Galway is celebrated as the city of festivals, hosting everything from comedy to ukulele festivals and much more. The city offers an abundant array of gatherings and activities, making it the ultimate destination to visit this summer. While we may not boast tropical weather, the summer in Galway is always lively, filled with the vibrant atmosphere of various festivals and street parties. Here, we highlight some of the biggest festivals happening in Galway over the summer months.
Galway Fim Fleadh
The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s premier film festival, is a six-day international event held every July, showcasing a diverse range of feature films and shorts from around the world. 2024 marks the 36th edition of this renowned festival, which aims to bring together audiences and filmmakers in an intimate setting to share a unique cinematic experience. Screenings will take place at the Pálás Cinema and Town Hall Theatre in the heart of Galway city.
This year’s festival will feature 80 exciting foreign and Irish feature films, with world premieres accounting for 25% of the lineup. Many of the films are from debut directors, and there will be over 100 new short films. The festival continues to highlight diverse, emerging voices in cinema, serving as a launchpad for new talent.
Galway International Arts Festival
One of the main highlights of the year, the 47th Galway International Arts Festival will take place over two weeks in July. The festival will showcase an extensive range of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events, featuring artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course, Ireland and Galway.
The 2024 festival is set to present its most ambitious program yet, including new opera and theatre productions, world premieres, Live at the Heineken Big Top concerts, the First Thought program, and extraordinary visual art and street spectacles.
Galway Races
Ireland’s biggest and most famous racing festival, the Galway Races, takes place during the last week of July. Running from Monday, 29 July to Sunday, 4 August, the 2024 festival promises seven days of unparalleled racing action. Each year, over 100,000 attendees experience the excitement of the races, with the city buzzing at night and many enjoying the festivities well into the evening.
This joyous, fun-filled week leaves visitors with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and cherished memories, even if their wallets might be a bit lighter. We are very proud sponsors of The Galway Races.
Join us at The Residence Hotel and immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere that makes Galway the ultimate summer destination.