This is Galway August/September 2024 Edition - Issue #38
Book
Words by Chloe Richardson
Beloved Galway band NewDad are continuously reaching new heights. Less than a year after the release of their debut album ‘Madra,’ the group have secured their status as invaluable cohorts of an arresting alt-rock music scene. While drawing influence from the likes of The Cure, Just Mustard, and Pixies, NewDad continue to reach beyond these inspirations, to produce a penetrating sound of their own.
4 | NEWDAD
The four-piece band is comprised of Julie Dawson (vocals/guitar), Cara Joshi (bass), Fiachra Parslow (drums), and Sean O’Dowd (guitar). We recently spoke with Julie, NewDad’s lyricist and lead vocalist about their ascent, the catharsis found through songwriting and some incredible moments for the band on the horizon.
Photography by Alice Backham courtesy of NewDad
We want to stand the test of time… that’s our main concern.” “
We chatted just after the band had an electric few weeks playing live gigs; opening for Johnny Marr in Limerick, playing Glastonbury Festival… “it’s easy to not even acknowledge or notice how big it is,” Julie notes. “But if you told yourself 4 years ago you’re doing these things, you wouldn’t believe it.” There’s a candour and authenticity that is saturated in their music - of course, this is reflective in the sincerity of the band members themselves. On writing songs and pulling from personal experiences Julie says, “I think it is so important to be honest.. You can’t hold back for fear of what people might think of you… because then you don’t get the best out of it.”
Their sound is an impeccable tangle of textures. The lyricism is cutting and comforting in equal measures. The melodic dreamlike guitar coupled with an aura of urgency implores you to keep listening, to revisit songs, to uncover hidden meanings. “Every other day when you’re in a session, you’re pulling from something that you’ve just heard,” Julie notes. “It took a while [to find our sound], we were playing music for maybe 2 or 3 years before we even released anything. And now we’re always learning. We want to stand the test of time… that’s our main concern.”
When asked about Galway, and what it was like getting their start here, Julie reflects on the particular moment during lockdown when they began to take the band seriously. “We were a little bit separated from it. It was in a moment in time where it didn’t really matter where you were or where you were working from.. you were just doing as much as you could with the time we had… so we wanted to make sure we made a lot of music.”
“Galway was a great place to do that… when shows were back on we were playing Róisín and Black Gate… It was a nice place to be and definitely you’d miss it being in London now.”
On August 27th NewDad will make their return to Galway, supporting Pixies at the Galway Airport. “There are [full circle] moments like that, like getting that Pixies support or supporting Johnny Marr in Limerick... Those are the people that we grew up listening to, and the people that made us want to make music.”
NewDad offer a sacred revelation through their music; the solemnity of an inner quietness that can only be found by passing through so much noise. NewDad’s candescent songs pierce through the sound waves, creating a luminous and distinct discography. Their lyrics delve into an intimate space of self-reflection, where words transform into truth. Over the last few years, the Galway band have experienced a spectacularly meteoric rise. NewDad is embracing this momentum armoured with the mindfulness to remain present in the moment - an integral component for their incredible success.
Page 7 | Newdad
This August and September, we want you to be able to make the most of all the sunny weather we get. That’s why we have decided in this edition to share some of our favourite outdoor activities! Read on to find out where we love to go in Galway to enjoy the sunshine…
have a picnic party
For a gorgeous outdoorsy experience, we suggest going on a family day out at Portumna Forest Park. This beautiful woodland area has tons of trails and looped walks that are accessible for young children and buggies, and there are simply loads to see and do along each route. At the entrance of the park you’ll find designated picnic areas, toilets, and other useful facilities, making it the perfect spot for a post-walk family picnic with all your favourite snacks.
walk your dog
We know you are going to want to spend a day outdoors with your furry best friend, that’s why we have included a recommendation that is tailored to them.
The extensive Connemara National Park offers a variety of trails for all levels of fitness and we are sure you will find one that your dog will love exploring. Then, after your walk, head straight to the dog-friendly Kabo Coffee for a well-deserved puppacino and treats.
hit a hole-in-one
The gorgeous 18-hole championship-level golf course, Galway Bay Golf Resort, offers a unique experience for all golfers. Whether you are lining up a putt for par or driving a shot a hundred yards down the fairway, you can enjoy spectacular views of Galway Bay.
