Tonnta, Galway’s annual festival celebrating the Irish language in Ireland’s bilingual city, will return next year with the 2026 festival taking place from January 29 to February 1.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, officially announced the opening of the festival box office at the Cairde Gaillimh le Gaeilge Autumn Lón Gnó (Friends of Gaillimh le Gaeilge autumn business lunch ), held in the Park House Hotel this afternoon.
The first Tonnta 2026 headliners have also been revealed, including renowned Aran singer-songwriter Padraig Jack and a performance of Taylor Swift’s music as Gaeilge.
The full festival programme will be announced on December 15, promising another unforgettable celebration of language, music, and creativity on St Brigid’s weekend.
Tionscadal Taylor Swift: Sreang Dhofheicthe in association with IMRAM will perform at the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday, January 31st at 7.30pm.
This striking new production reimagines songs from Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore in Irish, performed by Róisín Seoighe x IMLÉ with special guest Jessie Dingle. The lyrics, beautifully translated by Gabriel Rosenstock and Róisín Seoighe, are accompanied by evocative visuals from artist Margaret Lonergan, creating a powerful fusion of song, poetry, and art.
Bilingual folk
Also taking centre stage is Padraig Jack and Friends at An Taibhdhearc on Friday, January 30 at 8pm, where the acclaimed Aran singer-songwriter brings his soulful bilingual folk to life with a full band and special guests. Fusing contemporary sound with the lyrical beauty of the Irish language, Padraig Jack’s music captures the spirit and storytelling heart of the west.
Tonnta will once again fill Galway’s venues, streets, and creative spaces with a vibrant mix of music, art, workshops, talks, and family fun — all delivered through both Irish and English. Expect a weekend brimming with creative energy, from art and craft experiences and storytelling inspired by Brigid to late-night trad sessions, bilingual performances, and events for children.
St Brigid’s Day will also feature a celebration of Ireland’s matriarchal spirit and creative fire. A day-long event in St Nicholas’s Church will bring together traditional craft workshops, tribal drumming, and folklore storytelling in a joyful, communal gathering.
Learn an old skill, share a new story, and connect with others through hands-on creativity and rhythm in this event to honour Brigid — goddess, saint, and symbol of renewal — and the many feminist goddesses who inspire Ireland’s enduring traditions. This day of rhythm, ritual, and community — open to all.
Alongside these headline performances, Tonnta’s 2026 programme promises an inspiring mix of art, creativity and community. Let’s Print will invite audiences to make, learn and celebrate through hands-on workshops and storytelling, while Mnásome Geeze will celebrate St Brigid through a live comedy show filled with moving poetry, rap, burlesque and music. Seisiún Ceoil na mBan will take place in The Crane and Lá na bPáistí featuring Cúla4 returns with a packed line-up of family-friendly fun. The Dirty Circus will close out the festival in a glittering bilingual night of unforgettable cabaret, comedy and celebration.
A festival for everyone
Tonnta, created by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, invites everyone — fluent speakers, learners, and first-timers alike — to engage with the Irish language in a fun, inclusive, and welcoming way.
“Déannann muid ceiliúradh i Tonnta ar an bpobal agus ar a gcaidreamh leis an nGaeilge, agus Gaillimh dhátheangach,” said Bríd Ní Chonghóile, CEO of Gaillimh le Gaeilge. “Tonnta celebrates the community, their connection to the Irish language, and a bilingual Galway. Whether you’re fluent, learning, or simply curious, this bilingual festival invites everyone to connect, to celebrate, and to enjoy the Irish language in the most colourful way possible.”
Tonnta 2026 is co-funded by Galway City Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Foras na Gaeilge through Plean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe. Claddagh Credit Union, Cúla4, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, and TG4 also support this bilingual initiative.
The full Tonnta 2026 line-up will be announced on December 15, with events taking place across the city from January 29 to February 1. For further details and to book online, visit www.tonnta.eu and follow tonnta26 on Instagram and Facebook.
