This is Galway October 2023 Edition - Issue #33

Words By Kernan Andrews

Galway Comedy Festival:

When the darkest nights provide the biggest laughs

Featuring John Bishop and Jim Jefferies, #GCF23 line-up is the most ambitious yet from Ireland’s largest comedy festival.

As the days get shorter and the nights grow darker, the laughter is set to grow louder and longer as the countdown begins to Galway Comedy Festival 2023. Ireland’s largest comedy festival is back from Tuesday 24 to Monday 30 October and during those seven days, Galway city will once again reassert its status as the nation’s Comedy Capital.

The line-up for the 2023 festival is arguably the most ambitious in the event’s near 20-year history - a fact underlined by Jim Jefferies’ three appearances at Leisureland (Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th), with his new show Give ‘Em What They Want. These shows have already got Galway comedy fans buzzing with excitement, and no wonder. This is the man Chortle described as “the very definition of roguish charm”, while Readysteadycut.com hailed the Aussie’s comedy as “boundary-pushing”.

While Jim Jefferies attracts equal parts acclaim and controversy, his material is about being belief-challenging, thoughtprovoking, and giving audiences as much to chew over as to laugh out loud about. This is why he won Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the 2019 Just for Laughs Festival, and has ten stand up specials to his name. The most recent, High & Dry, came out on Netflix earlier this year.

John Bishop is another major name coming to the festival, headlining three mixed bill nights at Leisureland and the Black Box Theatre - as well as an appearance at the Late Night KARLnival in Róisín Dubh. One of the most loved comedians on the circuit today, he may have Ireland to thank for his current success. “Ireland is probably the reason that I do the job I do,” the Liverpudlian has said. “When I started doing stand-up I came to Ireland and I just sort of gelled with the idea of doing it the way I dotelling stories.”

When I started doing stand-up I came to Ireland and I just sort of gelled with the idea of doing it the way I dotelling stories.”

“

- John Bishop on touring in Ireland

Jefferies and Bishop are just the start of the staggering roster of 70 international stars, homegrown comedy greats, and emerging talent performing at 69 shows, across 17 Galway venues during #GCF23. Among these will be a series of brilliant mixed bill shows at Leisureland, The Black Box and The Hardiman Hotel in Eyre Square, with line-ups including David McSavage, Enya Martin, Reginald D Hunter, Glenn Wool, Al Porter, Jimeoin, Rhys Darby, John Bishop, Ardal O’Hanlon, Kevin McAleer, Milton Jones, Seann Walsh, and Deirdre O’Kane.

The Town Hall Theatre will host solo shows from festival favourites, Reginald D Hunter and Rich Hall; Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Jumanji) performing the favourite material from his 25 year comedy career; a rare visit from Omid Djalili (The Mummy, Mamma Mia 2); and shows from Irish greats Al Porter and Jimeoin

Róisín Dubh, the home of comedy in the west and Festival HQ, is the location for the Bulmers Festival Club, the Late Night KARLnival, and solo shows, including sold-out nights from Serena Terry and John Colleary; a new show from the brilliant Danny O’Brien; and the debut solo show from Polish-language TikTok sensation, Mama Na Obrotach

Social media sensation Enya Martin and record-breaking Aussie, Elena Gabrielle, perform at The Loft at Seven, while Emma

Doran’s work-in-progress show there has already sold-out. Also check out the weekend afternoon showcases filled with exciting emerging talent. In a new departure for #GCF23, it will have its own Artist-in-Residence: the legendary Phill Jupitus Phill is currently studying for a degree in fine art at Dundee University, and it is these skills Galway will see in action at Phill’s new show, Sketch Comic. There he will interview a comedian, while he and the audience sketch what they see.

Galway is a city that loves to party and #GCF23 has all the ingredients for a good time with Comedy Club Crawls; interactive dinner theatre from Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience; burlesque and cabaret from The Dirty Circus; Gáire as Gaeilge hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin; Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club; a night of nonsense with WOMP Events; and family friendly comedy and magic shows!

