Your Guide to a Spectacular September in Galway

From exciting art festivals and immersive nature projects to wholesome markets and milestones worth celebrating, here's our highlight list for events on this September in Galway.

Feature image: Culture Night 2024 – Ciaran Carrick

Appreciate

Calling all architecture-enthusiasts! From 17th-27th September, Galway nonprofit Architecture at the Edge will host their annual festival with free events around the city. This year's theme is ‘Le Chéile – the Architectures of Belonging’. The full schedule is yet to be released, so keep an eye out on their socials for updates.

Elsewhere on the same dates, Clifden Arts Festival will kick off it's 49th year of bringing world-class artists, writers, musicians, and performers to the heart of Connemara. There's an incredible programme spanning art, dance, theatre, music, film and more, with something for absolutely everyone.

On 10th-12th September, eco-arts project Dinnseanchas on Tour will visit Inishbofin, exploring stories of the Irish landscape through exhibitions, film, performance, conversation and participatory creative events.

Taste

Many will be delighted to see the return of the Galway International Oyster Festival, now in its 72nd year. Running from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September, the festival will include talks, demos, shore walks, live entertainment, and of course the iconic Oyster Opening Championships (free to attend).

On the 10th September, budding chefs (or anyone, really) can enjoy a pasta-making workshop at Basilico restaurant in Oranmore, joining Lia of Pastacrisciut for a relaxed evening of Italian food and fun. Tickets are €65.

Delight

If you're in the mood for a wholesome Saturday afternoon, the 34th Annual Clarinbridge Market Day takes place on Saturday, September 5th at the Village Green in Clarinbridge. Expect stalls with local food and crafts, live music and activities for all the family.

Culture Night takes place September 18th, sparking an evening of creativity and merriment all across the country. In Galway you'll find a whole host of unique events, from workshops and quizzes to music and theatre.

Celebrate

September 12th will see Standún turning 80, and celebrating in style. Join them at any one of their three locations in Birr, Spiddal and Oughterard for drinks, treats, goodie bags, discounted items and opportunities to meet the makers of your favourite products.

Also on the 12th is Green Earth Organics Sustainability Festival, celebrating 20 years of Green Earth Organics on their 28-acre organic farm in Corrandulla. There'll be farm walks, cookery demos, food trucks and live music, plus talks from some foodie icons like Darina Allen and JP McMahon. Tickets start at €10.

Raise

September will see a number of fundraising events for some wonderful causes in Galway. On Friday 25th, Hand in Hand will host a landmark 20th Anniversary Gala at Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. Hosted by Miriam O'Callaghan, the night will involve a black-tie reception, three-course meal and live music, with all proceeds going toward childhood cancer in Ireland.

On September 17th, Gourmet Tart will host a quiz with refreshments and raffle prizes in support of National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The Galway branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will host Step Up for Irish Guide Dogs on September 12th, a fun filled evening of music and dance with Niall Doorhy in the Connacht Hotel.