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FESTIVALS IN GALWAY
Baboró Galway International Children's Festival
October
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is the leading Irish Arts Festival devoted exclusively to children. Over 60,000 children have attended shows and participated in workshops since Baboró began in 1997.
Baboró on Tour features performances throughout Galway County , making the arts even more accessible for young people.
See the website www.baboro.ie for further information. Ph: +353 (0)91 562 667 Fx: +353 (0)91 562 642
Baffle Poetry Festival
October
A festival of ‘poetry and craic' in the pleasant surroundings of Loughrea, held in the Fall, with participation encouraged, so visitors come prepared to perform! Presenting a whole new concept in pub entertainment and poetry performance Baffle is a festival where the visitor can be the hero by composing his/her own poem and reading it to an audience in an exciting “poetry slam” atmosphere. The Bafflers themselves meet every week in the bright and bibulous town of Loughrea , reciting and performing poetry in local public houses, and bringing the Baffle bandwagon to festivals all around Ireland
E-mail: info@baffle.ie
Website : www.baffle.ie
Ballinasloe Community Arts Festival
July
Ballinasloe Marina and Suck River provide the backdrop for a charming festival in the scenic water meadows of East Galway. Attractions included The Floating Theatre, a beautiful old river barge that hosts a myriad of events including weeklong workshops, music and dramatisations. The festivities are not just confined to the marina; there are exhibitions and activities taking place in many venues throughout the town and there is an extremely colourful parade and pageant amongst the stately streets of this famously hospitable old Galway town.
Contact: 087 2788402
Website : www.ballinasloe.com
Ballinasloe Great October Fair and Festival
October
A week filled with horse jumping, tug o' war, lunging competitions, horse sales, street entertainment, and an agricultural show. One of Europe 's oldest markets the Ballinasloe Horse Fair is held in the streets and fairgreen of East Galway 's chief town. Originating in the “Gathering of Hostings” dating back to the High Kings of Tara the fair and festival continues to be the biggest economic and cultural event in the Ballinasloe calendar and an engrossing introduction to the joys of Irish country life, of horsy people and country folk.
For more information, telephone: Mary Phelan on 087 2071869
E-mail : octoberfair@eircom.net
Website : www.ballinasloe.com
Clarinbridge Oyster Festival
September
The glorious Galway Bay oyster fully deserves a festival to itself and here in Clarinbridge, a quaint marine oasis nestling against the softest shore of Galway Bay the beautiful bivalve is well and truly celebrated. The Festival kicks off with a Market Day in the village green which celebrates the crafts of South Galway and North Clare. It is a weekend carnival of gastronomic delight with side orders of music, song, dance and storytelling and double helpings of South Galway charm and chat, it is an edible and enlightening experience featuring field trips, archaeology, art, photography, local history, something for every taste.
Ticket Line: 091 796766
E-mail : info@clarenbridge.com
Website : www.clarenbridge.com
Clifden Community Arts Week
September
Clifden Community Arts Week has true cultural excellence amongst the grandeur of Ireland 's own wild west, the noble peaks and salty shores of Connemara . Every year the end of summer sees the cream of leading international artists make their way to Clifden for readings, exhibitions, performances and concerts in this elevated and elegant old town where Nobel prize-winners rub shoulders with shepherds, where the Booker Prize, the Pulitzer and the award for best pony in Connemara receive equal grave attention, as local artists, their visitors and friends come together in convivial creativity.
For more information, contact: 095 21295
Website : www.clifdenartsweek.ie
Conamara Bog Week / Sea Week
Combining the artistic and the scientific in a unique contemplation of Connemara 's environment and culture these Letterfrack based festivals - one in the Spring, the other in the Autumn - are truly holistic happenings. Great music, informative lectures and discussions and an opportunity to see the Atlantic waters and western landscapes with new eyes. Featuring exhibitions, traditional music sessions, readings, lectures, archaeological and scientific field trips and expeditions in the heart of Connemara (or in the beloved old spelling used for these festivals, Conamara).
