Events Calendar
2013– The Year of The Gathering in Ireland.
Galway Events Calendar 2013
Find out what’s on in Galway in 2013 with our regularly updated event guide featuring the best events in Galway city and county. This event guide lists events at a glance, detailing what’s going on each month.
May 2013
Inishbofin Half-Marathon
18th May 2013
The half marathon will take place on Saturday in mid May. The route, which will utilise the main road around the island, offers stunning views from every side of the island and will be challenging! Uniquely, due to the narrow roads, this 13.1 mile run or walk is offered as a time-trial with runners/ walkers starting in pairs at 15 second intervals. This adds to the excitement of the event, as the winner is announced based on time analysis, rather than first home!
more info: www.croi.ie/events/inishbofin-half-marathon-1
Galway Early Music Festival
09th – 12th May 2013
The Galway Early Music Festival celebrates old world music and arts and features concerts, workshops, street performances of music, dance and historical re-enactment.
more info: www.galwayearlymusic.com
Galway County Fleadh
Mid May 2013
The Galway County Fleadh will take place in Clifden in mid May, 2013. This will be the first round of competitions on the path to the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan in August. Events will include competitions, music concert, music sessions and lots more.
more info: www.clifdencomhaltas.com
Burren Slow Food Festival
17 – 19th May 2013
The annual Burren Slow Food Festival gives visitors the opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, mix with fellow foodies, see cookery demonstrations from well known chefs and get a true taste of Co. Clare culture in the beautiful setting of the Burren. The three day event showcases the best elements of food culture in Clare from the local growers, producers and traders that make Clare such a unique and dynamic food destination.
more info: www.slowfoodclare.com
Roundstone Bay 8K
18th May 2013
The 3rd annual Roundstone Bay 8K takes place during mid May in the heart of Connemara. The course itself consists of a figure of eight loop, beginning and ending in Roundstone village, and taking in some spectacular coastal views along the way. Both runners and walkers are welcome and the organisers have endured to put on an event that will cater to all types of participant. Proceeds from the race will go towards the local RNLI Lifeboat service, a hugely worthwhile charity that relies entirely on donations and fundraising to ensure its viability.
more info: www.roundstonebay8k.com
Clare Burren Marathon
25th May 2013
With a mini, half and full marathon this event with a starting point in Ballyvaughan, it is a great option for walkers, runners and have a go heroes!
more info: www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com
Tour de Conamara
25th May 2013
Tour de Conamara is the Irish leg of a new international cycling sportive held in Clifden Connemara, with the option of 140km and 80km routes. A 14km Family cycle with free cycling tuition for kids will be hosted during the weekend making it a cycling weekend with something for everyone.
Galway African Film Festival
Late May 2013
The Galway African Film Festival, now in its sixth year, will run from May 25 to 27 with the aim of presenting an African view on Africa through film and promoting the best up and coming new talent from the African continent.
more info: www.galwayafricanfilmfestival.org
Clifden Gardening Festival
Late May 2013
The Clifden Gardening Festival will include a series of illustrated talks and coach trips to local gardens.
more info: www.clifdenchamber.ie
June 2013
Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure
01st June 2013
Connemara Rough Diamond adventure race involves a beach run, an assault course, a bike ride and a mountain race. There will be a sports and elite race. Sports race . Beach Steeplechase 1mile 4 furlong, 21km road cycle, 10 minute assault course, mountain run 7.5km. Entry €55 and €180 for 4 person team with an earlybird rate €45 and €160 for a team of 4.
more info: www.connemararoughdiamond.com
Galway Sea Festival
31st May – 02nd June 2013
A new festival celebrating Galway’s status as a maritime city is to take place this summer as part of tourism initiative The Gathering. The inaugural Galway Sea Festival will run over the June Bank Holiday Weekend with a focus on maritime activities and will feature family events, including seafood trails, music, dance and entertainment.
more info:www.galwayseafestival.com
Havana Cultura Festival
31st May – 02nd June 2013
Cuban-inspired music, dance, street entertainment, art and cultural events feature in the busy programme of on-street and on-premise activity, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a colorful Cuban atmosphere reminiscent of Havana itself. An eclectic and fun-filled Latin Street Party, its three-day programme of free events will bring the rhythms and sounds of Havana to the medieval streets of Galway.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie
Clifden Sky Road 10K Challenge
02nd June 2013
The Sky Road 10K Challenge takes place in Clifden on Sunday, 2nd June. It is run for a charity of your choice. There will be a first prize of €500 for the fastest male and female. Entry is €20. Walkers are welcome.
