Prepare to be surprised and inspired at Ireland’s Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF).
Every July, GIAF turns the city of Galway in Ireland into a two-week explosion of creativity that has become one of the most important cultural events in Europe. An eclectic mix of musicians, artists, actors, circus performers, comedians and more from all over the world descend on Galway to create what The Guardian has called “a powerhouse of ideas and innovation”.
Past festivals have included world-class theatre premieres, such as Enda Walsh’s Medicine starring Domhnall Gleeson and Ballyturk starring Cillian Murphy, record-breaking visual art, awe-inspiring street acrobatics and even strange creatures in the sky.
GIAF 2023 includes The Pulse from Gravity & Other Myths featuring a company of over 60 performers with a choir of 30 female voices; a newly commissioned installation from David Mach; the return of Colm Meaney to the Irish stage after 40 years performing alongside his daughter Brenda Meaney in Bedbound from Landmark Productions and GIAF; an enormous Dragon wandering the streets of Galway City; epic theatre with DruidO’Casey directed by Garry Hynes; Baxter Theatre and Handspring Puppets Life & Times of Michael K from South Africa directed by Lara Foot; a stellar line up at the Heineken® Big Top; artists Diana Copperwhite and Lorraine Tuck; Grafton Architects; musicians Martha Wainwright, KT Tunstall, Susan O’Neill, Robert Forster, James Yorkston and Nena Peerson; and First Thought Talks featuring Lindsey Hilsum, Fintan O’Toole, Gaisu Yari and a host of speakers are amongst just some of the highlights of the dazzling array of this year’s programme. Check out the full programme for more.
Getting here is easy. Get a direct flight from the UK to Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport or Ireland West Airport Knock before hopping on a train, bus, or in a car to make the short trip to Galway.
Start planning your extraordinary experience now. Join us in Galway for the 46th annual Galway International Arts Festival (17-30 July 2023).
GIAF 2023 takes place from 17-30 July.
