The Tonnta festival celebrating the Irish language and Galway as a bilingual city will run from Thursday, January 30 to February 2, over the St Brigid's Day bank holiday weekend.
As Ireland’s only bilingual city, Galway invites you to embrace whatever level of Irish you have in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it is joining the free Céilí Mór and fire shows in Eyre Square or exploring bilingual concerts, workshops, food tours, and family events in Galway's much-loved venues like the Town Hall Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, The Mick Lally Theatre and PorterShed a Dó, there is something for everyone. All events are bilingual, accessible, and inclusive.
This year’s festival features headliners such as Máirtín O’Connor Trio supported by Padraig Jack at the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, February 2. Ríoghnach Connolly will be joined by An Chéad Ghlúin Eile in An Taibhdhearc on Saturday, February 1, celebrating Brigid's day. Jiggy live at the Róisín Dubh on Friday, January 31. Galway Food Tours hosts a unique bilingual food and whiskey tour.
Tonnta also showcases the best of Irish creativity and culture, including the premiere of a new Irish language commission by James Riordan of Brú Theatre Company, presented at An Taibhdhearc on Friday, January 31, with the support of Creative Ireland.
A free programme of engaging events will take place at the PorterShed a Dó, Market Street, on Saturday, February 1, including bilingual yoga, Brigid's cross-weaving, Irish language conversational sessions in partnership with the Claddagh Credit Union and much more.
The popular Cosy Club hosted by Kayte O’Malley will take place in the HYDE on Saturday, February 1. Film lovers will not want to miss the special screening of the award-winning bilingual film Froggie at Pálás, followed by a panel discussion.
On Sunday, February 2, the festival’s Lá na bPáistí moves to Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Knocknacarra, one of Galway’s two designated Gaeltacht areas, with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta. Families can enjoy, workshops, games, circus skills, face painting, and a kids’ disco.
Meanwhile, Eyre Square will come alive on Saturday, February 1, with a free Céilí Mór (2pm to 5pm ) and spectacular fire performances at 5pm and 7pm, celebrating the beauty of the Irish language. Closing out the festival, back by demand, will be the Dirty Circus as Gaeilge on Sunday, February 2.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, CEO of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, shares her excitement for the festival: “Táimid ríméadach go bhfuil Tonnta 2025 ag tarlú arís, a bhuíochas sin dár n-urraitheoirí dílse chomh maith le tacaíocht phobal na Gaillimhe. The bilingual festival has taken on a whole new level of excitement with the addition of new sponsors as well as the return of previous sponsors. In this year's programme, we aim to create lasting memories through a dynamic mixture of bilingual events that encourage everyone to connect with the Irish language and culture."
For more information visit www.tonnta.eu
