Festivals & Events
Looking forward to Big Top summer nights
Wed, Dec 31, 2025
Every July, something remarkable happens in Galway — already a city steeped in music, storytelling and artistic rebellion, it transforms into a living, breathing celebration of creativity. Streets hum with anticipation, conversations spill late into the night, and for a few precious weeks the ordinary rules of time seem suspended. At the heart of this annual transformation sits the Heineken Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival – a venue that has become synonymous with unforgettable nights, world-class performances and moments of collective exhilaration that linger long after the lights go down.
Theatre
Iconic venue enters fourth decade with exciting programme
Wed, Dec 31, 2025
As the Town Hall Theatre enters its fourth decade, it is worth pausing to reflect on just how fortunate Galway is to have such a remarkable cultural home at the heart of the city. Few buildings anywhere can claim a history as layered, or a present as vibrant.
Music
Total indulgence this January: Music for Galway unveils its 2026 Midwinter Festival
Thu, Jan 08, 2026
Galway’s winter cultural calendar is set for a major highlight this January as Music for Galway announces details of its much-anticipated Midwinter Festival 2026, titled The Quartet Extends. Running from Friday, January 23, until Sunday, January 25, at the Town Hall Theatre, the festival promises a rich celebration of chamber music, creativity and collaboration, and, in the words of its organisers, “total indulgence”.
Cinema
Film review: Chalamet is undeniably charming and charismatic as a ping-pong player desperate to achieve greatness in Marty Supreme
Thu, Jan 08, 2026
In an early scene from Josh Safdie’s solo directorial debut, Marty Supreme, the titular character encounters a problem. Although the store where he works has the shoe size his customer is looking for, Marty isn’t satisfied and strives to sell a smaller size, or possibly a more expensive shoe. Unmoved by his customer’s discomfort, he happily lies to satisfy his sense of self-importance. This is the first of many lies which Marty utilises as stepping stones to getting what he wants. The ease with which he bends the truth and manipulates people without hesitation is a fascinating aspect of this relentlessly driven and reckless character.
Performing Arts
GUMS presents Follies by Sondheim
Thu, Jan 08, 2026
Galway University Musical Society (GUMS) presents Follies by Stephen Sondheim, running from February 3-7 in the Black Box Theatre.
Arts & Exhibitions
Joint exhibition explores patterns and place in Connemara
Thu, Jan 08, 2026
Following the success of Connected, a joint exhibition by Elaine Cunningham and Siobhán Moore which took place in Salthill last November, the exhibition is now on tour and can be seen in the visitor centre at Connemara National Park, Letterfrack throughout this month.