Cooley Collins Festival of Traditional Music, Gort
October
South County Galway is one of the great locales for authentic traditional Irish Music. Each Fall the ancient town of Gort , capital of South County Galway, hosts a unique gathering of outstanding local musicians and their friends, playing together over a long weekend of fun and fine music in tribute to two of Ireland 's greatest musicians, local men both, Kieran Collins and Joe Cooley. Whilst both “musicianers” have passed over to the great session in the sky their musical heirs and accompanists continue their heritage, the streets of Gort echoing to the passionate sound of South Galway and North Clare.
Cruinniú na mBád
August
Celebrating the still living tradition of the red sails in the sunset this fabulous regatta hosts the legendary Galway Bay turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers. Cruinniú na mBád means “gathering of the boats”; whilst the romantic old craft foregather and race through the Bay art and crafts exhibitions, photography, street spectacles and drama workshops for children, poetry readings are all part of the celebrations ashore.
Tel: 086 2510922
Email: drbrogan@gmail.com
Website : www.kinvara.com
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
April
The Cúirt Festival ambitious programme of live readings from renowned international writers and new writers ranges across the gamut of literary media, in a rich, diverse and exciting programme, which attracts literature professionals and enthusiasts as well as seducing new audiences. Easily Ireland 's most prestigious literature festival and good fun too! Readings and workshops over the years have featured Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, Edna O'Brien, Allen Ginsberg and Margaret Atwood amongst a host of stars, whilst also showcasing Ireland 's newest and freshest literary talent. Cúirt is the Gaelic word for ‘court'.
Tel: 091 565886
E-mail : info@galwayartscentre.ie
Website : www.galwayartscentre.ie
Féile Chomortha Joe Éinniú
May
Joe Heaney was Ireland 's greatest sean-nós (old style) traditional singer. Based for many years in Seattle his impressive performance style was an inspiration and reference point for the folk revival of the nineteen sixties whilst his uncompromising artistic integrity won him generations of admirers world-wide. Now his home place, the granite rocks of Carna in South Connemara hosts a beautiful little festival dedicated to the styles of singing and playing beloved of this most iconic of Irishmen.
Tel: 095 33599 or 087 2569651
Fleadh na gCuach
May
Galway 's prettiest village Kinvara is home to the outstanding music of South Galway and North Clare. Each year Kinvara welcomes the spring with its “Cuckoo Fleadh” (fleadh is the Gaelic for festival) featuring great music, song, poetry, drama, literature, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations of performing arts.
Website : www.kinvara.com
Galway Arts Festival
July
Founded in 1978, Galway Arts Festival is Ireland 's leading multi-disciplinary arts festival, incorporating theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy. Since its inception, the Festival has become a platform for Irish & International art of the highest quality and is now established as one of Europe 's key cultural events. The Festival has been an important catalyst for artistic development in Galway . It has prompted an awareness of and created a sustained demand for the performing and visual arts. It has helped to realise an improvement in the city's arts venue infrastructure, acted as a stimulus for artistic innovation and provided a pivotal springboard for many artistic careers. It has also been a seedbed for a large number of dynamic, innovative arts organisations in Galway.
Tel: 091 509700
E-mail : info@galwayartsfestival.ie
Website : www.galwayartsfestival.com
Galway Early Music Festival
The narrow medieval streets of Galway each spring host the glorious sounds of Early Music, with visiting consorts, ensembles and soloists from the city's traditional trading partners of Spain, France and Italy predominating. Galway 's beautiful old buildings never seem more gorgeous than when they echo to the glorious sounds of early music.