more info: www.clifden.ie
Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival
02nd June 2013
The first Markel Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival takes place on Sunday, 02nd June, amidst the stunning surroundings of one of Ireland’s hidden castle treasures overlooking Europe’s largest privately-owned lake, just outside Gort, Co Galway. The race has a distance for all levels, whether first timers or elites.
more info: www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
Galway Sessions
June 17th – 23rd 2013
Traditional music sessions taking place in multiple venues in Galway City, including the Crane Bar, Róisín Dubh, Monroe’s Tavern, The Quays, Tigh Neachtáin, Tigh Cóilí, Taffees, Massimo’s, and Áras na Gael.
more info: www.galwaysessions.com
Galway Bike Festival
June 2013
Galway Bike Week 2013 takes place in June with cycling events all over Galway county, organised the local authority, community groups, charities and cycling groups.
more info: www.galwaycycling.org
July 2013
Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show
14th July 2013
The 8th Annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show takes place in mid-July, 2013, at the Showground. The main event, the Connemara Pony Show, consists of 20 in-hand classes showcasing all ages and varieties of Connemara Pony. A Dog Show and Sheep Show are also included in the day’s events. A great day out is assured for competitors and spectators alike. The deadline for entry is late June.
more info: www.roundstoneevents.com
Galway Film Fleadh
9th – 14th July 2013
Film festival for feature films and shorts. 2013 marks the 25th Galway Film Fleadh, and the central goal of the festival remains unchanged: to bring together audiences and filmmakers within an intimate environment and share a common experience.
more info: www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
Galway Fringe Festival
15th – 28th July 2013
Running in parallel with the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Fringe Festival aims to provide a platform for local artists, writers, playwrights, poets, actors and musicians to perform and showcase new work.
more info: www.galwayfringe.ie
15th – 28th July 2013
One of Europe most inventive, vibrant & colorful events. A truly international celebration of the performing and visual arts which takes place in and around Galway City each July.
more info: www.galwayartsfestival.com
Galway Garden Festival
6th – 7th July 2013
Galway Garden Festival is held in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle in mid July. Nursery suppliers from across Ireland will share a wealth of planting experience with all who browse the plant stalls’ extensive range of plants, trees, seeds, and shrubs. Garden equipment, from hoes to glasshouses to woven willow baskets. Celebrated gardeners will provide advice and the work of organisations such as Bóthar, The Beekeepers Federation, and The Organic Centre, Co Leitrim, can be appreciated at the stands in the castle grounds.
more info: www.galwaygardenfestival.com
Omey Dash Triathlon
27th July 2013
Starts at Acton’s Eco Campsite Claddaghduff Clifden Connemara. All proceeds are in aid of the local Claddaghduff community Hall. This has extensive community support in obtaining funds to repay for the refurbishment of the hall.
more info: www.omeydash.com
Galway Races – Summer Festival Meeting
29th July – 4th August 2013
Galway Race course, Ballybrit, Galway. Ireland’s premier horse racing festival. Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion, you are at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway city, in the West of Ireland, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.
more info: www.galwayraces.com
August 2013
Connemara Pony Show
15th – 18th August 2013
Premier show for Connemara Ponies in Ireland for breeders and owners from home and overseas. The annual Connemara Pony Festival & Show in Clifden, Co Galway attracts visitors from all over the world. The highlight of the festival is on Thursday and Friday, when the biggest showcase of Connemara Ponies in the world takes place. Ponies compete in in-hand classes, ridden classes, working hunter classes, and a puissance (or high jump) competition. For non-pony enthusiasts, there is a dog show, a domestic arts show and Irish Dancing.
more info: www.cpbs.ie
Streets of Galway 8k Road Race
August 2013
Galway’s most popular athletic event, the Streets of Galway 8k Road Race is in it’s 28th year the event will include more than 2,000 runners. Starting from South Park in the Claddagh, the race takes in the city centre streets, following a course out to Salthill before finishing with a two kilometre final stretch along with prom.
more info: www.runireland.com/events/streets-galway
The Connemara 100
August 2013
The Connemara 100 mile endurance run with 30 hour limit takes place on 11th and 12th August 2012. The course is simply fabulous, taking participants from Clifden through Letterfrack, Leitirgeish, the Inagh alley, Maam Cross, Leenane, Inagh Valley again, then on to Roundstone, Ballyconeely and back to Clfden to complete 100 miles.
