Martin Simpson, Jason Byrne & Gig for Gaza

It's that glorious stretch where Seachtain na Gaeilge bleeds into Paddy's weekend and somehow every venue in the city decides to put on something special. Whether you're after intimate folk, sharp comedy, classical ballet, old school rock, or just the particular pleasure of watching Michael D. Higgins guest-of-honour his way through the city parade, Galway has you sorted. And then some.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ World-class folk, live comedy & ballet

⚫️ Paddy's Day parade, trad sessions & Claddagh gatherings

⚫️ Film, theatre, art talks & a gig raising funds for Gaza

Let's dive in 👇

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Martin Simpson Thursday, 12 March 19:00 Monroe's Live

One of the most celebrated folk guitarists on the planet, Martin Simpson rarely plays Ireland - so this Monroe's show is genuinely not to be missed. Expect fingerpicking of a calibre that makes everyone in the room feel slightly inadequate, and storytelling to match. Book tickets

Jason Byrne: Head In The Clouds Saturday, 14 March 19:00 Black Box Theatre

The self-styled "Outright King of Live Comedy" brings his new show to the Black Box. Jason Byrne is one of those rare comedians whose live shows are consistently better than you remember - high energy, genuinely funny, and the kind of night out that leaves your face sore. Book tickets

Gig for Gaza Wednesday, 18 March University of Galway (Rock Soc / Palestine Solidarity Soc event)

Rock Soc and Palestine Solidarity Soc are joining forces for a fundraising concert for Palestinian children. A genuinely important evening - good music, good cause, good company. Instagram

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

The celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter brings his full band to the Town Hall. Ron Sexsmith is one of those artists who rewards repeat listening - warm, melodic, and genuinely gifted. A lovely Tuesday night. Book tickets

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show Wednesday, 11 March 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

Legendary rock anthems played live with serious accuracy - everything from Zeppelin to Queen to AC/DC. Straightforward fun, and a lot of it. Book tickets

Áine Tyrrell Wednesday, 11 March 21:00 Róisín Dubh

A night of live music from Áine Tyrrell at the Róisín - folk, heart, and real songwriting craft. Tickets

The Highstool Prophets Thursday, 12 March 21:00 Monroe's Live

Galway's own Highstool Prophets blend punk, folk, and experimental rock into something genuinely hard to categorise - and all the better for it. Monroe's

Martina and The Moons Thursday, 12 March 21:00 Róisín Dubh

The all-female band Martina and The Moons bring their sound to the Róisín. One of those nights where you might not know the band going in and leave a convert. Tickets

The Kilkennys Friday, 13 March 20:00 Monroe's Live

High-energy Irish folk with tight harmonies and a live show that never disappoints. The Kilkennys are that rare thing: a trad-adjacent band who can get a full room singing along by the second song. Monroe's

Myles Gaffney Friday, 13 March 22:00 Monroe's Live

Late-night live music from Myles Gaffney at Monroe's - a good reason to stay out past midnight on a Friday. Monroe's

Lazarus Brother Friday, 13 March 21:00 Sally Longs

Old school rock and metal at Sally Longs with Lazarus Brother and local support acts Details

Ways of Seeing Friday, 13 March Róisín Dubh

Alt-rock that mixes shoegaze and post-punk - the Róisín Dubh is exactly the right venue for this kind of thing Details

Pinch of Snuff Saturday, 14 March 19:00 Róisín Dubh

A cultural exchange featuring Japan's finest practitioners of Irish traditional music - this is one of those unusual bills that sounds like it shouldn't work and absolutely does. Róisín Dubh

Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor Saturday, 14 March 19:30 Monroe's Live

A special evening blending music and storytelling from three of Irish music's most distinctive personalities. The Blades guitarist, the former Something Happens frontman, and broadcaster Alan Connor in the same room - this one's a proper occasion. Monroe's

Jenny Greene Saturday, 14 March 23:00 Monroe's Live

Jenny Greene brings her unique electronic-meets-live sound to Monroe's for a late Saturday night set. She's been one of Irish radio's most distinctive voices for years and her live shows carry that same energy. Monroe's

Kettle Boilers Tuesday, 17 March 19:00 Monroe's Live

Live music at Monroe's for Paddy's Day - the Kettle Boilers bringing the kind of energy the night demands. Monroe's

Charlie Cunningham Sunday, 15 March 20:30 Róisín Dubh

Indie-folk from Charlie Cunningham's latest album - subtle, layered, and genuinely beautiful. The Róisín is the perfect room for it. Róisín Dubh

