Kayaking Festival, The Karma Police & Fleetwood Mac Tributes

The city is in fine March form. Seachtain na Gaeilge is in full swing across venues and libraries, Galway United are back at Eamonn Deacy Park, and the kayaking festival is turning the Corrib into one of Europe's most chaotic and brilliant outdoor events. In between all of that, Imelda May is doing something intimate and beautiful at the Town Hall, and Randy Feltface is about to remind Galway audiences that a purple puppet from Australia can absolutely sell out the Black Box. A good week to be in the city.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Imelda May, Hans Zimmer experience & Wigmore Soloists in concert

⚫️ Galway Kayaking Festival, Kinvara marathon & Galway United vs Dundalk

⚫️ Trad sessions every night, Seachtain na Gaeilge events & the TedFest quiz

Let's dive in 👇

Imelda May - Raised on Songs & Stories Thursday 5 March, 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

An intimate evening with Imelda May featuring stripped-back versions of her wide discography alongside favourite songs - poetry and storytelling woven through the set. It's a different side of her than the full-band show, and the Town Hall suits it perfectly. Book tickets

Galway Fest Kayaking Festival 2026 Friday 6 March & weekend O'Brien's Bridge, Galway City

One of Europe's largest kayaking events returns to the heart of the city at O'Brien's Bridge. Whether you're a paddler or a spectator, this is the kind of thing that makes you proud to live in a place like Galway. Event info

Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Friday 6 March St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Galway

The Candlelight concert series brings Fleetwood Mac's music to the stunning surrounds of St. Nicholas' Church. Rumours has never sounded better than by candlelight in a 14th-century collegiate church. Get tickets

Songwriters Open Mic Tuesday 3 March, 19:30 (sign-ups from 19:30) Monroe's Live

Monroe's weekly songwriters open mic - one of Galway's more dependable midweek fixtures for original music. Monroe's listings

Uncultivates & El Moono Tuesday 3 March The Loft at Seven

A night of live music from Uncultivates and El Moono at The Loft. More info.

Gearóid McCarthy in Concert Friday 6 March, 20:00 Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Loughrea

Folk and folk-rock blending traditional Irish influences with contemporary songwriting - a short hop from the city for a warm evening of music. Tickets

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works Friday 6 March St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Galway

A second Candlelight event on the same evening in St. Nicholas' - this time celebrating Hans Zimmer's greatest cinematic scores. Pick your evening (or go to both). Book here

TAlllON Friday 6 March Monroe's Live

TAlllON play Monroe's on a Friday night. Doors at 6 PM. Monroe's listings

Citrus Drive - Final Galway Show Friday 6 March Róisín Dubh

Citrus Drive celebrate their debut album with what's billed as their final Galway show - a great reason to show up and make a proper night of it. More info

Ar Ais Arís with Mantra and Chord Memory Friday 6 March Electric Galway

A night of innovative music from Mantra and Chord Memory at Electric. Part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge cultural programme. Details

The Karma Police - Radiohead Tribute Saturday 7 March, 20:00 Róisín Dubh

A full Radiohead tribute at the Róisín - from Pablo Honey to In Rainbows, and everything in between. For anyone who still isn't over Thom Yorke. Get tickets

Roll With It - The Ultimate Oasis Experience Saturday 7 March Monroe's Live, doors 20:00

Oasis tribute night at Monroe's. "Wonderwall" will be played. You know you want to sing along. Monroe's listings

The Hans Zimmer Experience Saturday 7 March, 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

The Town Hall brings the world of cinematic music to life with a full live tribute to Hans Zimmer's extraordinary film scores. From Gladiator to Inception, Interstellar to The Lion King. Book tickets

The Opacas - Cheaper Than Therapy Saturday 7 March Pádraicíns

The Opacas return to Galway for the launch of their new CD. Billed as more than a gig - a comeback, a celebration, a fresh chapter. Come early, bring friends. Details

Legends of the 60s Show Sunday 8 March, 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

Over 40 hits from the golden decade of pop and rock, performed live by a multi-award-winning all-star cast. A feel-good Sunday night at the Town Hall. Book tickets