more info: www.connemara100.com
Gaelforce West & Get Out There Adventure Festival
August 2013
Gaelforce West is the largest one day adventure race of its kind in the world. It is a multi-sport adventure race involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking. The course of approximately 67km stretches from the stunning Glassilaun beach to Westport. En route there are some significant obstacles to cross, including Killary Harbour and the famous holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. The event is designed for solo competitors, but you can run it with a buddy or training partner.
more info: www.gaelforceevents.com
Roundstone Summer Festival
August 2013
A weekend where people can come and sample the beauty of the village of Roundstone and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants.
more info: www.roundstonesummerfest.com
Cruinniu na mBad Festival
August 2013
Up to 100 unique Irish boats, the Galway Hookers, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway, in August.
more info: www.kinvara.com/cruinniu/index.html
Galway Heritage Week
August 2013
Galway’s rich heritage is set to be celebrated in a range of events across the city and county as part of National Heritage Week. Over 100 different events are planned from Ballinasloe to Inishbofin and will take in everything from genealogy workshops to talks on the history of the Connemara pony.
more info: www.heritageweek.ie
September 2013
Galway Races Autumn Meeting
September 2013
Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion; you are at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway city, in the West of Ireland, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.
more info: www.galwayraces.com
Clarenbridge Oyster Festival 
September 2013
Great food, great Guinness, great music and entertainment all in a splendid marquee on the banks of the Claren River which flows through the village of Clarenbridge on the edge of Galway Bay.
more info: www.clarenbridge.com
Galway Americana Festival 
September 2013
The title of this years festival is ‘Go Wild In The West!’ which involves a series of gigs and sessions in a variety of venues in the most happening part of Galway town; the West End! In general Ireland’s appetite for Americana has grown in recent years, and has given rise to an increasing number of bands who are interested in exploring the musical relationship and mutual heritage of Ireland and America.
more info: www.galwayamericanafestival.com
Clifden Arts Week
September 2013
The longest running community arts festival in Ireland, Clifden Community Arts Week, now in its 36th year yet again promises to have something to excite everyone in this years programme. Audiences can expect a very high quality artistic programme with a superb literary, musical and visual art content which again will have the community arts of Clifden and the surrounding hinterland as a central focus with creative writing, music, theatre, graphic design and film workshops and performances taking place in the local schools for the duration of the festival.
more info: www.clifdenartsweek.ie
Galway Culture Night
September 2013
The event is now in its eigth year provides free access to museums, galleries, theatres and public buildings.
more info: www.galwayculturenight.com
Galway International Oyster Festival
September 2013
On the last weekend of September each year, the picturesque town of Galway hosts the Galway International Oyster Festival, one of the biggest events in Ireland’s social calendar. A feast of live entertainment, gourmet food, fine wine and of course Oysters and Guinness are enjoyed by some 10,000 people with guests and luminaries from all over the world.
more info: www.galwayoysterfest.com
Burren Peaks Walking Festival
September 2013
Organised by The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club with a choice of Grade A, B & C Guided walks on both Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy walking in this wonderfully rich limestone pavement…the land of the fertile rock with its precious and delicate terrain.
more info: www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com
Sea2Sky European Researchers’ Night
September 2013
Galway will celebrate European Researchers’ Night in September (date to be confirmed) together with 320 cities around Europe with its latest Sea2Sky event. Sea2Sky, organised by NUI Galway in collaboration with the Marine Institute, Galway Atlantaquaria and its new partner CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, will showcase science on the grandest of scales themed around marine science, atmospherics and astronomy. The main events will be held at the Galway Bay Hotel, Leisureland and Galway Atlantaquaria.
more info: www.sea2sky.ie
Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival
September / October 2013
A nine-day extravaganza of all things equestrian, with entertainment, music and great family fun, the 172nd Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival is held in the town of Ballinasloe, County Galway. The equestrian days are Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On the Sunday and Monday, the Fairgreen is the place to be, with every breed of horse and pony on display from the beautiful Connemara Pony to trotting ponies and wonderful Irish draughts. With an assortment of fun events, street stalls, fireworks, tug-o-war, street & vintage parade, arts & crafts, music and children’s events, there’s a sense of community about the show, but with around 85,000 visitors a year the word has spread.
