Events Near Our Galway Hotel
Corofin Trad Festival
February 27th-March 4th 2013
Traditional Music with various sessions in the local pubs and a Concert nightly in Teach Ceoil. For a full programme of events visit the festival website.
For more see - www.corofintradfest.com/
March 2013
Head of the River Rowing Regatta
09th March 2013
This year the Head of the River will be organised by NUIG Boat Club and Tribesmen, and it takes place from the mouth of the lake to a little downstream from the Quincentennial Bridge, on March 09th. The small boats race for fours and double sculls starts at 10.30am, the race for single sculls and pairs starts at 1.30pm, and the race for eights and quad sculls starts at 4pm. Several hundred competitors will be involved, and the best viewing points are Dangan slip, the college grounds near the bridge, or the Quincentennial Bridge. www.galwayheadoftheriver.ie
Players Tour Championship Grand Finals
12th - 19th March 2013
Nine of the world’s top ten ranked snooker stars are among the 32 competitors who have qualified to contest the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Galway in March. World number one and Masters champion Mark Selby, world number two Mark Williams, world champion John Higgins, potting sensation Judd Trump and Asia’s top player Ding Junhui will join Ireland’s Ken Doherty among the cast of star names appearing at the Bailey Allen Hall at NUI Galway from March 12 to 17.
more info: www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
St. Patricks Festival
11th - 17th March 2013
St Patrick's Festival in Galway is a platform to showcase local artists and community groups. The event aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events. www.stpatricksfestivalgalway.com
April 2013
Galway Food Festival
28th March-01rst April
Celebrating Galway as a good food destination, 2013 will be the second year of the Galway Food Festival and is sure to build on the success of the 2012 event. The festival will promote good food and good food outlets in Galway, as well as showcasing food producers based in Galway and in the West. The festival takes place in April primarily because it is the time of year when some of the best local ingredients become available, such as Connemara Spring Lamb, and it is also the time when trout and salmon are being caught locally.
For more see - www.galwayfoodfestival.com
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
April 5th-7th 2013
Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops and outdoor entertainment. The 2012 festival was a great success with the town filled with music and excitement throughout the whole weekend. The festival includes Music Workshops, Sean Nos Dance Workshops, Youth Sessions, Traditional Music Mass, Pub Sessions throughout the whole weekend, "Farewell Session" on Sunday.
For more see - www.clifdentradfest.com
Connemara International Marathon
April 7th 2013
2013 is the 12th Connemara Marathon and a celebration night will be held in both Galway and Clifden. Comprising of a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and a 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon all taking place in April. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more see -www.connemarathon.com
Lughnasa Festival at Craggaunowen
April 2013 (dates to be confirmed)
Come and experience Ireland's history and heriatge from Bronze Age to Medieval Times in Craggaunowen, Quin, Co. Clare. The Lughnasa event features a fantastic array of costumed re-enactors depicting life in Ireland from the Bronze Age to Medieval times. There will be lots to see and do including combat demonstrations, brehon law trials, ancient cooking demonstrations, artefacts and weapons display, ancient fun and games for the kids and much more! www.shannonheritage.com
Cuirt International Festival of Literature
23rd-28th April 2013
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The festival annually brings approximately sixty authors of local, national and international repute to Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings and much, much more.
For more see - www.cuirt.ie
May 2013
Connemara Mussel Festival
03rd - 05th May 2013
A celebration of Killary Mussels harvested from “One of the Forty Places to See Before you Die” takes place from 03rd - 05th May 2013, on the glorious Renvyle Peninsula in North Connemara. This is the eighth year of the festival and promises that more mussels will be eaten here this weekend than in any other part of the country. Last year, over a ton of mussels were eaten and organisers are set to harvest three tonnes of Killary Mussels for this year's celebrations, which include music, fun, mussel cooking competitions, children's treasure hunts and set dancing, to name but a few.
For more see - www.connemaramusselfestival.com
Fleadh Na gCuach Festival
03rd - 06th May 2013
Fleadh na gCuach (The Cuckoo Festival) takes place each year in the scenic fishing village of Kinvara, Co. Galway on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. It is a very popular Traditional Irish Music festival with over 50 music sessions in the villages' pubs over the weekend. In addition to the music, one can also find Art & Crafts, Poetry, Drama during the festival.