The course itself is exquisitely designed and features plenty of testing aspects, for beginners and experts alike. You can also opt to elevate your visit by calling into the onsite restaurant for delicious food and drink post-round.
zip ‘n’ trek
Experience great heights and soar 15 metres above the ground as you zip-line over a kilometre of treetops at Wildlands Activity Centre. Located just a short 10 minute drive outside of Galway city, this family-friendly resort is home to an ample amount of both indoor and outdoor activities.
Their most popular activity is the Zip ‘n’ Trek Course, which comprises four circuits of varying difficulty, all of which are complete with stunning views of Ballyquirke lake, 10 zip lines, and exciting aerial obstacles.
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Illustrations
by Áine Keaveney
build a sandcastle
When the sun is shining in Galway a trip to the seaside is an absolute must. In Barna, you’ll find one of Galway’s most picturesque beaches, Silverstrand, and because it is only a short spin from the city centre, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Here, you can test your sandcastle building skills on golden sand and enjoy a refreshing swim. Awarded both a Green and Blue Flag status in 2024, if you’re looking for our beach recommendation this is it!
Behind the
he Bar with one of Galway’s best coffee shops
Brimming with a keen sense of vibrancy and comfort in equal measures, Plámás is a cafe that is without a doubt a staple in Galway’s coffee culture. For three years now, the speciality cafe in Galway’s Westend has been a hub for the Irish language, coffee enthusiasts and most importantly, community.
The shop is warm as the sun spills in through the large cafe window; the atmosphere is distinct, art led and inviting. However, it’s the dedicated staff that truly brighten up the room and make Plámás the beloved cafe we know today. In the little shop on Dominick Street Upper, great coffee and bright conversation intertwine with an inflection of care and consideration that rings out into Galway’s Westend.
“It’s about sitting down, taking a bit of time for yourself, maybe meeting some of the other regulars who come into the shop,” says Áine Keaveney, Plámás manager.
“You’re a part of the community and we want you to feel valued.”
One of the most notable characteristics of Plámás is the dignity and kindness each customer is treated with. The staff; Áine, Gloria, Aoibhín, Ciara, and Emily, address everyone who comes through the door as if they’re old friends. More than just an excellent cup of coffee, and fabulous baked goods, Plámás provides a space of comfort and consideration that is matched by no other. For Áine, it’s about “being able to talk to anyone who comes in and just being able to listen to someone if they need to talk.”
Serving Geometry Coffee, a Galway based speciality coffee roaster, Áine shares, “we’ll always have consistently good coffee. We all keep an eye on the recipes.” With over 100 five-star reviews, there’s no doubt that they take their coffee seriously.
Additionally, the baked goods are supplied by local bakeries, Hapi Bakery and Lán Kitchen. In collaboration with Jess Murphy of Kai and Hapi Bakery, the counter is always brimming with incredible choices. Freshly baked cinnamon buns, indulgent cakes and brownies, and insanely good sandwiches that garnered national attention are only a few of the treats available at Plámás. “They’re amazing to work with,” Áine gushes. “Molly, the head baker at Hapi Bakery, is brilliant. It’s such a privilege to be able to sell their stuff and it’s always such a high standard.”
Another element to Plámás’ success and individuality is their connection to the Irish language. With a 10c discount for anyone who orders as Gaeilge, the shop encourages you to brush up your Irish and give it a go, in a completely non-judgmental and open space.
Áine says, “my Irish has gotten so much stronger since working here, but I suppose it’s about just making the effort, and not being scared of getting it wrong… all the girls who work here at the moment, we all have strong levels of Irish, but none of us come from fluent Irish speaking backgrounds. I kinda like that because it makes it a more approachable place to use the language - there’s no judgement.” With their Irish language initiative, the cafe was named the winners in The Tourism & Hospitality Category in the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh in 2022. “That was a nice recognition of the work we do, it was a lovely validation.”
Three years have gone by since opening, and Plámás has excelled in a consistency of the integral - there is no waver in the quality of coffee, baked goods, or the attitude of kindness exuded by the staff. This character and sense of self saturates Plámás and makes it the one of the best cafes in Galway. Áine says that it’s about “keeping this playfulness… our cheeky character.” She continues; “I think the space reflects that. It’s found its voice. I suppose that’s what I’ve noticed through working here, it’s just about finding our feet, and what I’ve seen is we’ve found our space in the community.”