more info:www.ballinasloe
Guinness Live in Galway’s Latin Quarter
26h September 2013
Now in its 3rd year, Guinness Live in The Latin Quarter will be a four day music festival featuring an extensive line-up of national and local acts in a series of intimate gigs in venues and pubs throughout the city’s Latin Quarter, with more than 50 live performances over four nights. Admission to all gigs will be free and on a first-come, first-served, basis.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie
October 2013
October 2013
The Galway Theatre Festival, now in it’s sixth year, will take place throughout the city with the inclusion of more venues than before; the soon-to-be-reopened An Taibhdhearc will host two shows, as will Druid Lane Theatre, the Town Hall Theatre, and of course, the Nuns Island Theatre. Galway theatre companies feature heavily in the programme with Blue Teapot, Mephisto, Fregoli, Moonfish, and Vagabond all involved.
more info: www.galwaytheatrefestival.com
October 2013
The Galway Jazz Festival returns for its ninth year, with an expanded programme with shows to be held in An Taibhdhearc, Druid Theatre, The Black Cat in Salthill, the Meyrick Hotel, The Electric Garden, various schools in the city and county, as well as public spaces around the city.
more info: www.galwayjazzfest.com
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
October 2013
Ireland’s premier international arts festival for children and families runs in Galway city and county in mid October, featuring Theatre, Dance, Literature, Music, Puppetry, Workshops and Visual Art for all ages. See the magic of well-known stories come to dazzling life on the stage. Special treats are also in store for everyone with beautiful exhibitions, readings and workshops. Come to Galway to experience this delightful Festival and explore this beautiful family-friendly city.
more info: www.baboro.ie
24th – 28th October 2013
The Galway Comedy Festival has grown since its beginning in 2005 to become a major event on the comedy circuit in Ireland, regularly attracting big international names to the city for the October Bank Holiday weekend. With several shows each day and night, with comedy show for children too, you are garaunteed to see well known comidians both Irish and international –and a decent number of ‘faces from the telly’ there.
more info: www.galwaycomedyfestival.com
Galway Races – October Racing Festival
27th – 28th October 2013
The October Racing Festival takes place in Galway on Sunday and Monday, 27th and 28th October, 2013. So if you fancy some great racing and great fun, then this is the place to be. There will be great racing, free car parking, free entry for children under 14, free racecard draw each day, big screen, Tote, On course bookmakers, bar and restaurant facilities • Admission Price: €15 per adult Music will be by the Guinness Jazz Band.
more info: www.galwayraces.com
Galway Aboo Halloween Festival
26th – 28th October 2013
Something spooktacular is taking place in Galway’s Latin Quarter this Halloween Weekend. From Sat 26th to Mon 28th, the city’s medieval streets will host the country’s biggest Halloween Festival with many fun and free events planned for the weekend with high-spirits guaranteed.
more info: www.thelatinquarter.ie
November 2013
November 2013
The Spirit Of Voice festival will return in November with concerts and events celebrating song, words, and the human voice.
more info: www.spiritofvoice.com
Tulca Festival of Visual Arts
November 2013
The Tulca Festival of Visual Arts is an annual festival taking place in Galway each year. Running since 2002, Tulca features dynamic and exciting work from national and international visual art practitioners.
more info: www.tulca.ie
Galway Science & Technology Festival Exhibition
November 2013
An exhibition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to bridge the gap between students and industry by showcasing local schools, companies, third level institutes and government bodies. A great day out at NUI Galway.
more info: www.galwayscience.ie
November – December 2013
The Galway Christmas Market will take up residence in Eyre Square in the centre of the city from the again this Christmas season. The market promises to be a highlight of the Christmas Season and will make for a wonderful attraction for visitors young and old. Sample Christmas treats from all from around Europe including a Santa’s Grotto, a German bier keller, numberous gift and snack stalls and an entertainment area.
more info: www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie
What If, Why Not? Adventure Film Festival
November 2013
The What If, Why Not? Adventure Film Festival is a celebration. A celebration of just how damned amazing this planet and the people on it are. Over two days we’ll screen jaw dropping, award winning, adventure sport films. Films that will inspire you. And sometimes terrify you. Over two nights we’ll be showcasing some of Ireland’s freshest musical talent. Plus talks and workshops. Life’s an adventure. Join us on ours.
more info: www.whatifwhynotfestival.com
December 2013
Fields of Athenry 10km
26th December 2013
The 10th running of the Fields of Athenry 10km will take place on St. Stephen’s day, December 26th at 11am. Over the last number of years this has has become of of the leading road races in the country, and this year it aims to raise the bar higher. The race returns to its now traditional route, finishing under the medival arch in Athenry.
more info: www.athenryac.com/news/fields-athenry-10km
January 2014
Music for Galway Midwinter Festival 
January 2014
Music for Galway’s Midwinter Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre in January to celebrate classical music with a three day midwinter festival.
more info: www.musicforgalway.ie
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