Galway is a vibrant city often considered the cultural heart of Ireland. Galway was the 2020 European capital of culture, and hosts a plethora of festivals all year round to fit all tastes. For those who prefer the outdoors, Galway is the gateway to Connemara national park & the Aran Islands, and is home to some of the best water sport environments in Ireland: from sailing to sea swimming, sea kayaking to fishing, and is close to many surf spots along the Wild Atlantic Way.

For those who love the arts, Galway is known for not just its festivals, but its local music and theatre scene, with the Black Box Theatre, Druid, Town hall Theatre, the Roisin Dubh, and many more. There is also a strong traditional Irish music scene as well.

Galway is a true foodie city and hosts some of the best restaurants in Ireland, from Michelin starred Aniar and Lignum, to Dela to Ard Bia, there are many options for all tastes. Voted Ireland's best pizza in 2022, Dough Bros. also won 19th place in the "Top 50 Pizzas in Europe" awards held in Italy.

Here are just some of the festivals that Galway hosts each year:

Galway International Arts Festival https://www.giaf.ie/

International Literature Festival https://www.cuirt.ie/

Galway Film Fleadh https://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/

Cellissimo https://musicforgalway.ie/cellissimo-2024

Irish Surf Film Festival https://www.irishsurffilmfest.ie/

The Galway Races https://galwayraces.com

Galway Airport Summer Music Series

Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival https://www.galwayoysterfestival.com/

Galway Comedy Festival https://gcf24-intro.webflow.io

Eyre Square Christmas market https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com