Words by Chloe Richardson
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Jess Murphy’s
galway food
BEHIND THE BALACLAVA with
Kneecap
food stories
The sun was splitting rocks in Gaillimhe and I found myself in the Fisheries Field looking out over the sparkling Corrib at the seals chasing salmon up river. Here at the Big Top, there’s a green room like no other with a beautiful backstage fridge that’s filled to the brim with Buckfast, Harp and Beamish. The West Belfast Rappers -DJ Próvaí, Mo Chara, & Móglaí Bap- who I’m cooking for are in a band called Kneecap, and I’m a massive fan.
So I did what I do best and cooked them up a wee pre-gig feast to break bread and get to know the boys a bit better… -Jess Murphy
We started off with some amazing Kelly’s Oysters, paired with a Bloody Mary vinaigrette and a savage cabbage kimchi. They were perfect for such a hot day, a super brine taste of the West Coast. While this was going on, I chatted with their manager and learnt that he’s from Inis Mór and knows Niamh and Bertie, my amazing crab folk from Aran Island Sea Foods (small world). So, we had this with Hapi Bakery’s brown soda bread and the lads swooned over the kimchi-oyster combo. I then made a Brady’s Buckfast marinated steak and fired it on a Japanese grill. At the same time, we had baked St. Tola goats cheese on massive fig leaves we had foraged by the Cathedral, along with an amazing orange grove honey I had brought back from Albania.
Later, I got chatting with Mr. DJ Próvaí about his favourite festival for food and he absolutely loved Rock Werchter. I also learnt that he has a massive grá for steak flavoured McCoys, which I can see backstage alongside tonnes of the purple snacks that Móglaí Bap and Niamh had eaten in Kai the night before while raving about our Buckfast Negronis. Our conversation then did a 180 to Mo Chara’s short but well loved beekeeping career, and I met his lovely girlfriend Sinead.
I love the fact they [Kneecap] describe themselves as South Park, they just pull the piss out of their generational trauma. I’m a fan of these young gentlemen, for not only bringing awareness to what’s happening in society, but also for donating all profits from their song ‘Mam’ to the Samaritans in support of their work with Aida refugee camp in Palestine. It’s because of Irish heroes like them and Mary Manning, (a worker at Dunnes Stores on Henry street, Dublin, who in 1984 refused to handle South African grapefruit during apartheid and started an anti-apartheid strike, which inturn made the Irish government boycott South African goods), that I am so proud to call myself an Irish citizen. And, after meeting young folk like Kneecap it gives me a strong sense of hope and for change.
It was also an absolutely unbelievable gig to watch!
Words
Jess Murphy
by
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
A tasty tri threat in Gal A tasty triple threat in Galway
All falling under one umbrella of satiating flavour, Harry’s Bar, Meltd, and Benny’s are a foodie’s paradise found right in Galway. When Harry’s opened up seven years ago at 77 Bohermore, Steve Harris had a vision to create an exciting spot with delicious food, character, and a great team. With good friend and Head Chef Jason Keady, and an incredible staff they’ve achieved just that, and more. Branching out with
triple Galway
triple Galway
the iconic Meltd toasties on Middle Street and Benny’s, their mouthwatering takeaway option, it’s safe to say that they’re one of Galway’s top picks for a bite to eat…
Harry’s Bar Harry’s Bar
Serving some of the best smash burgers in town, the most refreshing cocktails, and an impressive menu of sides and shareables, Harry’s Bar is one of Galway’s most beloved restaurants. Steve says, “There’s a cool vibe… You can come to watch a match, [there are great] cocktails and food… It’s a cool spot to go and chill.” The Head Chef at Harry’s, Kellie, has been with the team from the start! Always developing new flavours and menu items, she ensures that there will always be something that blows you away.