Galway Comedy Festival is seven days of mirth, mischief, and madness, a time of big comedy stars, and exciting emerging talent, the perfect opportunity to laugh long and loud, despite the dark nights and colder weather drawing in. For full information and tickets see www.galwaycomedyfestival.ie #GCF23

Photos courtesy Galway Comedy Festival

This October, take the time to go exploring and introduce yourself to some of the stunning spots that call Galway home. Check out where to go this month in Galway right here…

rack ‘n’ roll

Switch up your night out with some friendly competition over a game of pool and pints at McGettigan’s. Their pool tables are a brand new addition to the upstairs bar so once you pick your poison, grab a cue and hit the table. This is the perfect rainy day activity and we all know there’s going to be a few of those this month.

pick up a pumpkin

It’s pumpkin season so naturally on our to-do list this month we recommend going out and picking up a locally grown pumpkin to carve and transform into various scary and spooky designs. You’ll be able to find pumpkins to purchase around the markets, in Ernies’ grocery, at local pumpkin patches and in a variety of other locations. Just remember if you go pumpkin carving tag us on Instagram #thisisgalway.

see galway from all angles

Situated 8km from Tuam, Knockma Hill is famous for its historical importance and its ties to many folklore and fairy legends. Home to a series of archaeological features such as cairns, tombs, hill forts and Castle Hackett at its base, there is loads to discover along its many walking trails. To top it all off, once you reach its summit, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views from all angles.

meet a ghost

Do you believe in ghosts? Well, what better time to brush up on Galway’s haunted history than in the lead up to Halloween. Galway has its fair share of spooky stories such as the ones surrounding Woodlawn House, The Irish Workhouse Centre, Forthill Cemetery, Lynch Memorial Window & more. You can read all about these haunting locations on our website www.thisisgalway.ie.

practice mindfulness

Combining coffee, retail, wellness and community together in a wholesome storefront. Súil Eile Space embodies a love for the local Barna area through all they do. Serving speciality Calendar coffee, and delicious baked treats in the café, alongside a retail shop of locally sourced products. They are also home to a wellness studio, which hosts regular restorative yoga, breathwork, sound bathing and reiki classes with professional instructors.

Words:

Gráinne Thornton

Illustrations: Áine

Out of the Woods and onto the Big Screen: A.M. Shine’s ‘The Watchers’

Two years following its publication, A.M. Shine’s debut novel ‘The Watchers’ is on schedule for its global release in cinemas next summer. Under the guidance of Ishana Night Shyamalan as she makes her feature directorial debut, this is your sign to keep watching as The Watchers come to life.

Speaking with its creator, Galway literary horror author, Al Shine, the reality of seeing his fictional world come to life on set has yet to sink in. Upon visiting the cast - Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré and Oliver Finnegan - and crew on set in Ardmore Studios, Wicklow, Al tells us; “I got to stand in the coop and chat to Madeline, Mina and everyone. It was one of the most surreal experiences of my life because these characters had lived in my head for so long.”

The book, The Watchers, was released on October 14th 2021, and it was shortly before Christmas of the same year when Al was alerted to the interest it was gathering. His book had made its way onto famed director M. Night Shyamalan’s desk who, within 48 hours of reading it, had already decided it needed to be made into a movie. “When I met Night the first thing that struck me was that he knew the book so well - the scenes, the characters and the mythology. He also knew how to fill in the grey areas, answering any questions that I’d left open to interpretation.” adding that “[Night] thought that would be a great fit for his daughter, Ishana, who was about to make her directorial debut. So even from the beginning it was really Ishana’s baby.” Al admits; “After having met Night in person you can see why he is like a creative force. It’s amazing really, his ideas are constantly coming, and Ishana shares that same gift.”