Ron Sexsmith and Band Tuesday 10 March, 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith brings his warm, melodic craft to the Town Hall. One of the quietly great live performers of his generation. Get tickets

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show Wednesday 11 March Town Hall Theatre

Classic rock anthems live on the Town Hall stage. Details

Session City Galway - Weekly Trad Sessions Every night of the week Taaffes, Tíg Chóilí, The Crane, Carroll's, Monroe's, The Cellar, The Western Hotel, and more

Session City Galway on Instagram

Ballina Whiskey Tasting at McSwiggans Wednesday 4 March, 19:30 McSwiggans

A guided whiskey tasting at McSwiggans with a signature welcome cocktail and pairing snacks. Book via Eventbrite

The 2026 TedFest Father Ted Quiz Wednesday 4 March, 19:00 Roisin Dubh

A quiz night themed around Father Ted, hosted as part of TedFest 2026 by WOMP Events. Father Ted trivia, prizes, and the kind of crowd who considers "I'm not a priest, I'm just wearing this for a bet" an acceptable answer. Details via Róisín Dubh

Italian Reds & Spanish Whites Tasting Thursday 5 March, 19:00 Trieste Café & Wine Bar

An evening of wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie pairing at Trieste Café & Wine Bar. The most civilised way to spend a Thursday. Book via Eventbrite

Taste & Visit Persia Tuesday 3 March Aryan's Restaurant

An evening of Persian cuisine and culture at Aryan's Restaurant. A chance to explore a culinary tradition that doesn't get nearly enough attention in Galway. Details

Lil Belgiumhaus at Bierhaus Tuesday 3rd-6th March Bierhaus

A Belgian beer takeover at Bierhaus, featuring specialist brews from the home of great beer culture. Details

An Evening with Sophie Morris at Brasserie on the Corner Thursday 5 March Brasserie on the Corner

A special evening with Sophie Morris at the Brasserie - worth looking up details via This Is Galway for the full picture. Details

The Pullman at Glenlo Abbey - Michelin Star Dining Ongoing The Pullman Restaurant, Glenlo Abbey

The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Estate has been awarded its first Michelin Star - a seven-course tasting menu served aboard the historic Orient Express carriages. If you've been thinking about treating yourself, or someone else, now is the moment. Book an experience

LEO Galway Seachtain na Gaeilge Pop-Up Craft Fair 2-4 March Galway County Council Offices, Prospect Hill

A pop-up food and craft fair celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge at Galway County Council's offices on Prospect Hill. Local traders, bilingual atmosphere, and a good excuse to browse. Details

The Market H91 - Indoor Market Saturday 7 March, 11:30 Electric Galway

An indoor market of local makers at Electric Galway. More info

Puipéadóireacht - Free Puppet Show Thursday 5 March An Taibhdhearc, An tSráid Láir

A free puppet show at An Taibhdhearc for children and families. As Galway experiences go, an Irish-language puppet show at the city's Irish-language theatre is a pretty special one for younger audiences. Details

Holi Celebrations 2026 Sunday 8 March, 11:00 Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway

A family festival with colour play, music, dance, and traditional snacks to celebrate Holi. Bring clothes you don't mind getting colourful. Details via Instagram

Workshop: Reimagining Waste for a Circular Economy Saturday 7 March, 10:00 Galway City Museum

A free, hands-on workshop on creative reuse and sustainable design at the City Museum. Genuinely good for older kids who are curious about how things get made and unmade. More info @ Galway City Museum

Bilingual Readings: Scóthscealta le Pádraic Ó Conaire Saturday 7 March Galway City Museum

Bilingual stories for families as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge - a gentle, accessible introduction to the Irish language through great storytelling. Details

Galway Fest Kayaking Festival 2026 Friday 6 March & weekend O'Brien's Bridge, Galway City

One of Europe's largest kayaking events at O'Brien's Bridge. Even if you're not on the water, this is a great spectator event - the city turns out and the atmosphere is brilliant. Details

Kinvara Rock and Road - 10k, Half & 3/4 Marathon Saturday 7 March Kinvara

The scenic Kinvara coastal run in one of Connacht's most picturesque villages. Sign up for 10k, half, or three-quarter marathon depending on how ambitious you're feeling this week. Details