Oíche Ealaíne Tuesday, 10 March 19:00 An Taibhdhearc

A night of art and creativity at An Taibhdhearc - the Irish-language theatre's arts evening is always worth attending. An Taibhdhearc

Exhibition on Screen: Turner & Constable Tuesday, 10 March 18:30 Eye Cinema

The works of Turner and Constable brought to cinema screen - if you've ever wanted a closer look at the brushwork without the flight to London, this is your moment. Eye Cinema

Cúirt Programme Launch Wednesday, 11 March Galway Arts Centre

The 41st edition of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature gets its programme launch - one of Ireland's most prestigious literary festivals, and this is your first look at what's coming. Galway Arts Centre

Éisteachtaí Oscailte / Open Auditions at An Taibhdhearc Wednesday-Thursday, 11-12 March An Taibhdhearc

Open auditions at An Taibhdhearc across two days - if you're a performer with Irish (or working on it), this is worth knowing about. An Taibhdhearc

PULP Exhibition at 126 Gallery Wednesday, 11 March onwards 126 Artist-Run Gallery, St Brigid's Place

New exhibition at 126 Gallery showcasing diverse artistic expressions - the 126 is always worth a visit, and PULP looks like a strong one. 126 Gallery

Emer O'Flaherty - Go Dtí Seo Thursday, 12 March 19:00 Town Hall Studio

Original Irish-language songs from Emer O'Flaherty's debut album - a collection that blends trad, jazz, and contemporary folk in the Irish language. Significant and worth your time. Town Hall Theatre

Randy Feltface: Gimmick Thursday, 12 March 19:00 Black Box Theatre

The world's most charismatic purple puppet brings a new show to Galway. Randy Feltface is genuinely funny - sharp, self-aware comedy that works for everyone from teenagers to adults who should know better. Black Box

The Burned Man - Druid Theatre Thursday-Friday, 12-13 March 19:30 The Mick Lally Theatre

Two nights at Druid's home theatre with The Burned Man - a powerful piece exploring loss and redemption. Druid productions at the Mick Lally are always worth prioritising. Druid

Artist Talk: David Beattie Thursday, 12 March 47 Dominick Street

Artist David Beattie in conversation about his practice and the ideas shaping his current work. Free, informal, and the kind of thing that's usually more interesting than expected. Galway Arts Centre

Kabaret Młodych Panów Friday, 13 March 19:00 Black Box Theatre

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a brand-new show. Polish comedy cabaret that has been winning audiences across Europe - the Black Box is lucky to have them. Black Box

Claregalway Drama Festival 2026 Friday, 13 March (nine nights on the All Ireland ADCI Circuit) 20:00 Claregalway Community Centre

Nine nights of competitive amateur drama on the All Ireland circuit - Claregalway's festival is well-regarded and the standard is high. More info

Youth Lates: Live Music and Open Mic Night Friday, 13 March Nuns Island Theatre

Live music and open mic night designed by young people, for people aged 16-19. The Galway Arts Centre's youth programming is consistently excellent. Galway Arts Centre

The Sofia City Ballet Saturday, 14 March 19:30 (Doors 20:00) Town Hall Theatre

The Sofia City Ballet makes their Irish debut - bringing breathtaking classical performance to the Town Hall for the first time. A proper occasion for dance lovers. Town Hall Theatre

Traditional Music Performance - Maureen & Brendan Browne Saturday, 14 March 12:30 Galway City Museum

All Ireland Champions Maureen and Brendan Browne perform in the museum - free lunchtime traditional music in a beautiful setting. Galway City Museum

GFS: My Favourite Cake Sunday, 15 March Nuns Island Theatre

Galway Film Society continues its Spring season with My Favourite Cake - the Iranian film that won hearts at festivals across Europe. Galway Arts Centre

Poetry Showcase - 126 Gallery Sunday, 15 March 126 Gallery, St Brigid's Place

A poetry showcase with members of the "Poetry Your Way" collective. Free but booking essential. Instagram

Psychic Sally Monday, 16 March 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

Psychic Sally live on stage - whether you believe or you're there for the spectacle, it's always an experience. Town Hall Theatre

An Chéad Ghlúin Eile Tuesday, 17 March 20:00 An Taibhdhearc

An Taibhdhearc's St Patrick's Day production exploring themes of generational change and culture - an Irish-language theatrical event that feels exactly right for the occasion. An Taibhdhearc

St Patrick's Day Parade - Galway City Tuesday, 17 March 12:00 Galway City Centre

Theme: "Legends and Rising Stars." Former President Michael D. Higgins is Guest of Honour. The Galway parade is one of the best in the country - get there early for a good spot. More info