As anticipation for the movies grows, Al’s eagerness to see The Watchers on the big screen is infectious. While the story varies minimally between book and movie, Al gives credit to Ishana and crew for adding their ideas to his tale and making the horror far more visually unsettling. “I’m excited to see how they actually portray the watchers because in the novel it’s very ambiguous, I relied on the reader to make their own invention in their head of what they look like.” He adds; “I know for the movie they’ll definitely show more than I described in the novel. I’ve seen their concept art and it’s terrifying. I want to see how they are brought to life because these artists are geniuses, they are top of their game.”

As Al takes in everything that has happened over the last few years, he confesses; “All I ever wanted was to write. That’s why I worked any job to keep a roof over my head, and I would spend every night and day off writing, putting in the hours in the hope of one day making it. The dream was to make enough money so I could write books full time because that’s always what I’ve loved doing. I never thought that “The Watchers” would be adapted into a movie, that’s more than I ever asked for.”

‘The Watchers’ and ‘The Creeper’ are both available in Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop or online across all platforms. To stay up to date on Al Shine’s latest work, check out his website at www. amshinewriter.com.

Words: Gráinne Thornton

Photography: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

FREE TO JOIN

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

FREE TO JOIN

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

€5 Student ticket available Mon-Wed

€4 Popcorn: Any size, anytime

· Must be under 25 or have a valid student card

· Membership needs to be renewed after 24 months

€25

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

2 free tickets for Pálás Cinema

10% ticket discount excl. event cinema

10% discount on popcorn

10% discount on hot drinks

10% discount on concessions excl. alcohol & hot food

· Valid for 12 months

€20

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

2 free tickets for Pálás Cinema

10% ticket discount excl. event cinema

10% discount on popcorn

10% discount on hot drinks

10% discount on concessions excl. alcohol & hot food

· Must be over 65

· Valid for 12 months

Festival Highlights from Baboró International Arts Festival for Children

This October, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children will take place from 13th - 22nd October across Galway city and county. As Ireland’s flagship arts festival devoted to children and families, everyone is invited to let their imagination run wild. Artists and performers from as far as Australia, across Europe and closer to home will bring captivating, enchanting and exhilarating theatre, dance, art and more to Baboró this year.

The Shape of Quiet Feelings

Maisie Lee | Ireland | Immersive Installation | Ages 8 -12yrs

What do you feel when you imagine climate change? What colour is that feeling? What shape?

Artists Maisie Lee and Jessica Wilson asked children around Galway to use their imaginations to respond to these and other questions. Their ideas and imaginings are reflected in The Shape of Quiet Feelings. Enter an immersive experience through an atmospheric and sensory world, where children’s imagined stories and creatures take on myth-like qualities. By giving story and form to something that can sometimes feel scary and intangible, The Shape of Quiet Feelings will empower children and their families to consider new approaches to some of the big challenges presented by climate change.

An Ant Called Amy

Julie Sharkey | Ireland | Theatre | Ages 5 -8yrs

This is a story about an ant called Amy, her brother Andy and a Brown Spider. Amy the ant works very hard. When she wins the Employee of the Month Award, Amy feels happiness that drives her to work even harder. However it is only with the help of a Brown Spider that Amy finds true happiness by embracing her brother’s memory in the everyday. A charming and moving story about a busy little ant who learns to slow down.

There Are Little Worlds

Paula Henihan | Ireland | Visual Art | Ages 2 -8yrs

This exhibition explores moments of curiosity and joy through detailed miniature paperworks. Paula has constructed illustrative scenes made from brightly painted paper cut outs that are positioned carefully in layers within tiny boxes. Paula’s work contains scenes that capture pleasant moments, brave moments, quiet and calm moments. You are invited to peer into these little worlds of wonder.

The Crow’s Way

Moonfish Theatre | Ireland | Theatre | Ages 8 -12yrs

If someone follows the Crow’s Way, can they ever make it back? When Gerda’s best friend Cuán ruins their village’s annual ritual, he flees into the wild and dangerous forest. The villagers say he’s gone forever, but Gerda’s not so sure… A stunning new show from the acclaimed Moonfish Theatre, The Crow’s Way is a thrilling and unpredictable tale for children and anyone who loves adventure, brought to life with Moonfish’s signature brand of theatre magic.