For more see - www.kinvara.com
Leenane Mountain Walking Festival
03rd - 05th May 2013
The Leenane Mountain Walking Festival includes a choice of high-level mountain walks or a low-level option, and enjoy a unique combination of mountain and sea along the way. There will be transport to and from the mountains, including a speedboat across Killary Harbour to Mweelrea Mountain.
For more see - www.leenanevillage.com
An Tostal Salthill
05th May 2013
An Tóstal is a celebration of local currach racing traditions and the Galway hooker racing and much more. Many boats are expected to participate in races from the average 33 - 44ft boat known locally as na báid mhóra to smaller boats which ar a 28-33ft known as leathbháid and of course the gleoiteoga. Rowing teams will travel from Co. Clare , Donegal, Conamara, Kerry, Limerick and Cork to participate in this year’s currach racing activities on the day.
As well as water activities such as sand castle competitions, tug of war and other games will take place on Trá na mBan in Salthill throughout the day. Later in the evening the talented Conamara singer Cairíona Ní Cheannbháin and her band will perform in the Office Bar in Salthill. Many of the events will take place on Ladies Beach which is located in front of the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. Everybody welcome to this wonderful fun day out!
For more see www.antostalsalthill.com
Connemara Adventure Challenge
11th May 2013
The race has three disciplines: Trail / Mountain Running, Kayaking and Cycling. The course will be exceptional, the scenery spectacular, so now all that's needed is good weather. The Connemara Adventure Challenge is 31km in total and it is open to racers of all levels.
For more see - http://www.gaelforceevents.com/connemara/
Inishbofin Half-Marathon
18th May 2013
The half marathon will take place on Saturday in mid May. The route, which will utilise the main road around the island, offers stunning views from every side of the island and will be challenging! Uniquely, due to the narrow roads, this 13.1 mile run or walk is offered as a time-trial with runners/ walkers starting in pairs at 15 second intervals. This adds to the excitement of the event, as the winner is announced based on time analysis, rather than first home! Contact Jeremy on 091-542404 or email jeremy@croi.ie for further information.
For more see - www.croi.ie/events/inishbofin-half-marathon-1
Galway Early Music Festival
09th-12th May 2013
The Galway Early Music Festival Featuring concerts, workshops, street performances
of music, dance and historical re-enactment.
For more see - www.galwayearlymusic.com
Galway County Fleadh
18th May 2013
The Galway County Fleadh will take place in Clifden in mid May, 2013. This will be the first round of competitions on the path to the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan in August. Events will include competitions, music concert, music sessions and lots more.
For more see - www.clifdencomhaltas.com
Burren Slow Food Festival
17th-19th May 2013
The annual Burren Slow Food Festival gives visitors the opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, mix with fellow foodies, see cookery demonstrations from well known chefs and get a true taste of Co. Clare culture in the beautiful setting of the Burren. The three day event showcases the best elements of food culture in Clare from the local growers, producers and traders that make Clare such a unique and dynamic food destination.
For more see - www.slowfoodclare.com
Roundstone Bay 8K
18th May 2013
The 3rd annual Roundstone Bay 8K takes place during mid May in the heart of Connemara. The course itself consists of a figure of eight loop, beginning and ending in Roundstone village, and taking in some spectacular coastal views along the way. Both runners and walkers are welcome and the organisers have endured to put on an event that will cater to all types of participant. Proceeds from the race will go towards the local RNLI Lifeboat service, a hugely worthwhile charity that relies entirely on donations and fundraising to ensure its viability.
For more see -www.roundstonebay8k.com
Clare Burren Marathon
May 25th 2013
With a mini, half and full marathon this event with a starting point in Ballyvaughan, it is a great option for walkers, runners and have a go heroes!
For more see - www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com
Tour de Conamara - Celtic Series 2013
May 25th
Tour de Conamara is the Irish leg of a new international cycling sportive held in Clifden Connemara, with the option of 140km and 80km routes. A 14km Family cycle with free cycling tuition for kids will be hosted during the weekend making it a cycling weekend with something for everyone.
Galway African Film Festival
May 25th - 27th
The Galway African Film Festival, now in its sixth year, will run from May 25 to 27 with the aim of presenting an African view on Africa through film and promoting the best up and coming new talent from the African continent.
more info: www.galwayafricanfilmfestival.org
Clifden Gardening Festival
Late May 2013(Dates to be Confirmed)
The Clifden Gardening Festival will include a series of illustrated talks and coach trips to local gardens.
