The Galway Arts Festival is an annual event held in Galway, Ireland, celebrating a wide range of artistic disciplines. The festival features performances in theater, music, dance, literature, and visual arts, showcasing both local and international talent. It includes outdoor events, street performances, exhibitions, and live concerts, turning Galway into a vibrant cultural hub for the duration of the festival. With a mix of free and ticketed events, the Galway Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors and is a highlight of Ireland’s cultural calendar, promoting creativity and artistic expression in the heart of the city.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates (2026): 13–26 July 2026 (two weeks). Official site.
• Programme rhythm: Theatre, music, spectacle & street art, talks, visual arts and more, from daytime into late night. The full day-by-day timetable publishes on the programme hub. Programme hub.
LOCATION
• Where: Citywide across Galway — over 30 venues and outdoor sites. A signature music venue is the Heineken® Big Top at Fisheries Field (opposite Galway Cathedral). About the Big Top · All venues · Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Booking: Tickets are sold online via each event listing; a small online admin fee applies. How to book.
• Box Office: Opens in July; for queries use boxoffice@giaf.ie or +353 (0)91 566 577. Contact & opening.
• Free events: Many outdoor spectacles and exhibitions are free; check the listing’s access details. See listings.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Getting there: Irish Rail to Galway Ceannt (adjacent to Eyre Square); walk or use local buses/taxis to venues. Travel to Galway · Ceannt Station info.
• Transport during the festival: City transport is busy and late services may be added—plan routes ahead of evening shows. City notices.
• Accessibility: GIAF publishes accessibility details and support across venues (including the Big Top). Accessibility info · Big Top access.
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