The classic Benny Burger is loaded up with two beef patties, draped with American cheese, crispy bacon, burger sauce, and fresh lettuce and onion. Or maybe try the Dirty Harry, with crispy bacon, American cheese, smokey sriracha mayo, pickles, pink onions, and topped off with a sweet heat maple buffalo sauce. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with any of their burgers. Also serving up tasty buttermilk fried chicken, there truly is something for every pallet! The cocktail menu is forever evolving and created by Andrés the head mixologist. From classics, to inventive signature creations, these are some must try cocktails in Galway. To keep up to date with different offers and updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram @harrys_galway
Benny’s Benny’s
If you’re looking for the perfect option for takeaway, Benny’s has all of the favourites off Harry’s menu, and so much more. Jason says, “In Benny’s, the idea behind it is that we want to bring what Harry’s had and offer it for delivery… We stuck to what we do, but with a bit of twist.”
All of the ingredients remain the same; consistently fresh meat, amazing sauces, but with an elevated element of experimenting with flavour. One of our favourites from the menu is their marinated, crispy, sticky signature glazed chicken. There’s an incredible takeaway menu brimming with satisfying lunch or dinner options. Delicious food with the convenience of home delivery - it doesn’t get much better than that! Discover Benny’s menu for yourself at their website bennysgalway.com or their instagram @ bennys.ie
Meltd Meltd
What’s better than a delicious four cheese blend and fresh meat toasted to perfection on crispy bread, accompanied by a side of indulgent gourmet mayos? Not much in our opinion! Meltd opened about two years ago, and is one of Galway City’s favourite places for a quick lunch on the go. Serving these toasties from their shop on Middle Street, their mouthwatering sandwiches and freshly baked goods are a must have on the Galway foodie bucket list!
Whether you’re looking for a just cheese option (the Cheesus) or a toastie loaded up with freshly cooked shredded chicken, cheese, creamy blue cheese, honey buffalo, fresh spring onion (the Honey Buffalo), Meltd’s menu is absolutely brimming with satisfying and indulgent sandwiches.
Along with their toasties, the baked goods are also freshly made in-house. The sweet treats are absolutely amazing; cinnamon sticky buns, massive cookies, brownies and more. The treats are made to an exceptionally high standard and melt in your mouth! There are six cookie flavours we deem as a must try; Oreo (which is vegan), chocolate chip and walnut, red velvet, Nutella, Biscoff, and Cadbury. Give them a follow at @meltd.ie to keep up to date with any offers or menu updates!
Words by Chloe Richardson
Photos by
Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Food photography courtesy Harry’s Bar
aug & sept
Here is your guide for visiting the vibrant seaside town of Salthill. This picturesque Galway suburb has something for everyone and that’s why we are highlighting some of its top attractions in the map below. We hope you enjoy your time exploring Salthill...
CONNEMARA
01. Black Cat 179 Upper Salthill
02. Ground & Co Claude Toft Park, Atlantaquarium
03. Ré Coffee + Design 137 Upper Salthill
04. Blackrock Cottage Blackrock House, Salthill
05. Kali Coffee Bar 133 Upper Salthill
06. The Creamery Salthill Promenade
07. O’Reilly’s Bar 232 Upper Salthill Road
08. Tribe Irish Gin 139 Upper Salthill
09. Gourmet Food Parlour 14 Lenaboy Gardens
10. Salthill Playground Quincentennial Drive
11. Leisureland Upper Salthill Rd
12. Galway Atlantaquaria Seapoint Promenade
13. Circle of Life Commemorative Garden Quincentennial Park
14. Salthill Promenade Salthill
15. Blackrock Beach Salthill Rd Lower
Map illustration by Fuchsia MacAree
It Ta ke s A
Browse the market stalls at Tiny Traders Village
The National Geographic Society explains that in “most parts of the world, villages are settlements of people clustered around a central point.” That is certainly true of Tiny Traders Village, one of Galway’s most-beloved pop-up markets. Far more than just a selection of market stalls featuring local designs and delicious food, this is a community of people, artists, crafters, bakers, chefs, baristas, writers, performers, and more, all converging in one famous Galway location every weekend to meet like-minded people and show the world what they can do!
The social element of Tiny Traders Village is a major component of what makes this market so popular. The people browsing the stalls are happy to meet the people behind the creations, and the traders are happy to meet their peers. An impressive 70% of the traders are regulars, manning a stall and selling their wares to customers every weekend at Tiny Traders Village.
