What to See, Do and Book in Galway This June
From free events for children and young people, to colourful compositions, folk music and film, this month’s picks are hands-on, thought provoking, and immersive.
Create
It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since we heard the now-viral wholesome banger, The Spark, which was released to celebrate the 2024 iteration of Cruinniú na nÓg. This year, June 7th is the date to mark in your diary as Galway joins in the nationwide day of free creativity for children, and young people.
A busy programme of workshops, performances, and activities are scheduled across the city and county, including Cyanotype workshops in Tuam’s Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha (for 5-12 year-olds), Sing Along Social Disco at Clifden’s Station House Theatre (for 16-18 year-olds), Plein Air Drawing with Connemara Crayons at Oughterard’s Clann Resource Centre (for 5-15 year-olds), comic book creative writing at Fr Burke Park (for 13-18 year-olds), and also in the same location, a banner-making working focused on LGBT+ youth voices (for 13-18 year-olds), and much more.
See
For its first solo exhibition of 2025, Outset Gallery has welcomed a new series of works by Niamh Swanton, below. Running until June 22nd, ‘It’s All a Bit of Fun (Until Somebody Gets Hurt)’ sees the performative photographer continue to explore vulnerability, humour and emotional catharsis in colourful, and offbeat compositions.
June also brings an artist talk and workshop — details to be announced on the gallery’s social channels. For now, opening hours are Tuesday 11:00–17:00, Wednesday–Saturday 10:00–17:30, and Sunday 12:00–17:00. Follow @outset_gallery for more details.
Attend
Running from June 4th-8th across four stages at Monroe’s Tavern and at the Town Hall Theatre, the fourth Galway Folk Festival will see over 50 performances by both leading Irish and international artists.
Highlights include Lloyd Cole’s exclusive festival set and Martha Wainwright’s 20th-anniversary performance of her debut album, plus Fionn Regan, KÍLA, The Scratch, Daoirí Farrell, and Seán Keane. Nab a ticket or two to individual shows or go all-in and commit to an all-inclusive option.
Apply
If you are or know a film fanatic between 16 and 24 years-old, Galway Film Fleadh wants to hear from you. Its Generation Jury initiative closes for applications on Friday, June 6th at 17:00, and successful applicants who join the jury will watch films, select an award winner, and connect with other young cinephiles. Behind-the-scenes insights into the world of filmmaking will also be gained. A preparation workshop will be offered ahead of the screenings.
Book
It’s unlikely you need to be reminded of the 2025 Galway International Arts Festival, running 14-27 June, but tickets are moving fast for hot shows, and some, like Kevin Barry’s The Cave are already sold out. So if you haven’t booked yet, don’t delay any further.
Also, set a reminder for June 24th when Galway Film Fleadh announce the full programme details for its week-long celebration this July 8th-13th. Or take a look at what's already been publicised so far at galwayfilmfleadh.com.
Reconnect
Global Wellness Day on June 14th is a chance to celebrate healthy living with free events across Galway, Greystones, Donegal, and online.
In Galway, St. Joseph's Community Centre in Shantalla becomes a hub of healing and connection. The day begins at 10:30 am with a hands-on Herbal First Aid workshop led by Solaris Tea founders Karin and Jörg Müller. Then, move into a joyful Dance to Reconnect session with Nora Julie Veres of Nia Movement, followed by a grounding Meditation and Movement Practice with Laragh Cunningham and Sarah Thornton from Soul Moves Studio.
The day closes with ‘Reconnect to Joy and Peace in Your Community’, an uplifting evening of music featuring the Galway Sing Circle Choir, led by Ebanie Powell, with special guests Tom Portman and DJ Des Richmond. Make sure to register here and follow their page for updates @globalwellnessdayireland.
Shop
Following the success of their gorgeous Easter market at The Aviary in the Connacht Hotel, Galway Gnó, a Galway-based independent artisan collective, is bringing back its fabulous market to the Súil Eile Space in Barna on Sunday, June 8th. Running from 9am to 4pm, the market will feature the usual mix of incredible crafts from a talented group of women makers.
Keep an eye on @galway.gno to see which vendors will be showcasing their bits and bobs on the day!
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