Things to Do in Galway June 2026: 15 Unmissable Events in the Month Ahead
Events//What's On

Things to Do in Galway June 2026: 15 Unmissable Events in the Month Ahead

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 15 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..

Advertisement

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/.

Galway Folk Festival

When: June 3rd - 7th
Where: Galway City
More information here
For its 2026 programme the Galway Folk Festival has announced that over 80 acts will perform across 11 venues, as the festival marks its 5th year. Across 5 days, the festival will present a mix of headline concerts, intimate seated shows, late-night sessions and a wide-ranging free daytime programme. The headline artists for 2026 include The Divine Comedy, Richard Thompson, Damien Dempsey, Lisa O’Neill and Jamie McIntyre, alongside returning Festival friends Hothouse Flowers, Niall McCabe, CLADA and Seán Keane. The free daytime programme will see the return of Cuppa Tea TV (who will host an outdoor stage across Saturday and Sunday), as well as Tony Clayton-Lea with Culture Vultures, who will curate a series of conversations and events across the weekend. Additional elements of the daytime programme include Westend Sessions and Youth in Music.

Cruinniú na nÓg: Youth Lates

When: June 6th
Where: Fr Burke Park, Galway’s Westend
More information here
Galway City is hosting a vibrant all‑day celebration of young creativity at Fr. Burke Park from 12pm to 9pm as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026. Families can enjoy a packed programme of art, crafts, circus, storytelling and music, with highlights including interactive theatre and mask‑making, sensory storytelling workshops, and creative T‑shirt design. From 4pm, the park comes alive with Youth Lates, a live music event for ages 14–18, headlined by rising Cork band BABYRAT alongside emerging Galway talent. All events are free, though booking may be required for some workshops due to limited capacity. The events promise a full day of imaginative, hands-on fun for all ages.

Gallery Lates: Wolves in Ireland

When: June 4th, at 6pm
Where: Galway Arts Centre
More information here
Presented in association with Unworlding, the solo exhibition by Patrick Hough, this special talk explores the story of wolves in Ireland through archaeology, myth, folklore, place names and documentary records. Tracing the wolf’s historical presence across the Irish landscape, Kieran Hickey will examine the social, environmental and political forces that led to the species’ extermination, before considering contemporary debates around their possible reintroduction. Echoing themes within Unworlding, including ecological loss, shifting relationships between humans and the natural world, and the haunting afterlives of vanished species, this talk invites audiences to reflect on how landscapes are shaped by memory, absence and human intervention.

Galway Skate Festival 2026

When: June 26th - 29th
Where: Galway City
More information here
Ireland’s biggest (and only) skateboard festival is back in Galway at the end of June for its 6th edition. Organised and run by the Galway Skateboard Association, their mission is to host the best weekend of the summer and to continue to make skateboarding even more accessible to everyone, all while having a good time doing so. Over the course of the weekend, there will be over 15 free events taking place at venues around the city, so hit the link above and follow along with new updates as they are announced.

A Galway Garden Soirée with Blonde Canvas Co

When: June 27th, at 12pm
Where: The Avery at The Connacht Hotel
More information here
This June, join Áine and Karina of Blonde Canvas Co to unwind, sip, paint and personalise your own flower pot, then take home seeds to plant and watch your creation flourish. This is going to be a beautiful afternoon of creativity, blooms and brunch so no matter if you are coming with friends or solo, this is the perfect mid-day escape to get creative, relax and enjoy something a little different. Included in ticket price is a flower pot to paint & take home, seeds to plant and grow at home, delicious treats & pastries as well as tea or coffee.

Eric Bibb - One Mississippi Tour 2026

When: June 9th, at 7pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Three-time Grammy nominee and blues legend Eric Bibb returns to the stage with his brand-new album, One Mississippi – his most musically adventurous and ambitious work to date. With an award-winning career spanning five decades, Bibb has become one of the most respected voices in roots and blues music. His warm baritone, masterful acoustic guitar, and gift for storytelling have captivated audiences across the globe. On One Mississippi, Bibb continues his late-career renaissance, blending blues, folk, soul, and Americana into songs that speak to our shared past and present. For this highly anticipated tour, Eric will be joined by his exceptional band: Glen Scott (Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals), Robbie McIntosh (Guitars), and Paul Robinson (Drums) Prepare for an unforgettable evening of music—featuring both new songs and timeless favourites—delivered with the soul, warmth, and integrity that have made Eric Bibb an international treasure.

Le Chéile with Siobhán Moore

When: June 8th, at 7pm
Where: Daróg Wine Bar
More information here
As part of her exhibition idir Talamh is Tonn, join artist Siobhán Moore and host Edel Lukács for Le Chéile: An Evening of Creative Conversation. “Le Chéile” means “together” in Irish—and that’s exactly what these evenings at Daróg are about. A space to slow down, connect, and share stories through wine and art. This guided discussion explores the artists’ practices, materials and shared connection to landscape, memory and place. To accompany the evening, one of Daróg’s sommeliers will guide you through a tasting of two glasses of wine selected to complement the evening. There’ll be time to chat, ask questions, and view (or purchase) the work in a relaxed and intimate setting.

Galway Comic Con

When: June 14th,
Where: Dexcom Stadium
More information here
For the first time, Dexcom Stadium is opening its doors to a mini-con Ireland event where all attendees will enjoy a variety of cosplay, comics, trading cards and all things fandom with some amazing special guests. Guests include John Morris (Andy from Toy Story), Emily Ricks (Bonnie from Toy Story), Mary Gibbs (Monsters Inc, The Lion King 2, Inside Out), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), and Ross Beadman (Sors Bandeam/Jedi Youngling from Star Wars EP III: Revenge of the Sith). After the main event, the afterparty will take place in Róisín Dubh from 8pm with music featuring an original set by Emily Ricks along with a chance to unwind and socialise with other guests from the convention, with some little surprises along the way. Entry includes access to the late night show with John Conneely.