A Vi lla ge
The traders all support each other, buying from other stalls and even inviting friends to take their slot if they can’t make it to a particular market. They prop each other up, not competitively push down.
Paul David Murphy, the organiser of the Tiny Traders Village markets, says it’s all about supporting local people while giving space for independent arts and crafts. That’s why he has committed to making it affordable for the traders, offering a low barrier-to-entry and a platform with less pressure on sales figures. This results in more creative freedom and more interesting creations, which customers love to browse! “Making it a more open platform means punters might take inspiration from the stalls and traders and think ‘I might do something like that myself’, and why not?” Paul says.
The social element of Tiny Traders Village is a major component of what makes this market so popular. The people browsing the stalls are happy to meet the people behind the creations, and the traders are happy to meet their peers.
While Tiny Traders Village has been on the go for a few years now, it has seen a huge growth in support and popularity in recent times, getting the backing of Galway City Council to host a market in the city every weekend of summer. Reflecting on this stamp of approval, Paul explains; “Regularity is key because then people can make a living out of it”. This regularity provides an opportunity for street food vendors, vintage clothes sellers, independent artists, live entertainers, and local musicians by offering them a reliable place to ply their trade.
On any given weekend, you will find Tiny Traders Village in either Eyre Square or Spanish Arch. Eyre Square is an ideal spot, right in the heart of the city and near all the trains, buses and transport options into Galway. You can grab a bite to eat and sit beneath the shade of a tree or on the park benches. When it’s not in Eyre Square, simply take the short walk down Galway’s main thoroughfare to Spanish Arch, one of the city’s most picturesque locations to browse the market stalls with the sound of the River Corrib flowing by. On a sunny day, there’s nowhere better to be in Galway than Spanish Arch! Follow @tinytradersvillage on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on where they will be popping up in Galway next.
Words by Ado Lyons
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Howya! Any craic? Howdy!
howya?
Tell us about yourself...
My name is Kate Thompson, I’m 18 years old. I’m the Ireland Women’s U19 Captain, and I play for Galway United.
What do you love about what you do?
I’m fully focused on my playing career. I’ve also just recently finished the Leaving Cert, and competed in the U19 Euros.
What brought you to Galway?
I’m actually from Galway originally so I have always been around!
What is your happiest memory?
Hard to choose but probably qualifying for the Euros this year. That was a big moment!
What’s your favourite thing to do in Galway?
I’d say something to do with the beach; either walking the dogs or going for a swim with my friends.
Tell us one thing you’d love to change about Galway?
Definitely a couple more clothes shops. We don’t have much compared to places like Dublin.
Tell us a secret…
Not sure if it’s even a secret but I have to have scrambled eggs and toast before each game. It’s just my pre-game routine!
Tell us a joke!
Why was Cinderella so bad at football? She kept running away from the ball!
courtesy Galway United
Photo
howya?
I’ve 99 problems ain’t one
Galway’s very own WOMP Events are hitting the ground running after a short R&R break and you are going to want to be a part of all they’ve got going on!!
After taking a brief summer’s respite to cool off from an electric couple of months, Quiz Masters Niall Horisk and Ronan Clancy are back with bang and their events calendar has never looked better.
Kicking off WOMP’s comeback shows, they are bringing their freshly-painted TG Ceathairvan to the Trailer Park at Electric Picnic for the second year running on August 15-18th. If you’re attending be sure to pop round and who knows you just might find yourself competing in a live game show! Post-EP, they are returning to The Ol’ 55 in Galway for their biweekly COMMON KNOWLEDGE Quiz Nights, where you’ll be quizzed on all manner of silly subjects. Bring along your thinking cap and dunce hat, you never know which you might need! Dates for these Quiz Nights include; August 20th, September 3rd + 17th, and October 1st + 15th, with more to follow. WOMP will be taking off to The Harbour Bar in Bray for one night only (Sep 4th) with an 80s & 90s themed COMMON KNOWLEDGE Quiz so get ready to go old-skool and party hard.