June 2013
Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure
01st June 2013
Connemara Rough Diamond adventure race involves a beach run, an assault course, a bike ride and a mountain race. There will be a sports and elite race. Sports race . Beach Steeplechase 1mile 4 furlong, 21km road cycle, 10 minute assault course, mountain run 7.5km. Entry €55 and €180 for 4 person team with an earlybird rate €45 and €160 for a team of 4.
For more see - www.connemararoughdiamond.com
Galway Sea Festival
31st May - 02nd June 2013
A new festival celebrating Galway’s status as a maritime city is to take place this summer as part of tourism initiative The Gathering. The inaugural Galway Sea Festival will run over the June Bank Holiday Weekend with a focus on maritime activities and will feature family events, including seafood trails, music, dance and entertainment.
Havana Cultura Festival
31st May - 02nd June 2013
Cuban-inspired music, dance, street entertainment, art and cultural events feature in the busy programme of on-street and on-premise activity, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a colorful Cuban atmosphere reminiscent of Havana itself. An eclectic and fun-filled Latin Street Party, its three-day programme of free events will bring the rhythms and sounds of Havana to the medieval streets of Galway.
For more see - www.thelatinquarter.ie
Sky Road 10K Challenge
02nd June 2013
The Sky Road 10K Challenge takes place in Clifden on Sunday, 2nd June. It is run for a charity of your choice. There will be a first prize of €500 for the fastest male and female. Entry is €20. Walkers are welcome.
For more see - www.clifdenchamber.ie
Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival
02nd June 2013
The first Markel Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Festival takes place on Sunday, 02nd June, amidst the stunning surroundings of one of Ireland's hidden castle treasures overlooking Europe's largest privately-owned lake, just outside Gort, Co Galway. The race has a distance for all levels, whether first timers or elites.
For more see - www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
Galway Sessions
June 17th-23rd 2013
Traditional music sessions taking place in multiple venues in Galway City, including the Crane Bar, Róisín Dubh, Monroe's Tavern, The Quays, Tigh Neachtáin, Tigh Cóilí, Taffees, Massimo's, and Áras na Gael.
For more see - www.galwaysessions.com
Galway Bike Festival
June 2013
Galway Bike Week 2013 takes place in June with cycling events all over Galway county, organised the local authority, community groups, charities and cycling groups.
For more see - www.galwaycycling.org
July 2012
Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show
14th July 2013
The 8th Annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show takes place in mid-July, 2013, at the Showground. The main event, the Connemara Pony Show, consists of 20 in-hand classes showcasing all ages and varieties of Connemara Pony. A Dog Show and Sheep Show are also included in the day’s events. A great day out is assured for competitors and spectators alike. The deadline for entry is late June.
For more see - www.roundstoneevents.com
Galway Film Fleadh
9th -14th July
Film festival for feature films and shorts. 2013 marks the 25th Galway Film Fleadh,
and the central goal of the festival remains unchanged: to bring together audiences and filmmakers within an intimate environment and share a common experience.
For more see - www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
Galway Fringe Festival
15th-18th July
Running in parallel with the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Fringe Festival aims to provide a platform for local artists, writers, playwrights, poets, actors and musicians to perform and showcase new work.
For more see - www.galwayfringe.ie
Galway Garden Festival
6th -7th July 2013
Galway Garden Festival is held in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle in mid July. Nursery suppliers from across Ireland will share a wealth of planting experience with all who browse the plant stalls’ extensive range of plants, trees, seeds, and shrubs. Garden equipment, from hoes to glasshouses to woven willow baskets. Celebrated gardeners will provide advice and the work of organisations such as Bóthar, The Beekeepers Federation, and The Organic Centre, Co Leitrim, can be appreciated at the stands in the castle grounds.
For more see - www.galwaygardenfestival.com
Galway Arts Festival
15th - 28th July 2013
One of Europe most inventive, vibrant & colorful events. A truly international celebration of the performing and visual arts which takes place in and around Galway City each July.
For more see - www.galwayartsfestival.com
Omey Dash Triathlon
27th July 2013
Starts at Acton’s Eco Campsite Claddaghduff Clifden Connemara. All proceeds are in aid of the local Claddaghduff community Hall. This has extensive community support in obtaining funds to repay for the refurbishment of the hall.
For more see - www.omeydash.com
The Galway Races - Summer Festival Meeting
29th July - 4th August 2013
Galway Race course, Ballybrit, Galway. Ireland's premier horse racing festival. Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breath-taking fashion, you are at the Galway Races. Situated on the outskirts of Galway city, in the West of Ireland, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.
For more see - www.galwayraces.com