Galway United vs Dundalk FC Friday 6 March Eamonn Deacy Park, Dyke Road

Galway United are back at Eamonn Deacy Park to take on Dundalk in the League of Ireland. More info

Galway v Kilkenny - Allianz Hurling League Sunday 8 March Pearse Stadium, Salthill

Galway take on Kilkenny in the Allianz Hurling League at Pearse Stadium. Two of the great hurling counties, always a serious contest. More Info

North Galway Point-to-Point Sunday 8 March Belclare, Tuam

A day of horse racing in the Tuam area at the annual North Galway Point-to-Point. A proper country day out. Details

Explore Your Shores Saturday 7 March, 12:00 Grattan Beach

Galway Atlantaquaria-led exploration of rockpools and local marine life at Grattan Beach. Family-friendly, free, and a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning discovering what lives along the shoreline. Details

An Audience with Steven Gerrard Thursday 5 March, 17:30 Leisureland, Salthill

Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard shares stories from his career, including the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Champions League win. For anyone who remembers exactly where they were for that Istanbul comeback. Get tickets

Rebellious Hope - Screening & Q&A Saturday 7 March Studio, Town Hall Theatre

A screening of the dance film 'Rebellious Hope' followed by a Q&A with choreographer Philip Connaughton. For those who like their Saturday to involve a bit of reflection alongside the craic. Details

Reginald D. Hunter and Friends Sunday 8 March, 20:00 Róisín Dubh

Reginald D. Hunter - the quietly devastating American stand-up with a wickedly observational eye - returns to the Róisín with friends. One of the better rooms in Ireland for a show like this. Details

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 1-17 March, various venues across Galway

The world's largest Irish language festival runs until 17 March with events across Galway City and County - workshops, music, song, cultural events, and school activities. More info

Old Galway in Photographs - Illustrated Talk Tuesday 3 March, 10:45 Westside Resource Centre

Prof. John Breslin presents a collection of historical photographs of Galway from the late 19th and early 20th centuries in this illustrated talk organised by Galway City Museum. Free and genuinely fascinating. Details

Mary Costello in Conversation with Sarah Kenny Tuesday 3 March Kenny's Bookshop

Bestselling author Mary Costello discusses her new novel 'A Beautiful Loan' with Sarah Kenny at Kenny's Bookshop. Details

Bressie in Conversation with Edel Coffey Thursday 5 March Kenny's Bookshop

Musician and mental health advocate Niall Breslin (Bressie) discusses his new book with journalist Edel Coffey at Kenny's. Details

Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer Friday 6 March Town Hall Theatre

Aidan Dooley's acclaimed one-man show bringing Tom Crean to life - the quiet Kerryman who survived three Antarctic expeditions and somehow remained modest about all of it. A brilliant piece of Irish theatre. Book tickets

"usual and generous ways" - Group Exhibition From Thursday 5 March, ongoing Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street

A major group exhibition curated by Padraig Regan in partnership with IMMA - works, maps, rock samples, and archives exploring environmental forces. Details

Living Colour Screening Saturday 7 March, 20:00 Nuns Island Theatre

An observational documentary about an extraordinary Irish artist collective, directed by Éamon Little. Details

Bilingual Readings: Scóthscealta le Pádraic Ó Conaire Saturday 7 March Galway City Museum

Bilingual readings from the works of Pádraic Ó Conaire as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge. Free and open to all. Event details

The Samba is Hers (O Samba É Delas) Saturday 7 March Galway Mechanics Institute, Middle Street

Galway's first all-female Samba Circle celebrates the female composers and singers of Samba. A joyful, musical International Women's Day event with something genuinely new in it. Details

GFS Screening: Wild Rose Sunday 8 March Nuns Island Theatre

Galway Film Society screens Wild Rose as part of their spring 2026 season. Details

Éisteachtaí Oscailte / Open Auditions at An Taibhdhearc Wednesday 11 March An Taibhdhearc, An tSráid Láir

Open auditions for upcoming productions at An Taibhdhearc, Galway's Irish-language theatre. A genuine opportunity for performers with Irish. Details

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