In a first for Galway, WOMP Events are taking their Great Big Big Screen Quiz to an even bigger screen, more specifically they are bringing it to Pálás Cinema on September 18th! This event is going to be one for the books so we recommend getting your tickets well in advance as seats are going to be limited.
problems but WOMP
Keeping in line with new beginnings for WOMP Events, later this year they will be making their Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival debut on November 9th with the next edition of The Great Big Small Screen Quiz. Funnier and more creative than ever, this quizzical duo have a pep in their step as they gear up to entertain audiences across Ireland.
If you want to secure your place at one of these events check out their website at www.wompevents.com and their socials @wompevents. Additionally, if you want to have them host a private event - corporate or otherwise, contact them at hello@wompevents.com.
Words
by Gráinne Thornton
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Zac Jen
enko Meet the hairdresser that’s a cut above the rest
Hairdresser to the stars, master stylist, elite hair expert.. regardless of what you want to call him, there can be no doubt that Zac Jenko blew into town with razor and scissors in hand and has been busy transforming the way we care for our hair ever since.
Providing seriously stylish haircuts, and high-grade advice, Zac ensures that that addictive new haircut buzz lasts long after your appointment.
At the beginning of his career, Zac proved himself to be a natural in the craft and flew through his apprenticeship. Once that was completed he took off over the Atlantic where he set up shop on the sunny boardwalk of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. His skills as a hairstylist earned him recognition from big record studios, and quickly drew the attention and then appreciation of internationally famous celebrities such as; Fleetwood Mac, Bono and U2, Coldplay, Michael Bublé and Snow Patrol. Zac was a man on a mission to establish himself in his field, and after having run his own 3 salons and acted as a hair stylist on a world tour with U2, it’s safe to say he succeeded!
Nowadays, Zac can be found leading the people of Galway towards hair care solutions that actually work! Are you dealing with uncontrollable, frizzy, messy hair or a stale monotonous style that you’ve outgrown? Well, good news because Zac can step in and help. With 40 years of experience under his belt and an impeccable reputation, he’s got all the tips and tricks you need to bring a natural vibrancy back to your hair, give it a bit of oomph and get you back your confidence. Hairstyling is more than just a transactional process, for Zac it requires really getting to know his clients and using his creativity, he tells us; “I love the consultation process. I love finding where you’re coming from [what style you are used to], and see if there is any indication of what you would like to get to put a bit more pep in your step, and I’ll take you there.” Zac teases; “I’ll fuck it up in a good way.”
Keen to help his clients flaunt their natural hair, and save them hours of blow drying and flat ironing, with Zac there’s no more haircuts every 6 weeks (because now your new haircuts will last twice as long), or expensive unnecessary products, it’s time to embrace a new routine that will get the hair of your dreams. One trick that Zac swears by for all hair types for both men and women is using a sea salt spray as a natural hair texturizer. Fill a 100ml spray bottle with water from the sea and in the morning use it to refresh your hair. In doing this you’ll help to enhance your natural texture and volume.
“You can get up in the morning, get out of bed, look in the mirror and think ‘oh that looks cool!’ -that’s the way I cut hair- and if it needs some assistance, don’t hop in the shower, put some sea salt spray in it, fix it into place and rock out the door.“
To book your appointment give Zac a buzz on 087 127 0953 and tell him This is Galway sent you to avail of a fantastic discount of 20% (€20) off. Additionally, if you bring a friend along with you, you both will enjoy a huge discount of 40% off. As they say: it pays to have good pals.
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Photos courtesy Zac Jenko
RÓISÍN DUBH PRESENT…
THIS IS THE KIT & ROZI PLAIN
An Taibhdhearc Theatre Aug 11
O’NEILL
Hall Theatre Oct 21
PILLOW QUEENS
Leisureland DEC 7
Sept 21
22
VILLAGERS
Leisureland Dec 12
BIRD ON THE WIRE: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Black Box Theatre Sept 22
AL MURRAY Black Box Theatre Nov 21
Black Box Theatre Dec 12
GALWAY COMEDY FESTIVAL TUES 22 - MON 28 OCT
The first batch of #GCF24 shows are on sale now
Featuring…
Des Bishop, Ruby Wax, Enya Martin, Michelle Wolf, Jimeoin, Fin Taylor, Paddy McDonnell, Antoni Syrek Dabrowski, Kyla Cobbler, Micky Bartlett & Colum Tyrrell.
