexcom Stadium
More information here
Something incredibly exciting is taking place in the world of women’s rugby right here in Galway! This April, the newly renovated Home of Connacht Rugby – which officially opened in January – will play host to its first Guinness Women’s Six Nations match. Ireland Women’s only previous appearance in Galway was a 15-8 victory over Canada in April 2006. Tickets are now on sale for this historic event and you are not going to want to miss it!!
Druid Theatre presents Macbeth
When: Running until April 5th
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
This is the Scottish Play like you’ve never seen it before. Galway’s Druid Theatre brings its visceral and uniquely Irish perspective to one of Shakespeare’s fiercest and bloodiest tragedies. In medieval Scotland, the ambitious army general Macbeth is visited by three witches who foretell his ascension to the throne. In pursuit of this prophecy, and emboldened by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he sets out on a murderous path that threatens to sever the ties that bind their minds, their marriage and even the nation itself.
HystERia Productions presents Bar Wars
When: April 16-18th, doors at 7pm
Where: Electric Galway
More information here
After a sold-out run of the one-act in February, Bar Wars by Malachy Duggan is back – and it’s bigger than before. The full-length Bar Wars is coming your way with over an hour of riotous laughs, chaotic bar stool drama and the kind of characters you hate to recognise from your local. If you thought the one-act was wild, just wait. The pigs are about to race all over again.. Imagine Shakespeare stuck in a pub with a pint in one hand and a vendetta in the other and you’ll get Bar Wars. A riotous, slapstick-fuelled comedy, it mercilessly mocks Shakespearean tropes while serving up outrageous antics, eccentric characters, and chaos that only a table in an Irish pub can deliver. Expect brawls, schemes, and absurd twists. Expect to laugh until it hurts. Bar Wars is gloriously daft, gloriously loud, and gloriously unmissable.
Easter Egg Hunt
When: April 4-6th, 12-4pm
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
Celebrate your Easter Bank Holiday Weekend by enjoying a great family day out with the popular Easter Egg Hunt at Brigit’s Garden. Younger children can take part in a Mini Hunt around the Celtic Gardens and older children can enjoy the longer Mighty Hunt around the Gardens and Sun Trail. Follow the egg clues, solve the Easter-themed puzzle and go to the Marquee to collect the reward! Every child will receive little chocolate eggs as a prize. During your visit, meet the Easter Bunny, make some Easter decorations to take home, get your face-painted, grab a net and go egg-fishing in the fountain, try some Lego building, toss the beanbag and enjoy loads of other fun games in the Marquee as well.
The Hoes of Tralee
When: April 25th, at 7.30pm
Where: Electric Galway
More information here
The Hoes of Tralee - Ireland’s most prestigious and unhinged pageant lands at Electric. So, in preparation of this fabulous event, start making your banners and bunting as it’s time to show your support for your county’s finest hoe, all on the perfect date, April 25th. Not too hot, not too cold! Gather the gang and laugh your way through an unhinged live show packed with outrageous categories including Swimwear and The Talent Round. Expect singing, slinging, questionable party tricks, and yes… a lovely horse. Feeling brave? Audience members will have the chance to compete live for the coveted title and sash of “Escort of the Year 2026.” Hosted by Irish icons Joe on the Dolan and Linda Fartin, this show pays hilarious homage to a certain beloved traditional Irish pageant we all know and love, with absolutely no respect for tradition.
Serena Terry - Therapy
When: April 11th, doors at 7pm
Where: Leisureland
More information here
Serena Terry, comedian, author and creator of the online sensation ‘Mammy Banter’, is heading to Leisureland in Galway with Therapy, her boldest, funniest and most brutally honest stand-up show to date. After selling out two UK and Ireland tours, and becoming the first woman ever to sell out The SSE Arena in 2024, Serena should have been riding high. Instead, at the peak of her success, she found herself in the grips of depression. What followed was a four-month hiatus, an exhaustive list of therapies, and an explorative deep dive into self-care. Now she’s back at her best - still medicated, still peri-menopausal, occasionally a little bit mentally unstable - but functioning, wearing a bra in public again, and ready to spill the beans on everything that happened in between. Don’t miss it!
Community Skratch Games
When: April 3-5th
Where: Bierhaus
More information here
This month, Community Skratch Games is celebrating twenty years of activity in the turntablism community at Bierhaus. CSG is a festival where world renowned battle DJs share the bill with bedroom upstarts. An event where local legends swap stories with turntablists & producers from all over the globe. A weekend where all are welcome to witness masters of their craft showcasing their skills in a small pub in the west end of Galway. For the 20th edition, CSG has supersized the lineup, with nearly 50 performers making their way to Galway for the weekend. They have CSG stalwarts like international crew Skratch Lords; debutantes such as legendary Scratch Pervert Prime Cuts; world famous finger drummer Clockwerk from Germany & rising star DJ Ceese; OG Irish hiphop legends God Knows, Bethaniens Dust & mynameisjohn; a bumper rap cipher featuring some of the west coast’s most exciting MCs; a bevy of legendary Irish crate diggers going deep in the 7″ stash all weekend… and that’s not even the half of it!