Contact: Maura on 087 9305506
E-mail : info@galwayearlymusic.com
Website : www.galwayearlymusic.com
Galway Film Fleadh
July
The Galway Film Fleadh is an annual six-day event held every July. The Fleadh presents a programme of over 70 Irish and International features, shorts, documentaries and animations coupled with a diverse range of events including tributes, debates, masterclasses, public interviews, workshops and hosts the Film Fair - Ireland's only Film and Television Market.
Galway Film Fleadh 36d Merchants Dock, Merchants Road, Galway
Tel: 091 562200
E-mail : info@galwayfilmfleadh.com
Website : www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
Galway Theatre Festival
October
This festival is being produced by the Galway Arts Centre in conjunction with six up and coming Galway based professional theatre companies. Zelig, Dragonfly, Fregoli, Mephisto, Selkie and Moonfish are coming together to provide a feast of new and innovative theatre. The festival will run over 5 days and include over 20 performances, a number of worshops and masterclasses, rehearsed readings and festival club.
For any further questions please email Rachel at galwaytheatrefestival@gmail.com .
Galway International Oyster Festival
September
Come and celebrate life! This unique event is about friends, fun, fabulous seafood combined with world class non-stop entertainment in the unique charming medieval city of Galway . One of the most famous gastronomic festivals in the world the Galway Oyster Festival features tremendous exhibitions and music as well as the adorable oyster.
Email: info@galwayoysterfest.com
Website : www.galwayoysterfest.com
Galway Jazz FestivalAugust
The Galway Jazz Festival will take place in August. Concerts, events and workshops will take place in vrious locations throughout the City of Galway , and will feature the best of Jazz.
For further information on this exciting new festival please contact:
E-mail : info@galwayjazzfestival.com
Website : www.galwayjazzfestival.com
Galway Junior Film Fleadh
November
The Junior Film Fleadh will run for five days during November and will screen Irish and international cinema, run film and animation workshops and other events focusing on young people and cinema. The film workshops allow young people a hands-on experience of film, tutored by industry professionals.
E-mail: juniorfilmfleadh@iol.ie or log onto www.juniorfilmfleadh.ie
Inishbofin Community Arts Festival
May
The island of Inishbofin lies a few miles off the coast of Northwest Connemara . One of the least spoilt and most beautiful islands in the world Inishbofin has for generations been a place of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers including Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Theodore Roethke, Richard Murphy and Seamus Heaney. The Inishbofin Festival celebrates the Islanders' native creativity, and that of their friends with readings, exhibitions, archaeology/maritime/environmental walks, cultural discussions and children's events and great music from visiting giants of the Irish traditional/rock/middle of the road music scene. A must for anyone who wants a weekend away with a true difference.
E-mail : bofindev@eircom.net
Website : www.inishbofin.com
Kilconnell Fact Week
June
FACT , ‘ Festival for Arts Culture and Theatre' , has been running since 1992. The festival which focuses on Art, Culture and Theatre encourages both adults and children to take part in various events, competitions and drama encouraging a sense of pride of place in the area. A festival parade takes place along with a re-enactment of a traditional Fair Day, art classes and competitions are run, fancy dress for children takes place, also poetry readings, Irish music and dance are among some the events that take place.
Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering
September
The meetings known as the Autumn Gatherings are held in Coole Park Gort, County Galway . The meetings continue the studies of the life and times of Augusta Persse of Roxborough, who became Lady Gregory of Coole Park and as such made her unique contribution to the Irish Literary Revival and to the cultural life of twentieth century Ireland . Her home at Coole Park was opened to poets, writers and artists whom she encouraged, assisted and supported most generously.
Phone 086-8053917 or email monaleen@msn.com.
Mickie Timothy Summer School
August
Williamstown, in the Northeast corner of County Galway , is home to a Traditional Music and Set Dancing Festival aptly named for one of Galway 's most vibrant characters, Mickie Timothy, a legendary accordion player and singer. Williamstown is famous in set dancing circles, both in Ireland and abroad for its very own Williamstown set. Now it's famous for its Festival too!
