Culture Night 2026: The Galway Events You Won't Want to Miss
It's a gorgeous way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and community the county has to offer, with everything from painting workshops and live music to immersive exhibitions and general celebrations.
We've rounded up our highlights from the extensive line-up that you won't want to miss.
Tulach
From 6pm, head to 126 Gallery & Studios for an extraordinary performance by renowned interdisciplinary artist Sandra Corrigan Breathnach, whose work has featured in prestigious galleries around the world, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Tulach is a performance created by Sandra specifically for Culture Night, with participating artists chosen through an open-call process. The show is concerned with the wonder of human existence, and the cyclical nature of life and death.
No booking is required.
Plámás Party
If you're looking to socialise in a relaxed and upbeat setting, Plámás café on Dominick Street will be hosting their five year birthday party and all are welcome!
Starting from 6.30pm, expect free pizza, discounted treats and drinks, good tunes and lots of chatter.
Pálás an Phobail
Pálás an Phobail – Tasting a Sense of Place is an immersive series of events from Architecture at the Edge, connecting an outdoor installation on Druid Lane, a 'happening' at the Mick Lally Theatre, and a culinary exploration at the Festival Printworks Gallery. It's designed as a sensory evening of eating, sharing ideas and exploring the landscape.
Things kick off at 7pm at the gallery, and go on until 1.30am between the theatre and Druid Lane. Booking is required, and can be done so through architecture.edge@gmail.com.
A Night of New Folk
Contemporary folk band Heron Red will take to the stage at Monroes Tavern for a gorgeous live gig from 7pm.
They're known for their rich harmonies, original songwriting and music that explores community, belonging and place.
Entry is totally free!
Oil Painting Masterclass
At Watershed Studios, from 6-9pm, a curated exhibition of works will highlight a range of styles and disciplines. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with the artwork and the artists, alumni of Watershed Studio’s Art Residency.
Artist Grace O'Malley will also lead a hands-on introduction to techniques in oil painting, suitable for beginners and art enthusiasts alike!
This is event is free and no booking is required. Find out more here.
Performing Prose
For a night of storytelling and new writing, swing by Galway City Library. Performing Prose will see ten invited writers reading fictional pieces that centre around Galway's cultural landscape.
The event is free but booking in advance is appreciated – you can do so here.
Pop Up Céilí
From 6-10pm in Eyre Square, Galway Céilí Club will host an utterly joyous outdoor boogie, bringing the city's dancing heritage to life.
There'll be live music from The Hidden Maple and some other performances dotted throughout the night to keep spirits high.
All are welcome and no booking is required – just show up in your dancing shoes.
Taibhsín: Ó Bhrionglóid go Beo
Pop into the National Irish Language Theatre of Ireland, An Taibhdhearc, for a celebration of a year spent dreaming, making and writing. The night will show new works in development from Taibhsín, a development programme supporting artists working professionally in the Irish language.
Audiences can attend the entire evening of works or experience a selection of new stories as they unfold for the first time. The event kicks off at 7.30pm, and free tickets can be booked in advance here.
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