Kennys Bookshop presents Maggie O’Farrell in Conversation

When: June 17th, at 8pm
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Join award-winning and bestselling author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O’Farrell, for an in-conversation event to mark the release of her new novel, Land. On the night she will be joined in conversation by an interviewer from Kennys Bookshop. Land is an historical novel set in the west of Ireland in the years before and after the Great Hunger. For this event a ticket option including a trade paperback copy of Land featuring a stamped author signature (exclusive to the Land tour), is available (ticket-only options are also available).

Dagda Games - An Irish Strength and Heritage Festival

When: June 27th, from 11am
Where: Claregalway Castle
More information here
The Dagda Games - Irish Strength & Heritage Festival is a one-day celebration of Irish culture, power, and tradition set in the historic surroundings of Claregalway Castle. Across the day, spectators will experience elite strongman competition, traditional stone lifting, grip challenges, and arm wrestling, showcasing both modern strength sport and ancient Irish feats of power. The festival also features live demonstrations of Irish stick fighting, Collar and Elbow wrestling, and medieval combat, bringing Ireland’s warrior heritage to life. Alongside the action, enjoy live Irish music, cultural talks on Irish history, folklore, and strength traditions, and a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the venue. Food vendors, cultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment make this an ideal day out for all ages. Whether you’re passionate about sport, history, or simply looking for a unique Irish festival experience, the Dagda Games offers an unforgettable blend of strength, heritage, and community.

Clifden Summer Music Festival

When: June 12th - 14th
Where: The Showgrounds, Clifden
More information here
Back for another edition of the West’s most popular summer music festivals, the Clifden Summer Music Festival brings together live music, local culture and an unforgettable atmosphere. The 2026 festival lineup features a vibrant mix of Irish and international acts, DJs and live bands, performers include Gearoid McCarthy, Mark McCabe, Nathan Carter, Some One’s Sons, The Young Wolfe Tones and Clodagh Lawlor. With great music, stunning surroundings and a buzzing marquee atmosphere, this is a must-attend summer weekend.

Galway Climate Inspirations Festival

When: June 24th - 28th
Where: Fr. Burke Park, Galway City
More information here
Galway City Council's award-winning Climate Inspirations Festival will return to the city, bringing five days of creative, community-led events focused on climate action, sustainability and positive change. New for 2026, the festival will introduce its first-ever Choir Singing Competition, inviting 6 choirs from across Galway and beyond to raise their voices for the planet on Sunday 28th June in Fr Burke Park. In addition to the choir competition, the Climate Inspirations Festival will feature a diverse programme of climate talks, workshops, live music and performance, Climate cocktail club, a community group fair, family-friendly activities, a melting pot-luck, a 2nd-hand market, and Michael D Higgins in conversation with Ruairi McKiernan about the role of the Arts in Climate Action.

Galway Uke Festival

When: June 18th - 21st
Where: Fr Burke Park, Galway City
More information here
This year’s Galway Uke Festival will centre around the main festival hub in Fr Burke Park which will turn into a mini festival village, with food stalls, workshops, and free live music performances. Its atmosphere is laid-back and inviting for all ages. If the ukulele is not typically your instrument of choice, don’t worry, the festival is as much about celebrating Galway’s broader musical spirit as it is about the instrument.

Irish Aids Day

When: June 15th
More information here
This month Sexual Health West is dedicating Irish AIDS Day to those from the West of Ireland who lost their lives to AIDS related illnesses, and their families who remember them today. Timely, successful treatment can lead to the same health and life expectancy for people living with HIV as the general population. In addition, successful treatment prevents onward transmission of HIV to sexual partners. This is known as U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), and is an extremely important public health message. Free HIV treatment is available at HSE STI clinics, including University Hospital Galway. Accessible HIV prevention measures are available across Ireland, including free condoms, STI testing, and treatment. Condoms and lubricant are available for free, and can be accessed by anyone from the age of 17 years through a range of clinical services, postal services or community venues. Additional prevention measures include the roll out of SH:24, the national home STI testing service. This is a free online sexual health service, delivered in partnership with the HSE in Ireland. SH:24 makes it easier for people to get tested for the most common sexually transmitted infections, providing free test kits, information and advice 24 hours a day. It's quick, discreet and confidential. If someone is unable to order free SH:24 test kits, Sexual Health West offers free community-based Rapid HIV & Syphilis testing in community venues across the West of Ireland. If you would like to find out more about any of our services or speak to someone at Sexual Health West please call 091 566266 or email info@sexualhealthwest.ie for more information.

Corrandulla Show

When: June 28th
Where: Corrandulla Village
More information here
Set across 40 acres, the  Corrandulla Show is a family-fun day out with animal showing competitions, home produce and baking competitions, food and market stalls, top show jumping, fun fair, artist stalls. There is really something for everyone! The day will also host its regular programme of events including Connemara Pony classes, horse & pony jumping competitions including the Connacht Grand Prix, a cattle show, a dog & pet show, machinery displays and lots more.

Main photo by Chaosheng Zhang.

Published on Updated on

The Best Outdoor Adventures & Activities in Galway

Whether you’re taking a guided tour of Galway City or hiking along scenic trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy. Explore Galway’s breathtaking landscapes with boat trips, nature walks, and exciting tours for every type of adventurer.