More acts will be announced in mid-August, and the full Festival programme will be revealed in September.
Sign up to our newsletter to get #GCF24 news first galwaycomedyfestival.ie
LISA
Town
SERENA TERRY Black Box Theatre
RUBY WAXL Town Hall Theatre Oct
EMMA DORAN
September means OYSTERS in Galway
Enthusiasts from every corner of the world descend on Galway city to immerse in an action-packed three day event. The festival kicks off on the evening of Friday 27th with music and dancing on either side of the annual National Oyster Opening Championships event. It’s a serious competition and a serious party!
Saturday 28th brings the core event, the World Oyster Opening Championship, which commences with a lively parade of competitors weaving through the medieval streets of the city down to Nimmo’s Pier. The ‘Party of Champions’ on Saturday evening is a highlight of the festival calendar, as revellers and competitors gather to celebrate the newly crowned World Champion while enjoying oysters and bubbles to a jam-packed live music programme.
On Sunday, Féile Bia Na Mara / Wild Atlantic Tastes takes place and is a free family day of live music, cooking demonstrations, environmental talks and children’s workshops. In this, its 70th anniversary year, Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival was recently awarded Best Irish Festival at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Awards and Best Food Festival at the Irish Travel Trade Network travel2ireland awards. So, come out of your shell – sorry! – and join the oldest and longest-running food festival in Ireland celebrating our most prized edible treasure!
FREE ENTRY
Booking required
what’s Going on?
Galway has an amazing events programme in store for the months ahead, As its famous festival season continues to run through August and September. There are a whole host of things to do and experience in both the city and county so without ado let’s talk about them!
Returning to Galway city this August 1018th, Galway Pride Week celebrates its 35th year with an inclusive programme of events, including evenings of information and awareness, the annual Pride parade, performances and an 80’s night.
On August 25th, The Little Cinema and Galway City of Film present the 48 Hour Challenge 2024. This is an evening of 5 minute films, all made in Galway, and all written, shot, and edited within just 48 hours!
Rewilding expert and bestselling author Eoghan Daltun will be in Kennys Bookshop on the 25th of September for an event to launch his second book, ‘The Magic of an Irish Rainforest.’ Eoghan spent 15 years successfully rewilding 73 acres of farmland in the Beara Peninsula. His new book documents the areas of temperate rainforest across Ireland, illustrating their beauty, value and in most cases, decline.
Following their summer production of ‘Endgame,’ Galway’s Druid Theatre Company are returning to the stage on September 14th-21st with The House. Written by Tom Murphy, it tells the story of the hopes and dreams of the De Burca family and their childhood friend Christy as they battle with their pasts and fight for their futures, in a tense drama of desire, belonging and possession.
This September 20th, Culture Night is celebrating their 19th birthday with an incredible lineup of events taking place across Galway city and county. On the night doors will remain open later as special and unique events will take place at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Local Authorities across Ireland, all activities will be available to the public free of charge. Bringing September to a close, the Galway International Oyster Festival gives local and visitors alike the chance to experience Galway’s world famous oysters through a series of tantalising seafoodrelated events. At the festival marquee on Nimmo’s Pier, they will host a variety of events including cooking demos, familyfriendly activities, and the World Oyster Opening Championship.
Out in Ballinasloe, the 12th Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds takes place on September 5-8th. It’s a weekend which commemorates the life of Larry Reynolds while synonymously promoting the East Galway Style of music and encourages the development of Irish music, heritage and culture in the region. As usual it’s gearing up to be a weekend full of craic, music, culture and fun!
Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
This September 12-15th, Portumna will host the stunning Shorelines Arts Festival. This festival shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of local and guest artists through an action packed weekend of visual art exhibitions, theatrical performances, music sessions, film screenings and much more.
In Clifden, the next two months bring two amazing festivals to Connemara, the first of these being the 99th annual Connemara Pony Show on August 20th-23rd. Each day of the festival will be filled with captivating events that showcase the Connemara Pony breed’s exceptional talent, and pays homage to its remarkable history.
On September 18-29th, Clifden and its surrounding areas will celebrate the 47th edition of the Clifden Arts Festival. It’s the longest-running community arts festival in Ireland, and this year all festival-goers can expect an artistic programme featuring creative writing, music, theatre and film workshops and performances.
