Visitors to Galway are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do. There’s always something exciting happening in Galway.
Here are five of the biggest annual events in Galway:
Connemara International Marathon
Date: 19th April 2020
The Connemara International Marathon (also fondly known as the Connemarathon) is a one day race event, held either at the end of March or the start of April every year. Participants have the option of taking part in a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon or a 63 kilometre Ultra Marathon (the most recent addition to the events schedule). This event’s particular appeal lies in the gorgeous scenery of the areas where participants compete – mountain peaks and deep blue lakes are just some of the features that line the course, which will take you via the Twelve Pin mountains, past Killary Lough, through Leenane and the Maam Turk Mountains before concluding at Maam Cross.
Check the Connemarathon website for more details.
Galway Arts Festival
Date: 13th – 26th July 2020
July is the time of year when the Galway Arts Festival takes over the city for two weeks. It will be 42 years old in 2012, and is now among the largest of the Irish arts festivals. It is estimated that the festival attracts an audience of about 100,000 annually, who are entertained until late into the night by artists, street performers, writers and musicians, such as Druid and Macnas. This is how the people of Galway honour their heritage and display just what it is that makes them stand out. Performers and artists from around the world also flock here to represent the culture of their own countries, as it is globally acclaimed.
Mpre information at https://www.giaf.ie/
Galway Races
Date: 27th July – 2nd August 2020
Every year, the week long festivities of the Galway Races begin on the last Monday in July. Focussed on and around horse racing, this main calendar event of the county takes place at Ballybrit race course. The highlights of the Galway Races (the only Irish seven-day race meeting) are Wednesday, the day of the Galway Plate, and Thursday (Ladies’ Day), when the Galway Hurdle is held and voting takes place to crown the most stylish female race goer. It is accepted as the premier racing festival in Ireland, successfully combining sport with social networking. There is truly something for everyone here, whether you are simply soaking up the electric atmosphere or placing a bet on a favourite. Focus on the horses, or have a tipple, with beer and champagne flowing.
Alternatively, what about the oysters or live bands? One thing is for sure – this is not an event that you will not easily forget.
Get more info at https://www.galwayraces.com/
Clifden Arts Festival
Date: 17th – 27th September 2020
The Clifden Arts Festival, held every year in late September, honours dance, song, art, poetry and performance in all its forms.
Now running for almost 43 years in the small village of Clifden, this event began life as a humble local gathering.
However, over the years it has grown and expanded to now cater for visitors from around the world. Despite this, the local community is still very much involved in the planning and organising, with something to watch and enjoy on every corner.
Drama, comedy and concerts are just some of the eclectic mix on offer, with a separate itinerary of children’s events to ensure everyone is entertained.
More details at https://www.clifdenartsfestival.ie/
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children.
Date: 12th – 18th October 2020
Every year in October for more than the past 20 years, Galway has been lit up and brought to life by the week long events organised by Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. This truly is an event with kids at its heart. Here, native and international drama groups come together to entertain through the media of puppets, song, drama, stories, mime and much, much more.
Families and schools gather at locations in and around Galway city to take part in workshops and performances, while performers and artists also travel to schools to educate by making learning fun.
See more details at https://www.baboro.ie