Winnie, buried up to her waist in the earth, has several things that keep her going until the bell for evening sounds. She has her bag, her chatter and her words through which she attempts to communicate to her husband Willie. As long as he can potentially hear her, or see her, then she will think that ‘this has been another happy day’.

Happy Days is performed on the spectacular landscape of
Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. This piece will resonate for lovers of Beckett, language, the environment and the visual arts as the Irish language combines with the searing beauty of Beckett’s imagery and the island landscape.

Iniúchadh ón gcomhlacht drámaíochta Company SJ faoi stiúir Sarah Jane Scaife ar dhráma Beckett, Happy Days / Laethanta Sona. Amach díreach as broinn an t–saibhreas teanga agus aníos as creaga clochacha Inis Oirr atá ar chósta thiar na hÉireann a thagann an léiriú bíogúil seo ina gcuirfidh lucht leanúna Beckett, lucht timpeallachta, lucht na Gaeilge agus na físealaíne spéis faoi leith ann. Luíonn an Ghaeilge agus áilleacht grian scallta íomhánna Beckett go compordach teolaí i mbaclainn a chéile sa léiriú.

Performed in Irish. Standing & Outdoors.

Funded by: Arts Council Ireland
Supported by: Áras Éanna, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Irish Theatre Institute, Dublin City Council

Audience FAQs

How do I get to Inis Oírr?

There are a few ways you can get to the island, either by bus and boat, ferry or plane. We recommend you book one of the following travel options:

• Ferry from Rossaveel at 10.30am (bus from Galway to Rossaveel at 9.30pm), depart Inis Oírr at 4.30pm
  Journey approx. 55mins each way, not subject to tides.
• Fly from Connemara Airport at 9am or 10.30am (flight time c.10mins) and depart Inis Oírr at 4.45pm.
• Ferry from Doolin at 10am or 11am, and depart at 4.45pm or 6.15pm (journey approx. 15-25 mins each way). Doolin ferry is subject to tides.

Further information can be found here.

What happens when I get there?

On arrival in Inis Oírr, there will be an information point where a staff member will be on hand to help direct you to the gathering point at Áras Éanna.

Is there a gathering point?

The gathering point is Áras Éanna; this will be the last opportunity you have to use the toilet until the performance has finished. The performance site is an approximately 25-minute walk from there.

Where will the performance take place?

The performance itself will take place at Chreig an Staic, a 25-minute walk from the gathering point at Áras Éanna. Signage to the site will be provided. The ground at the performance site is uneven and may be challenging for people with mobility issues or patrons with access requirements. Appropriate footwear should be worn.

How long is the performance?

The performance is approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute interval.

Will the performance be surtitled?

The performance is performed completely in Irish with no surtitles. It is possible for audience members who do not have Irish to enjoy the highly visual aspect of the production.

Are there toilet facilities at the performance site?

No, toilet facilities are not available at the performance site. There are toilet facilities at Áras Éanna which audience members will be reminded to use before walking to the performance site.

Is there transport from the meeting point to the performance area?

Limited transport is available to and from the site for audience members with reduced mobility. Please let us know in advance if you have any mobility issues and we’ll provide the necessary support.

Will there be seating available during the performance?

While this is billed as a standing performance, there will be rudimentary seating provided.

Is there any shelter?

The performance takes place outdoors, so audience members are reminded to come prepared for a variety of potential weather conditions (rain, sun, heat, cold).

Will latecomers be admitted to the performance?

We cannot guarantee entry after the performance starts; audience are asked to arrive at Áras Éanna at the advised time.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The performance will not proceed in extreme weather conditions and may have to be cancelled at short notice. If you hold a ticket for any affected performances, our box-office team will be in touch directly. We will do our best to update each customer individually.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

Face masks will be mandatory when queuing and assembling but may be removed during the performance. Staff will be wearing face masks also.

Planning Your Visit & Your Safety

Galway International Arts Festival is committed to prioritising your health and safety. Please read our COVID-19 Safety Information, and our FAQs, to help you plan your visit.