MÚScailt
February
Múscailt (awaken/inspire/celebrate) is NUI Galway's annual spring Festival of the Arts which showcases the artistic achievements of the University Community - students, staff and graduates, on and off the campus. This Festival features not only the outstanding talents of many members of the University community, but also national and international artists.
Múscailt is a joyous collaboration between the Arts office, the Societies office, the Societies, Students and Staff of the University which results in this explosion of creativity and talent.
Tel . 091 512062
E-mail : fionnuala.gallagher@nuigalway.ie
Website : www.muscailt.nuigalway.iewww.nuigalway.ie/arts_office/
Plearaca Chonamara
October
Bíonn Pléaráca Chonamara, féile ealaíon phobail na Gaeltachta ar bun i dtús an Fhómhair ar fud cheantar Ghaeltachta Chonamara Theas. Déantar ceiliúradh ar na healaíona traidisiúnta chomh maith leis na healaíona comhaimseartha – damhsa, ceol, sean-nós, taispeántais, dramaíocht, imeachtaí do pháistí agus go leor eile. Spraoi agus spleodar ó Bhearna go Carna.
Website : www.plearaca.ie
E-mail: plearaca@eircom.net
Roundstone Open Arts Week
July
Every high summer Roundstone, the quaint fishing village in West Connemara presents an open “celebration of the arts, include painting, sculpture, crafts, song, music, dance, literature, history and archaeology. Including artists' residencies, exhibitions, music performances, lectures, literary readings and traditional set dances with local singing and instruments Roundstone provides a good mix of events, showcasing the work of well-known professionals as well as providing a platform for aspiring young artists.
Website : www.connemara.net/roundstone-open-artsweek
THE OLIVER ST. JOHN GOGARTY SOCIETY LITERARY FESTIVAL 2008
At Renvyle House Hotel, Connemara, Co. Galway
Renvyle House was the former home of Oliver St. John Gogarty and has played host to many famous people including Lady Gregory, Augustus John, and W.B. Yeats. It has been a meeting place for the poets and writers who helped to create the new Irish Free State.
Please log onto the website below for full programme details for this years very exciting programme
Email: gogartysociety@gmail.com
Tuam Arts Festival
August
Earwig! Tuam Community Arts Group was formed in October 2003 to provide Tuam and its surroundings with an outlet for its wealth of creative talent, using street theatre as an active a practical approach to expanding Community involvement in Artistic activities. Earwig! organise the Tuam Arts Festival annually featuring arts events representing visual arts, theatre, drama, spectacle, music and street performances as well as training workshops. The event features over thirty locally based artists augmented by groups and individuals from Galway & its environs. Highlights of the festival have included The Saw Doctors and Tommy Tiernan.
E-mail: midiemags@eircom.net
TULCA – Season of Visual Art
TULCA is the Gaelic word for wave, flood, deluge, gush, outpouring. It is an independent organisation that reflects a unique coming together of eight arts organizations. Working through partnership TULCA – season of Visual art projects that engages and inspires. This allows the whole community of Galway and the West of Ireland to become active participants in visual culture, that celebrate with vitality what the visual arts have to offer.
E-mail : info@tulca.ie
Website : www.tulca.ie
Shorelines Arts Festival Portumna Sept 17th to Sept 20th
Shorelines Arts Festival Portumna is taking place this year from Sept. 17th until Sept. 20th.
The festival features a full line up of art, arts, and arts-related events.
We will have an art, photography, and craft exhibition in "The Old Convent" - same venue as last year, running throughout the whole festival.
Also on offer are a myriad of events - drama for teenagers, drama for kids, poetry, creative writing, singing, craft making, storytelling for under fives, short documentary screenings, hip-hop dance classes for teenagers, DJing workshops, and much more.
A table quiz will be held in The Boathouse Bar on Friday.
As well as that, there will be poetry readings in pubs and other venues, a mixed-arts night in
Further information is available on www.PortumnaArtsGroup.com .