Katriona O’Sullivan in Conversation with Elaine Feeney
When: April 27th, at 8pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Join bestselling author, public speaker, and professor of psychology Katriona O’Sullivan, for a conversation event about her new memoir ‘Hungry,’ together with Elaine Feeney. Katriona O’Sullivan’s first book, ‘Poor’, debuted at number 1 on the Irish Non-Fiction bestseller list and won the Biography of the Year and Listener’s Choice Awards at the Irish Book Awards. A memoir of growing up in extreme poverty, it describes her journey from homelessness to graduating with a PhD from Trinity and becoming an award-winning lecturer. This event celebrates her new memoir ‘Hungry’, which describes her struggles with addiction and body image, and focuses on themes of trauma, identity, and self-acceptance. A ticket option which includes a signed copy of the book is available.
Gallery Lates: Artists’ Gathering
When: April 9th, at 6pm
Where: Galway Arts Centre
More information here
Galway Arts Centre invites everyone – residents, families, visitors, and culture‑lovers – to join them every Thursday evening in April as they open their doors until 9pm for a vibrant and free programme of talks, workshops, tours, and after‑hours cultural experiences. Come explore, participate, and be part of Galway’s growing night‑time cultural community. On April 9th, they will be hosting a special open gathering for artists, facilitated by Assistant Curator Tom McLean, fostering conversation, exchange and community among local creatives.
Trojans
When: April 10th + 11th, at 8pm
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company proudly revives Trojans, the ground-breaking dance work by acclaimed choreographer Philip Connaughton. Inspired by Virgil’s epic The Aeneid, this thrilling production combines powerful contemporary dance with an exhilarating electronic score by composer Oberman Knocks and visuals by Luca Truffarelli. Revisiting themes that feel as urgent today as ever - war, migration, displacement, and identity - Connaughton’s bold reimagining offers audiences a fresh and emotionally charged perspective, challenging us to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and the forces that shape our shared humanity.
Galway Musical Society presents Pippin
When: April 14-18th, at 8pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Galway Musical Society returns to stage with Pippin, a dazzling musical that weaves together circus, magic and all that makes musical theatre so special! This show explores Pippin’s lifelong search to find the right path; all while being nudged by a not-so-trustworthy troupe of circus performers who may or may not have their own idea for his wicked ‘grand finale’. With music by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, Pocahontas) and originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse (Chicago, Sweet Charity, Cabaret), this production showcases what makes musical theatre so extraordinary: songs that soar and big dances full of energy and character!
Synaesthesia
When: April 10th, at 8pm
Where: Nuns Island Theatre
More information here
Get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind performance as Synaesthesia arrives at Nun’s Island Theatre with an entirely new visual dimension designed to further ignite the senses. This Irish-language immersive theatre experience unfolds around a monumental 2 x 4 metre live painting, interactive projections, and musicians performing in real time. Over the course of an hour, audiences are drawn into a living, breathing canvas where ceremonial instruments intertwine with synthesisers, vast paintings come to life before your eyes, and projections blur the boundary between electronic and organic creation. Bring an open mind, and let the journey unfold. A full English translation of the script will be provided to every guest at the beginning of the performance, so no Irish required.
Mabel Colour Analysis Masterclass
When: April 19th, 1-4pm
Where: HYDE Bar
More information here
Are you ready to find out what colours look best on you?! This April HYDE Bar is hosting a phenomenal Colour Analysis Masterclass with leading colour experts Mabel and pro makeup artist Ciara Rafferty. This inspiring afternoon is designed to help you understand how to choose the most flattering shades for your clothes, hair and makeup so you can look your best, feel more confident and make style choices with ease. During the event, you’ll enjoy a fabulous drinks and canapé reception on arrival before being guided through the fundamentals of personal colour analysis. Whether you have a passion for style or simply want to feel more confident getting dressed each day, this masterclass is about understanding your palette and dressing for yourself. Each guest will receive a curated gift bag full of gorgeous hair and beauty essentials as well.
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
When: April 9-12th
Where: Venues across Clifden
More information here
Now in its 15th year, the Clifden Traditional Music Festival has gone from strength to strength, and this year they show no sign of slowing down. Highlights of the 2026 programme include a youth session, a performance from Clifden National School Marching Band, the official Opening Concert, Pub Session Trail, musical instrument workshops, busking competitions, 5k run/walk, street entertainment, open-air music as well as tons of other events and celebrations dotted in the many businesses around the town. If you love a bitta trad music you will not want to miss this!
Singles Quiz Night
When: April 18th, 7-10pm
Where: Beacon Salthill
More information here
Are you ready to simultaneously test your trivia skills and ditch the dating apps? Then this night is for you! (If you are aged 30-45 years, that is…) Come on down to Beacon’s Singles Night with a twist and packed with laughs & friendly competition. Whether you’re competitive, curious, or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to meet new people and no awkward speed dating chairs in sight. Enjoy a Dingle Gin on arrival, fun and interactive pub quiz rounds, easy, natural ice-breakers, and a room full of singles ready to mingle. Leave with new connections, new friends… and perhaps plans for next weekend.
Mike Joyce - The Drums Book Tour
When: April 4th, doors at 2pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
As a band, The Smiths need no introduction. Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all five of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts. They are widely lauded as one of the most influential bands of all time. This is Mike’s open-hearted story of what it was like to play the drums in The Smiths. Through his honest and witty reflections, Mike answers the question ‘where did it all go right?’ – a question he and bassist Andy Rourke, with whom he had a deep and very special relationship, used to often ask each other. Rather than simply retelling the well-documented iconic moments of the history of The Smiths, in The Drums, Mike conveys ‘the feeling’ of his time in the band. His story will resonate with the millions of Smiths fans who will rejoice in joining Mike in his love and admiration for the band that changed lives and provided such rich inspiration to the musicians that followed them.
Main photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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