This is a mere drop in the ocean of events that are organised for August and September so visit our website at www. thisisgalway.ie/whats-on/ to see everything Galway has to offer and to learn more about the festivals mentioned here.
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Additional Photos Irelands Content Pool
Feature image By Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Galway Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir 2024
The 19th edition of Culture Night will captivate audiences on Friday September 20th. A national celebration of culture, creativity and the Arts, it will bring Galway’s rich culture and diversity to the forefront and make the Arts in all its forms accessible to everyone. This year’s programme will take over venues and neighbourhoods across the city from 6pm in a series of late-night events. Highlights include...
Let’s Draw | 8pm | Spanish Arch
Participants of all ages will be invited to use their smartphones as drawing tools and have their creations projected onto the Comerford House building, forming a tapestry of light and colour!
OTHERWORLD | from 8pm | Outset Gallery
A one night music and arts event celebrating the duality of Galway’s cultural identity.
Echoes of the Ocean | 6pm | Galway Atlantaquaria
The final chapter of the Sound of the Sea Series with musical performances, workshops, fun scavenger hunts and talks by the ocean tank and rock pools.
Galway Street Art Collaboration | 6pm | Millennium Children’s Park
This year’s event, themed ‘The Tribes’ will present a spray painting workshop between artists and spectators that is open to all ages.
Pop-Up Céilí | from 6pm | Locations across the city centre
At each location, audiences will be invited to join Galway Céilí Club and learn a few steps, making every performance an interactive experience.
Celebrating Creativity & Community | 6pm | Newtownsmith
An evening of creativity and community with ArtSpace Studios in COPE’s newly opened premises, which will showcase the talent of a selection of Galway-based visual artists.
Culture Night is managed by the Arts Council (supported by Galway’s own Milestone Events) and will be led in the city by Galway City Council Arts Office.
Galway is getting County EVENTFUL
An electric events programme will take over Galway in the upcoming months and it isn’t confined solely to the city centre! Right across the county, from Cleggan to Clonbern, and Clarinbridge to Kilcoona, there are an abundance of festivals and events planned. Check out the highlights of this calendar for August & September here.
AUGUST
On the weekend of 16-18th, Cruinniú na mBád returns to Kinvara. This is one of Ireland’s longest running traditional sailing festivals, and will feature the Galway Hooker Festival, Climin Races, and the Village Fête. To conclude the month, Féile an tSrutháin (Carraroe) Sailing Regatta 2024 returns on the 30th and will run until September 2nd. This sailing regatta will showcase to audiences the unique types of Irish boats, such as currachs and the traditional Galway Hooker sailing boats that were used historically in Galway Bay and along the coastline of Connemara and North Clare.
Other festivals that are taking place during August include; Ballinamore Bridge Hen Fair on the 12th, Clonberne Festival 2024 on the 15-18th, Comóradh 175 bliain an ‘Brig St. John’ ar an 16-18ú, and Féile Ceoil An Cheathrú Rua ar an 16-18ú, and Castleblakeney Summer Festival Weekend on the 23rd-25th.
september
Taking place on the 7th of September, Clarinbridge Market Day is a celebration of local creators and makers and is a great family day out with live entertainment and performances of live traditional music. On the 13-15th, the Cleggan Fringe Festival is back with a lineup of live gigs, food and drink stalls at the village country market, traditional Irish music and sean nós dancing.
Other festivals that are taking place during August include; Taispeantas Chois Fharraige 2024 on the 1st, Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds on the 5-8th, Meelick Riverfest on the 8th, Féile Ainm Cleite on the 13-15th, Kilcoona Scout Group 25 Year Anniversary Celebration on the 14th, Clifden Arts Festival on the 18-29th, Bia BóFinne - Food Festival on the 20th-22nd, and Athenry MAD Festival on the 21st+22nd.
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This is Galway’s FREE magazines shine a spotlight on everything great about Galway by showcasing its vibrant culture, diverse attractions and lively festival calendar. Both visitors and locals alike can discover a rich variety of unique and wonderful experiences, from bustling city streets to world famous natural beauty. We strive to foster community engagement and support local businesses all while illustrating Galway’s unique spirit. Let us be your gateway to everything County Galway has to offer.
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