Explore the full programme and get your tickets now on www.baboro.ie

Photo by Anita Murphy

Photo by Anita Murphy

2 x Glasses of Prosecco

All art equipment provided

Step-by-step Instruction with local artist

€45pp

October 28th & December 2nd & 14th

B U B B L Y B R U N C H

Make your weekends sparkle!

2 x glasses of bubbly Delicious brunch dish Available Saturdays & Sundays 12pm - 3pm

€20pp

Jazz up your weekend Jazz Sunday! Sip on delicious drinks and savour delectable flavours while you listen to soft jazz with Sarah O’Toole & the Queen Street Ensemble.

October 1st, 15th, 29th

2pm-5pm

Scan for more menus, bookings & more information

SOME UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS AT RÓÍSÍN DUBH

Here is your guide to all the amazing places mentioned in these articles. Each business has a number with which you’ll be able to use to find them on the map. Additionally, you are very welcome to use this map as your guide to exploring all of the wonderful sights around the streets of Galway city.

Map illustration by Fuchsia MacAree

NEW FACES

It’s time to meet and greet a few lovely additions to Galway! In this section, we are introducing you to a trio of businesses who have just recently opened their doors. Extend a céad míle fáilte to…

Daróg Wine Bar

The chic Daróg Wine Bar is an exciting new addition to Galway’s bohemian Westend. Owned and run by husband and wife team, Zsolt Lukacs and Edel McMahon have curated gorgeous pairings between their artisan wine list and stunning range of hot and cold plates.

Now open at 56 Dominick St Lower, Galway’s Westend

Crazy Corn

Crazy Corn is Latin American Street Food at its finest! Chef Byron Godoy Flores has worked magic in curating a menu that is filled with arepas, flautas, tamales and papusas. It’s all corn based and 100% gluten free, complete with delicious ingredients and topped with the most amazing sauces. This is definitely earning its name as a must for foodies in Galway.

Now open at Cross Street Lower, Latin Quarter

SWING Golf

Days of unrivalled fun can be enjoyed at SWING Golf. Their facility caters to golf enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners looking to improve their swing to seasoned players looking for a new challenge. Using the latest TrackMan technology, they offer a fully immersive golf experience that allows you to play on some of the world’s most famous courses without ever leaving Galway!

Now open at Unit 5 Pairc An Clochair, Innplot, Oranmore

Photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

macnas 2023

Breathing Life into Galway’s Streets Once Again

For decades, the Macnas Halloween Parade has animated the streets of Galway in a night of living spectacle. Magnificent puppets, hundreds of dancers, dynamic structures, all drifting through the streets in a grandiose performance creating a tangible sense of mirthful fantasy. The night engulfs Galway; the streets pulsate with a sense of ferocious wonder, building suspended awe across the city.

On October 29th, the theatre company is bringing the parade back after a fouryear hiatus, promising to reignite the spark of storytelling and tradition across the Galway City streets.

We spoke with James Riordan, the 2023 Macnas Artistic Director about this year’s parade, and the feelings of anticipation as we prepare to gather in Galway’s streets once again. James is taking up the role of Artistic Director, full of vision and excitement. He’s currently the Artistic Director of Brú Theatre, based in Galway, and is bringing his thoughtful experience and love of theatre to this year’s parade.

“A lot of Galway audiences feel a real connection to [Macnas], it’s a real part of the cultural makeup of our city,” says James. “There is kind of a larger than life energy to the work that I think Galway audiences respond to.” Since their start in 1986, Macnas has fervently worked to celebrate Galway’s culture and Irish tradition by expanding upon folklore in spectacular showcases of performance. Deeply bred in the bones of Galway, Macnas is the chance encounter with the mystical and concealed characteristics of our own personhood.

