A Guide to Summer in Galway
What is happening in Galway this Summer
Summer in Galway is alive with culture, music, and unforgettable flavours. From our City HideAway location in the very heart of the action, step out into vibrant streets where live music drifts through the air and colourful pubs and cafés welcome you at every turn.
Beyond the city, discover the wild beauty of Connemara, the Aran Islands, and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for a day trip before returning to the buzz of Galway by night.
Stay close to it all and don’t miss a moment, with the very best of Galway right on your doorstep.
Fleadh Na Bealtaine
Welcome summer in true Gaelic style at Fleadh Na Bealtaine, Galway City’s newest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture, arriving this May Bank Holiday weekend. Inspired by the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine, it’s a lively showcase of music, folklore, fire, and community spirit.
With Galway’s renowned music scene at its heart, the city comes alive each evening as you wander cobbled streets filled with the sound of live traditional music flowing from every bar and pub.
Galway Early Music Festival
Discover the Galway Early Music Festival, running from 22–24 May 2026, a lively celebration of old-world music and arts. Enjoy a rich mix of concerts, workshops, street performances, dance, and historical re-enactments across Galway City.
Held each May, the festival brings international performers to venues and streets throughout the city, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a unique way to experience Galway’s medieval charm and vibrant cultural heritage.
Galway Folk Festival
The Galway Folk Festival 2026 returns with its most ambitious programme yet. Spanning five days, it takes over nine iconic venues across the city, from the grand stage of Leisureland to the atmospheric surroundings of St. Nicholas’ Church.
Featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary Irish folk music alongside exciting emerging talent, this year’s lineup offers a rich mix of tradition and discovery for every music fan.
Galway UKE Festival
Celebrate all things ukulele in the heart of Galway at this fun-filled, community-driven festival. Set in the city centre, it’s a vibrant mix of music, creativity, and good vibes—whether you bring your uke or just come along to enjoy the atmosphere.
Festivities kick off in the late afternoon on Thursday 18 June and continue through to Sunday afternoon, promising a weekend full of music and magic.
Galway Skate Festival
The Galway Skate Festival 2026 is set to recommence into the city this June, bringing high energy, inclusivity, and pure skateboarding spirit to Galway’s streets. As Ireland’s only dedicated skate festival, it’s a free, citywide celebration and a standout highlight of the summer.
Kicking off Friday at a secret daytime spot, the weekend features skate comps, races, best trick contests, inclusive skate sessions, lessons, and the legendary CASH MONEY Game of Skate on Sunday.
Galway Film Fleadh
The Galway Skate Festival 2026 is set to recommence into the city this June, bringing high energy, inclusivity, and pure skateboarding spirit to Galway’s streets. As Ireland’s only dedicated skate festival, it’s a free, citywide celebration and a standout highlight of the summer.
Kicking off Friday at a secret daytime spot, the weekend features skate comps, races, best trick contests, inclusive skate sessions, lessons, and the legendary CASH MONEY Game of Skate on Sunday.
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway Skate Festival 2026 is set to recommence into the city this June, bringing high energy, inclusivity, and pure skateboarding spirit to Galway’s streets. As Ireland’s only dedicated skate festival, it’s a free, citywide celebration and a standout highlight of the summer.
Kicking off Friday at a secret daytime spot, the weekend features skate comps, races, best trick contests, inclusive skate sessions, lessons, and the legendary CASH MONEY Game of Skate on Sunday.
Galway Races
The Galway Races, Ireland’s most famous racing festival, return for seven days of thrilling action at Ballybrit. Attracting over 100,000 visitors each year, the festival brings an electric atmosphere to the city, both on and off the track.
With 49 races and over €2 million in prize money, it’s a week of top-class racing, style, and celebration, where great experiences, new friendships, and unforgettable moments are all part of the fun.
Galway Pride
The annual Galway Pride Festival is Ireland’s longest-running Pride event. Celebrating everything that makes Galway a vibrant cultural hub, the festival invites the whole community to come together.
The week features a diverse programme of events, including talks and awareness sessions, arts and performances, music nights, and a colourful parade on the final Saturday—highlighting the people and spirit that make Galway so unique.
Galway Traditional Boat Festival
The Galway Traditional Boat Festival 2026 celebrates Ireland’s unique maritime heritage with a stunning display of traditional vessels, including currachs and Galway Hookers such as the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád, and Púcán.
Usually held in August, boats from across the region gather in the Claddagh, showcasing their beauty and the remarkable skill involved in building, maintaining, and sailing these iconic crafts.
Galway Summer Rally
The Galway Summer Rally, sponsored by Bluebird Care, is set to return on 23 August 2026, taking place on routes that have previously hosted the Galway International Rally. With over 125 crews expected, it offers a demanding challenge across 120km of competitive sections and 170km of road distance.
First established in 1972, the rally has evolved from a mixed navigation event into a fast-paced tarmac competition and has previously been part of the National Rally Championship.