Talk: Dr Nessa Cronin - Tim Robinson Archive Thursday, 19 March 47 Dominick Street

Dr Nessa Cronin explores the Tim Robinson Archive - for anyone who has read Stones of Aran or the Connemara trilogy, this is a genuinely unmissable talk. Galway Arts Centre

Finbar Wright Thursday, 19 March 20:00 Town Hall Theatre

An evening with Finbar Wright and special guest Ronan Browne - beautiful singing, warmly delivered. Town Hall Theatre

Read in Company Galway: March Weekend Edition Sunday, 15 March 11:00 Beacon Pub, Salthill

A social reading event - read solo, chat in small groups, meet new people. One of those quietly lovely Galway things that doesn't get enough attention. More info

Fiesta Caribeña Saturday, 14 March 19:30 Club De Burgo's, Augustine Court

Salsa, Bachata, and Timba - a night of Caribbean rhythm in the middle of Paddy's week, which is exactly the kind of Galway contradiction that makes this city great. More info

Artclub "The Tucan" at Massimo Wednesday, 11 March 18:00-19:00 Massimo

A drop-in art club session at Massimo - bring your creativity, all materials provided. More info

Celtic Tales at The Crane Bar Tuesday, 10 March 20:00 The Crane Bar, Sea Road

Storytelling featuring myths and folklore from Ireland and Scotland - the Crane Bar is the ideal setting, and Celtic storytelling in Galway is always more than the sum of its parts. More info

French White Wines Tasting Event Wednesday, 11 March 19:30 Sheridans Wine Bar

A tasting of exquisite French white wines at Sheridans - one of Galway's best wine destinations doing what they do best. Sheridans

Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Launch Wednesday, 11 March 18:00 Sonny Molloy's

The exclusive official launch of the Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage at Sonny Molloy's - free entry to what will be a very well-attended evening. Details

Painting and Wine - Celebrating Mothers Friday, 13 March 19:00 The Wine Buff Galway, Eglinton Street

Paint, drink wine, celebrate the mothers in your life - or just enjoy an evening that combines two reliably good things. More info

Galway Green Drinks - March 2026 Tuesday, 10 March 18:30 The Dew Drop Inn (upstairs)

A free monthly meetup featuring a talk by ecologist Scott Bastow on bats and urban development. Great for anyone who cares about Galway's natural environment - and the conversation is usually excellent. Eventbrite

Cresswell Comes Home to Kinvara Friday, 13 March Kinvara Farmers Market area

Kinvara Heritage Group presents Cresswell Comes Home - a local heritage event in one of Galway's most beautiful villages, coinciding with the return of the Kinvara Farmers Market. Kinvara.ie

Play & Create Event - St Patrick's Celebration Sunday, 15 March 09:00 Milltown Community Centre

Music, face painting, and Paddy's Day activities for families - an early morning burst of colour and energy ahead of the week's celebrations. More info

Galway Céilí Club Monday, 9 March (and Tuesdays) 19:30 Kennedy's Bar, Eyre Square

The Galway Céilí Club runs every Monday and Tuesday - a lively, welcoming introduction to Irish dancing for all ages. Perfect for curious kids and adults who want to learn. More info

Randy Feltface: Gimmick Thursday, 12 March 19:00 Black Box Theatre

Listed as family-friendly - Randy Feltface is genuinely funny for all ages, and children in particular tend to think a comedian who's also a puppet is the greatest thing they've ever seen. Black Box

The Sofia City Ballet Saturday, 14 March 19:30 Town Hall Theatre

Ballet is one of those things children often discover they love the moment they see it live - and the Sofia City Ballet's Irish debut is as good an introduction as any. Town Hall Theatre

Tribesmen Head of the River Saturday, 14 March Lough Corrib to Woodquay

The long-distance rowing race from Lough Corrib to Woodquay - a spectacular event to watch from the banks of the Corrib as the boats come through the city. More info

Yoga in Salthill Sunday, 15 March Bandstand, Salthill

Outdoor yoga at the Salthill bandstand - the weather in March is what it is, but yoga by the sea has its own particular reward. Eventbrite

Chair Yoga at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club Thursday, 19 March Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club

Chair yoga session at Salthill Knocknacarra - accessible, gentle, and worth booking ahead. Eventbrite

March Women's Circle and Sound Bath Saturday, 14 March 11:00 Súil Eile Space, Bearna

Hosted by Lunasa Group - a women's circle and sound bath in the beautiful Súil Eile wellness space in Bearna. Eventbrite

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