The title of this year’s parade is ‘Cnámha La Loba.’ Cnámha, meaning bones in Irish, and the story of La Loba being derived from Slavic and South American folklore. La Loba is an ancient ‘wolf-woman,’ who resurrects people and animals of the past by singing an antiphon of life over their collected bones.

“She wanders the world collecting and preserving bones, especially those which are in danger of being lost to the world,” says James. “As the moon shines bright she sings life into these almost forgotten gods and humans. They rise from the ashes illuminating memories of who we were, before we became what we are.”

When asked why this story was chosen for this year’s parade, James said, “With what’s happening at the minute in the world, I was drawn to look at more Eastern European and Slavic folklore when thinking about the story for this year’s parade, in a hope of celebrating stories from that side of the world. I also like this idea of revisiting the past - looking at tribes and Gods we’ve almost forgotten and to bring them onto the street in glorious technicolor.”

With a glint of anticipation and poignance surrounding him, James continues. “Their time may have passed but we stop and remember, and when we look back we may see ourselves reflected back today. The parade will be full of darkness and light, a feast for the eyes and a celebration of what it is to be human and to all be here together for a moment in time.”

We tell stories to reach beyond what we know, to seek solace, and to keep the embers of our cultures aglow. With reverence and true passion, Macnas brings forth a unique showcase of folklore, myth, and humanity. The spectacle that, for a brief moment, breathes life into the bones of the past, and restores the pulse of our own inner stories.

Words: Chloe Richardson

Image from Macnas 2018

Image from Macnas 2018

howya?

howya?

Howya! Any craic?

Hi guys, it’s great to chat. There’s always craic in Galway!

Tell us about yourself...

My name is Joanna Clusky. I’m a mum of 3, primary school teacher, personal stylist and West of Ireland Mums Talks Ambassador.

At what point did you decide that this was the business for you?

I’ve always loved fashion and finally found the confidence to start my personal shopping business when I turned 40!

What services do you provide?

Hosting style events, image consultations, personal shopping and wardrobe edits.

What do you love about your job?

I love meeting people and helping them find their fashion mojo again. Helping people to build confidence and elevate their wardrobe by making the most of the clothes they already own and showing them how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe.

What brought you to Galway?

I’m a true Galway girl. I went to both primary and secondary in Galway. I left for a couple of years for college & work but always knew I would end up back in Galway and I married a Galway man which helped too.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Galway?

Walk the Salthill Prom, go for a sea swim at ladies beach followed by a Coco coffee and an açai bowl from Álainn.

Tell us one thing that you’d change about Galway?

More places to park my bike in town and more bins for rubbish by the playgrounds. Also more clothing shops.

Tell us a secret...

I’m obsessed with Dijon Mustard and I’ve been known to carry it around in my handbag!

Tell us a joke!

How does a duck buy lipstick? She just puts it on her bill.

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Josh Ritter

On Returning to Ireland and 20 Years of ‘Hello Starling’

Though born in Idaho, Josh Ritter’s Americana music style was fostered and grew up here in Ireland. After Glen Hansard spotted him at an Open Mic in Boston, Josh began touring our country and the continent; playing music, creating life-long connections, writing songs and sleeping on floors. In fact, two songs which would eventually feature on his seminal album Hello Starling were written here. Now, 20 years after the release of that much-loved record, Josh Ritter returns to Ireland and Galway’s Leisureland on October 19th to celebrate its anniversary.

When we picked up the phone to chat with Josh Ritter ahead of the show we were greeted with a joyful hello and exuberant conversation, indicating that he is as excited to return as we are to host him. “It’s wild. I’m psyched to be alive to see it. And I love Galway. I’ve played there a lot in the past and I love just walking around the city, it’s beautiful.” Josh is particularly excited to play in Leisureland, where his daughter loved to go swimming on previous visits. “I think that’s gonna be the challenge, to try and get them out of the pool in time for the show!”

