Renowned as the city of festivals, Galway is set to host ‘Fleadh na Bealtaine’ a brand-new traditional music and cultural festival, to mark the arrival of Summer and the many visitors to the city over the May Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday April 30 until Monday May 4.
Taking to the bustling streets, along with various venues across the city, expect four days of traditional Irish music, theatre spectacles, great food and drinks, dance, ancient traditions and storytelling. With most of the events free of charge, for all the family to enjoy.
A rich heritage of Irish folklore surrounds the month of May, that is deeply rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine (meaning "bright fire" ), which celebrates the beginning of Summer. The literal meaning being ‘Festival of May’. Encapsulating these traditions, adding a modern twist and bringing them to life throughout Galway city, promises a vibrant and diverse experience of community celebration for all ages, whether you are a local Galwegian or a visitor for the weekend.
The highlight of the festival must include the live traditional music sessions dotted throughout the city. No matter what street you meander through each evening, you’ll surely find the finest music flowing from outside the bar and pubs. Galway is renowned for its trad music scene and ‘Fleadh n Bealtaine’ is such a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on both the talent and venues who regularly host these sessions. Music is nothing without dance and expect plenty of céilí and sean nos dancing, pop-up performances and dancing at the crossroads that will certainly stop you in your tracks. Perfect for the little ones, are the family céilís throughout the weekend, a real way to let your hair down and soak up the atmosphere.
May 1 also marks the start of the Celtic pastoral summer, so it’s fitting that ‘Buaile na mBó’ on May Day will take place through the streets of Galway, officially opening the festival. You can also soak in the street workshops and if you enjoy a story or two, the Seanchaí sessions will be an entertaining way to hear some old Irish fables with a laugh or two added in for good measure.
If food and drinks are your thing, you are in for a real treat. A host of traditional dishes will be served in venues over the weekend. Enjoy outdoor markets with food, crafts and local produce. Along with engaging talks over the four days of the festival.
Speaking of the festival, Edel O’ Connell, Chairperson of The Latin Quarter, (the organisation leading the festival ) said “Galway’s streets will come alive with music and tradition, as we celebrate the culture that has been passed down through generations in the only city on the Wild Atlantic Way. We’re inviting locals and visitors alike to experience Galway at its very best — music on the streets, dancing at the crossroads and the warmth of the city’s culture across the Latin Quarter Galway and neighbourhoods throughout Galway City.
From céilís and crossroads dancing to music filling the venues, streets, this festival will celebrate the spirit, tradition and talent that make Galway one of Ireland’s most vibrant cultural cities. This is a coming together of businesses, with one aspiration – to all work together to showcase all Galway has on its doorsteps, the offering available every day, individually and collectively this is a massive step forward of businesses working together. We are extremely proud of this event and all the energy coming from everyone going into this new festival”.
The festival is proudly supported by Galway City Council through the Night-Time Economy Programme. You can follow ‘Fleadh na Bealtaine’ on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Or visit https://fleadhnabealtaine.ie for the full programme of events and much more. #GalwayByNight
