It doesn’t get much better than summertime in Galway. A city steeped in history, culture, and life, Galway city should be top of everyone’s Wild Atlantic Way agenda.
The City of the Tribes is always brimming with energy and joy, but there is a unique energy about the city in the summer. This is helped by the number of festivals and events happening around Galway city during the summer months.
Galway is the beating cultural heart of Ireland. Going to these events is immersing yourself in the Irish culture, with each festival symbolising a part of Ireland’s endearing qualities.
Trad On The Prom
Trad on the Prom is a contemporary Irish show featuring an electrifying mix of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Head to Salthill to be swept away by this music, song and dance extravaganza. At Trad on the Prom in the Leisureland Theatre, world champion Irish dancers, talented multi instrumentalists and award winning singers give their all.
From May 11, to September 25, reconnect with exceptional Irish entertainment in the proud tradition of spectacles like Riverdance. Your toes will be tapping before you know it.
Galway Folk Festival
The Galway Folk Festival, now in its third year, will take place from June 4 to June 8, over four stages in Monroe’s Tavern, and at the Town Hall Theatre, with some of the biggest names in current Irish folk music involved.
The Galway Folk Festival is a vibrant celebration of folk music, uniting artists, musicians, and the community to honour the rich heritage of the genre.
Galway Film Fleadh
Galway Film Fleadh is a week-long international film festival taking place from July 8 to 13, 2025.
For film fanatics, Galway Film Fleadh is a treat each July, bringing audiences and filmmakers together. A platform for the boldest new movies, the Fleadh welcomes a cinematic banquet of entries from around the world.
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway International Arts Festival is one of the main highlights of the year and involves events throughout Galway city. The festival runs from July 14 to 27, 2025.
The festival will feature performances from top acts such as Kingfishr, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Picture This, The Mary Wallopers, Amble, and more! On the University of Galway campus, under the Heineken Big Top, there’s lots of room to dance and mingle in one of the festival’s hotspots.
Galway Races
The world-renowned Galway Races Summer Festival, held at Galway Racecourse from July 28 to August 3, 2025, is always a hit with horse racing aficionados and those who just fancy a flutter. At the sporting pinnacle of the Galway events calendar, Race Days provide colour and excitement beyond the exhilarating events themselves.
Each year sees attendances of over 100,000 at the Galway Races over the week-long festival, and the city has a real buzz at night.
