Galway International Arts Festival
Every July for two weeks, the City of Tribes turns into a festival town, with literature, drama, theatrics and pop-up surprises taking place in over 200 shows around 25+ locations. As for the venues, no space is left untouched: galleries, intimate theatres, outdoor performances and, of course, the blue and beautiful, big top tent.
Enjoying Galway city at festival time!
Enthralling audiences since 1978, the Galway International Arts Festival is one of Europe’s top arts festivals. For 2026, attendees can expect a stellar lineup that includes the Patti Smith Quartet, Sophie Ellis Bextor – who is performing with special guest Kate Nash – and Irish rock band, Bell X1. In 2027, the festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary, so stay tuned – it’s bound to be a big one!
Galway International Arts Festival
Looking for something different?
We love a festival on the island of Ireland. And we celebrate everything from saints to surfing to Star Wars with a fun, vibrant and year-round line-up of festivals and events. So no matter when you're coming, you'll find an event to help make your trip something special.
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