Tonnta — Galway’s Irish-language and bilingual festival created by Gaillimh le Gaeilge — proudly unveils its full programme for January 29th – February 1st, 2026. With 24 events across 15 venues, including 14 free events, Tonnta celebrates the Irish language as a living, creative, and welcoming part of Galway city life.
The festival invites fluent speakers, learners, and first-time participants alike to enjoy a diverse programme of music, art, wellness, storytelling, workshops, late-night events, and family experiences, all through Irish or bilingual.
TONNTA 2026 HEADLINERS
Tonnta is proud to present Imelda May, and the groundbreaking bilingual production Tionscadal Taylor Swift: Sreang Dhofheicthe in partnership with IMRAM as this year’s headline performances, placing the Irish language, songwriting, and bilingual creativity at the heart of Tonnta 2026.
IMELDA MAY
Raised on Songs & Stories
An Dubhlann / Black Box Theatre
Friday, 30 January at 8pm
Join Imelda May for an unforgettable, intimate evening as part of this year’s Tonnta Festival. Raised on Songs & Stories is her 2026 stripped-back tour, offering fans a rare chance to experience her music in its purest form. Blending soulful, acoustic versions of her songs with her celebrated poetry and warm, spontaneous storytelling, May invites audiences into a space where “anything can happen.” Each performance becomes a shared night of connection, memories, and the stories that shaped her artistry.
This special tour also accompanies her six-part TV series, Amhráin na nGael, which explores Ireland’s musical roots, the beauty of the Irish language, and the heritage that inspires her work.
TIONSCADAL TAYLOR SWIFT: SREANG DHOFHEICTHE
in partnership with IMRAM
Town Hall Theatre
Saturday, 31 January / Doors 7.30pm / Show Time 8pm
Also headlining is the electrifying bilingual reimagining of Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore. Performed by Róisín Seoighe x IMLÉ with special guest Jessie Dingle, featuring translations by Gabriel Rosenstock and Róisín Seoighe, and evocative visuals by Margaret Lonergan, this Irish-language retelling merges song, poetry, and art in a spectacular new way.
PADRAIG JACK & FRIENDS
An Taibhdhearc
Thursday, 29th January at 8pm
Rounding out the festival’s music highlights, Pádraig Jack brings his soulful, bilingual songwriting to An Taibhdhearc on Thursday, 29 January at 8pm, performing with a full band and special guests. The acclaimed Aran Islands artist is a standout voice in contemporary Irish-language and bilingual folk, and his performance forms an essential part of Tonnta’s musical programme.
A FESTIVAL CELEBRATING IRISH LANGUAGE, CITY & GAELTACHT
Tonnta’s bilingual celebration extends beyond the city centre, reaching into the Gaeltacht and highlighting Galway’s unique connection to Connemara.
TURAS CHONAMARA
Connemara wellness tour In partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta
Join Tonnta for a rejuvenating bilingual wellness experience in Connemara, featuring: Sauna and wild swimming, Seaweed foraging, Lón by the sea, Brú Theatre’s relaxing VR experience Ar Ais Arís. This programme strengthens Tonnta’s connection between city and Gaeltacht, celebrating wellness, creativity, and Irish-language experiences in the landscape that shapes them.
Lá Fhéile Bríde: Workshops & Evening Procession
Spend Saturday honouring Naomh Bríd wrapped in creativity at the Mick Lally Theatre as Tonnta honours Ireland’s matriarch of craft, song, and storytelling. Drop in throughout the day to:
Learn the traditional songs that draw inspiration from Naomh Bríd.
Craft your own straw mummers hat
Hear stories and rituals associated with Naomh Bríd and her mystical traditions.
Then, as night falls, take your handmade creations into the streets for the Lá Fhéile Bríde Evening Procession — a vibrant, illuminated celebration filled with rhythm, voices, and community spirit. Walk together in honour of Naomh Bríd’s legacy, carrying the songs, stories, and crafts that have been shaped throughout the day.
Experience a joyful, interactive celebration of renewal, creativity, and the powerful, vibrant fire of Naomh Bríd — open to everyone.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
(All events through Irish or bilingual)
Just Art It – Creative Workshops
Hands-on bilingual workshops celebrating craft, creativity, and community storytelling led by the talented team at Just Art It.
Mnásome Geeze – Celebration of Naomh Bríd
Featuring The Wild Geeze, Growler, and Róisín El Charif, this dynamic performance blends comedy, burlesque, music, and spoken word in honour of Brigid’s fierce, creative spirit.
Music & Craft from the Connemara Gaeltacht
Ceoltóirí Óga Chois Fharraige from the Connemara Gaeltacht will give a musical performance, and Pastime Chonamara, also based in the Connemara Gaeltacht, will present a woodworking display at Eyre Square Shopping Centre Saturday, 31 January @ 12:00 pm.
Seisiún Ceoil na mBan – The Crane
A powerful gathering of women trad musicians in one of Galway’s most iconic trad venues.
Lá na bPáistí ag Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh in partnership with Cúla4
A joyful bilingual day celebrating An Ghaeilge, storytelling, games, creativity, and music — strengthening connections between Galway city families and the Gaeltacht in Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Cnoc na Cathrach.
The Dirty Circus and Showband – Festival Finale
A glittering bilingual night of cabaret, music, and comedy to close Tonnta 2026 in unforgettable style.
A BILINGUAL FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE
Tonnta invites everyone—fluent speakers, learners, the curious, and the newly inspired—to celebrate Galway’s living bilingual spirit. From headline concerts and creative workshops to family activities and late-night performances, the festival creates space for connection, creativity, and joy.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Príomhfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, says; "Bígí linn chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an nGaeilge, ar oidhreacht Naomh Bhríd agus ar Ghaillimh mar chathair dhátheangach! Whether you’re fluent, learning, or simply curious, this bilingual festival invites everyone to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the Irish language in a fun way."
Tonnta is an initiative of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and is made possible through the valued support of their sponsors. The Main Sponsors are as follows: Galway City Council, Foras na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Supporting Sponsors: Claddagh Credit Union, Cúla4, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, and TG4. Tonnta Partners: Acorn Life, Lally Tours, Tesco, Carey Building Contractors and Genesys.
Check out the full Tonnta programme and find your tickets at tonnta.eu
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