Galway Comedy Festival is bursting at the seams with comedy brilliance, all part of a 70-strong line-up of international stars, homegrown comedy greats, and emerging talent, playing 69 shows across 16 venues over 7 days and nights. You’d best start planning your week of ‘carefully curated craic’.

Deirdre O’Kane
What can you say about someone who is arguably the First Lady of Irish Comedy who has done it all and then some? Well, quite a lot actually. Deirdre is “Ireland’s number one funny woman” as Extra.ie declared, who possesses a “unique star quality” (The Guardian) and as soon as she steps on stage, she “dazzles the audience from start to finish” (The List). When the show’s over, “applause follows her all the way down the street” (The Scotsman). Need we say more? We could, but by now you’re already booking your ticket to see her at #GCF25.

Diederik Zuurmond
The Dutch know a thing or two about being able to speak foreign languages and Amsterdam-based, British-born, stand-up Diederik Zuurmond is a shining example. He clinched both the audience and jury prizes at the 2023 English Comedy Talent Awards and has toured extensively across Britain and the Netherlands.

Emma Doran
Smash hit Irish comedian, best-selling author, podcast host and viral online star Emma Doran is bringing her brand-new stand-up show Emmaculate to Galway Comedy Festival.

There’s no such thing as a perfect family, but she wouldn’t want one anyway…

The many trials and tribulations of Emma’s blended family are laid bare, womanhood examined, and relationships put to the test in this witty, rambunctious show from one of Ireland’s most beloved stand-ups. Strap in for a night to remember, jam-packed with razor-sharp observations, riotous on-stage antics and conspiratorial gossipmongering.

As seen and heard on No Worries If Not! (RTÉ 2), The Tommy Tiernan Show (RTÉ 1), LOL: Last One Laughing (Prime Video) hosted by Graham Norton, The Late Late Show (RTÉ), Celebrity Gogglebox (Virgin Media One), Modern Love(Prime Video) alongside Kit Harington, The Deirdre O’Kane Show (SKY), Bridget and Eamon (RTÉ), Callan Kicks(RTÉ), Republic Of Telly (RTÉ) and Irelands Fittest Family (RTÉ), while her podcast credits include: You’re Groundedwith daughter Ella, And Another Thing! with Muireann O’ Connell and the four-part series Mischief Makers.

Emma currently co-hosts the podcast Keep It Tight alongside fellow stand-up and LOL: Last One Laughing contestant Deirdre O’Kane. Emma is also author of best-selling book, Mad, Isn’t It? (published in 2024).

Porky the Poet
Alter ego of the phenomenal Phil Jupitus. In the early 80’s Jupitus could be found performing his own brand of political, funny, ranting poetry, in pubs, on street corners and supporting gigs.

In his own words “I thought it looked easy, I was very cheap. If you got another band to support you… me—I just turned up and read poems.”

Always a thought provoking performer, not to be missed.

Karl Spain
There is no better MC in Ireland than Karl Spain, and often no better night of comedy than Galway Comedy Festival’s Late Night KARLnival! The show, where comedians perform their darker, edgier material – and you never know who will turn up on the night – in front of Galway’s hardcore comedy fans is both institution and unmissable event.

Karl has worked with some of the world’s greatest comedians, including a massive 2022 tour with Kevin Bridges. Over the last decade or so, he has often written for so many comedians, so you’ve been laughing at his jokes without even realising it!

DOORS: 20:00 | SHOW: 20:30 | Ages 18+