Galway International Arts Festival is Ireland’s premiere festival of creative collisions. During a whirlwind two weeks every July, musicians, actors, circus performers, visual artists, comedians and more descend on the city.
Past acts have included world premieres (think Domhnall Gleeson in Enda Walsh's Medicine or Cillian Murphy in Ballyturk), firebreathing dragons, star-studded First Thought Talks (watch Orange is the New Black
star Kate Mulgrew’s 2019 Talk here), and record-breaking visual art. GIAF is the beating heart of Galway’s summer and an unforgettable cultural pilgrimage.
GIAF is renowned for its innovation and laid back vibes. But don’t just take our word for it – after spending 36 hours here, The New York Times cited Galway as one of Ireland’s most charming cities, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine voted Galway the ‘World’s Friendliest City’, and National Geographic named Galway one of the world's best trips for 2019. In 2020, the city of Galway was recognised as the European Capital of Culture.
Getting here is easy. Get a direct flight to Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport before hopping on a train, bus, or in a car to make the short trip to Galway. While you're here, soak up the scenery in Connemara, enter another world on the Aran islands or take in the Cliffs of Moher.
Start planning your extraordinary experience now. The 48th annual Festival takes place July 14th – 27th
2025.
The full festival programme will be announced in May 2025 and will feature the very best of theatre, opera, dance, circus, exhibitions, spectacle, music, comedy, talks and discussions. Tickets are on sale now for the festival's marquee music venue, the Heineken Big Top, which will feature concerts from Picture This, Mogwai, The Mary Wallopers, Amble, Block Rockin Beats, and more!
