Galway, Ireland is well known as a City of Festivals. Be sure to check out what’s going on in Galway before you book a trip. There are many fun festivals throughout the year, and you’ll want to catch at least one. I wanted to be there in July to catch the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Fringe, and Race Week. This is by far one of the most lively times to visit!
The International Arts Festival hosts over 200 shows, over 14 days, in venues all around town. Make sure to grab a festival guide, so you don’t miss anything!
Galway Fringe is a multidisciplinary Arts Festival which encompasses theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, cabaret, and street performances. Galway Fringe also puts out an events guide to keep track of what’s going on. You’ll need it!
There are so many amazing artists and events to see, and two weeks is not enough to do it all. You will have to pick and choose what you can fit in!
Race Week starts just as all the art events are finishing up. The Galway Races runs for 7 days. If you’ve never experienced horse racing, this is a super fun event to check out. There are different themes featured throughout the week. Family Day and Mad Hatters Day is fun for adults & the kids. Enter the competition! The prizes are really good if you win! Ladies Day is another popular time to go. It’s when “The Best Dressed Competition” takes place. If you want to check out some amazing fashion, this is the day to show up!
Here’s a few of my favs from it all!
Patricia Piccinini is an Australian contemporary artist. Combining silicone, fiberglass, and human hair in her sculptures, she creates mutant beings which are incredibly realistic.
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I was on my way to a Fringe Event for a painter taking place at the Galway Mechanics Institute. I must have looked at my schedule wrong, because I wandered into a Spoken Word Event. I was invited in by one of the poets. I’m so glad I showed up at the wrong event. I was impressed by the poets, and made a new friend too! Sometimes getting lost is a good thing!
James Delaney, was one of the poets that shared some of his poetry at Galway Fringe Festival. James is part of the Tullamore Rhymers Club.
https://youtu.be/wPzAB2usfB0
One of the the events that I was really excited to see was The Giant Divas & Les Tambours. The Divas are three giant dolls that move through the streets of the Galway while singing opera.
Giant Divas perform at Galway International Arts Festival.
https://youtu.be/bpuJJ34KTwQ
Tin Soldiers’ Band of Drummers perform through the streets with the Divas.
https://youtu.be/-bAu-1hjMrI
And, last but not least, I was able to see Fia Rua perform at De Burgos. He is such an extraordinary artist, combining Irish Traditional & Folk music, and giving it a punk edge.
It was fantastic seeing him in such an intimate club in Galway. I even had the chance to sit and chat with him after the show! Amazing!
Fia Rua performing at De Burgos for Galway Fringe Festival. Check out the official site of Fia Rua to hear more!
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