Reflecting on those early days spent galavanting around Europe, Josh tells us there were “so many very intense moments from that time. Stuff was happening! I was sleeping on people’s floors, I was still temp working, and that was all mixed in with these bizarre moments like going over to France and recording in a little farm house, Seymour Stein (record impressario) coming over, the vacuum of being on tour with Joan Baez and The Frames, eating chocolate and watching French people walk down the road. It’s all so vivid!”

Now Josh and his Irish fans can now look forward to thinking back - something the troubadour isn’t all that familiar with. “It’s kinda funny because I naturally resist the idea of looking back. The way my artistic brain seems to work is that I find pleasure in anticipation. I love each step of writing because it allows me to move on to the next which, over time, streamlines into something I really enjoy. Each part of the process, from writing to performing the finished song and having the record in my hand, I like it all, but when it’s done, I’m ready to move on to new things because there’s more exciting stuff in the future. Once it was brought to my attention that it was 20 years I started wondering ‘what is my resistance to that?’ and I think it’s because those are some big feelings back there in that past time, big formative moments that are not always wrapped in a nostalgic glow, sometimes they’re just so bright that they’re hard to look at!”

Thankfully, Josh decided it was an appropriate time to revel in past successes and so the Hello Starling 20th Anniversary Tour was born, partially inspired by another Irish moment with one of Ritter’s musical heroes. “Several years ago we opened for Springsteen down in Kilkenny and that was amazing. Oftentimes, when you’re touring, you don’t get to see your favourite bands because you’re all on the road together but I got the chance to not only see one of my heroes but to perform on the same stage.” It was on the hallowed turf of a GAA pitch that Josh fell in love with the idea of playing a full album straight through in a live setting with “stuff either side to show where it came from and where it led”, just like The Boss!

Josh Ritter’s show at Leisureland on October 19th will provide a rare opportunity to hear a record performed live, the way the artist intended it to sound and the way the fans have grown up listening to it. Josh himself isn’t quite sure how it will turn out but “it’s gonna be a lot of fun to find out!”. Find out for yourself by booking your tickets now via roisindubh.net

Words: Ado Lyons Photography: Sam Kassirer

The way my artistic brain seems to work is that I find pleasure in anticipation.”

Christmas Party Nights at Clayton Hotel Galway

Are you looking to plan the perfect Christmas party night? Then look no further than the award-winning four-star Clayton Hotel Galway. Whether it is a private party, shared big band party night, or just some nibbles in the bar, the Clayton Hotel Galway has the perfect offering for every taste.

Don’t delay in booking a place on either Friday the 8th of December, Saturday the 9th of December or Friday 15th of December for a shared big band Christmas party night. For just €60 per person, enjoy a drinks reception with music from Altrad, a delicious festive meal, Christmas novelties and entertainment provided by a band and DJ. The Amazing Apples will rock the Clayton on Friday the 8th, Sean Slattery and the Connections will entertain on Saturday 9th and Who Knows perform on Friday 15th.

Clayton Hotel Galway offers festive lunches and dinners in their Enclosure Bar & Bistro or Tribes Restaurant. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more casual, they also cater for light bites and drinks. To enquire about any of the festive offerings at Clayton Hotel Galway, call 091-721900 or email their dedicated Christmas co-ordinator on sales.galway@claytonhotels.com.

FRIDAY 8th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Amazing Apples Band & DJ

SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Sean Slattery and the Connections Band & DJ

FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER 2023

Party the night away with Who Knows Band & DJ

what we do

This is Galway’s FREE monthly magazines shine a spotlight on everything great about Galway, speaking directly to thousands of locals and visitors. This is Galway is an essential resource for both visitors and locals alike who are looking for a bit of inspiration and want to discover more about Galway.

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who we are

Artistic Director

Marty Browne

marty@thisisgalway.ie

Editor & Writer

Gráinne Thornton grainne@thisisgalway.ie

Writers

Chloe Richardson

Kernan Andrews

Ado Lyons

Photographer Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Marketing Director

Maxi Browne maxi@thisisgalway.ie

Contributors

Áine Keaveney

Illustration

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